7 Top Problems Actors Want to Fix & Easy Solutions
Recently, I’ve seen a theme with what actors have come to me wanting to work on.
^^^
It’s funny how sometimes we can feel so alone as we pursue this career path, but SO many of us are going through the exact same thing at the exact same time. You can rest easy and know you’re never alone đ
Since empowering actors (and their parents) through transparent and honest information is a MUST for me –
I wanted to share with you the TOP 7 PROBLEMS ACTORS WANT TO FIX + some EASY SOLUTIONS to help you build an awesome career, grow your craft, and cultivate more confidence.Â
â¨Â Actor Problem 1.) âI know I need reel material – but I donât know what to film.
***Quick pause here – Itâs important to know WHY you need reel material.
1.) It affects the algorithms for your casting profiles when youâre submitted for projects. So your profile might get put BEHIND all the other casting profiles that have reels attached to them (meaning even if you submitted BEFORE them, the casting director will see their profile first)
2.) It acts as evidence of your talent. Your reel material is you getting to show off your acting chops. Itâs the âproofâ casting directors need to say YES to bring you in for auditions. If you and an actor who looks just like you are submitted for a project and they have reel material and you donâtâŚ. who do you think will catch the attention of the casting director?
Quick Solution:
â¨Self-tapes are TOTALLY valid reel material – you just need SOMETHING to show off your skills. Do you have a self-tape you filmed recently and love your performance? As long as the project has “aired” you can use that tape.Â
⨠Do you have a scene you CRUSHED in your acting class and know it would represent you well? Film it.
⨠I prefer scenes, but if youâve got a stellar monologue that youâre ultra-confident in – Film it.
⨠What shows could you be cast on TODAY? Is there a character or type youâre perfect for? Find the script online and film it.
All you need is an iPhone, a ring light, a backdrop (or plain wall), and a good scene that shows off your strengths. Do two scenes that are different in style and tone and use the best 45-60 seconds of each and you’re golden.Â
⨠Actor Problem 2.) “I wish I felt more confident about what steps to take or what to do next.”
Solution:
1.) Read this post about the five foundational pillars of building a successful career in the entertainment industry. Have you spent time working on each pillar?
2.) Take inventory of what you already have WORKING for you. Sometimes we need a reminder of all the things weâve already done that support our career. Look at your last 6 months – what classes have you taken? What have you learned? Who have you met? How do you feel as you audition, etc?
3.) What classes have you taken? Have you diversified your training? How confident do you feel in your acting ability? (If you haven’t taken an on-camera class, Improv class, commercial workshop or audition technique/script analysis class – start there.)
3.) Have you ever worked on your branding? If not – NOW is the time, my friend.
4.) Who do you have access to in this industry? Whoâs been exposed to how awesome you are? Itâs time to either start building your dream team of repsâŚ. getting to know casting directorsâŚ. or meeting more people in the acting community (there are tons of great FREE events in LA, ATL, CHI, NYCâŚ)
5.) Stay inspired – what are you doing for YOU to continue falling in love with your craft?
⨠Actor Problem 3.) “I know I should be networking with casting directors but I donât even know what that looks like.”
Solution:
1.) Make a target list – who are casting projects in your local markets? Start there. Who is casting TV shows and films you could be on TODAY? Put them next on the list.
2.) Follow ALL of these people on social media. See where theyâre hanging out, posting castings, giving away free info.
3.) Do they have personal databases on their website? Or allow you to submit your materials to them? Like this.
4.) Do they have workshops or classes coming up that you could be a part of? (Great way to meet new casting directors, learn from them, and get a chance to perform in front of them)
â¨Â Actor Problem 4.) “I want to be auditioning moreâŚ.”
Solution:
1.) How often are you self-submitting yourself? If youâre not being consistent with this (and consistency is KEY here)⌠thatâs step #1 is to look at your weekly schedule and come up with a plan to submit at LEAST twice a week. Set your profile so that youâre getting auditions that directly correspond with your type and submit your heart out. Try to check your emails and do this once a day – but if that doesnât work for you – what does doing this consistently look like for you?
2.) How strong are your marketing materials? This is what casting directors are using to determine if they should bring you in for an audition. Do you headshots stand out? Does your reel material shine? Does your resume showcase the awesome training youâre engaging in? If your marketing materials are vanilla, bland and donât showcase who you are as a storyteller – youâll be overlooked time and time again.
⨠Actor Problem 5.) “I have rep – but they donât really get me a lot of opportunities – what should I do?”
Solution:
1.) First – take account of what YOUâVE been doing to hold up your end of the bargain. What classes have you been taking? Have you met any casting directors lately? What about audition opportunities youâve gotten yourself?
2.) How long have you been with them? Sometimes it can take time to understand how to work together. If youâve been with them for 1 month and havenât gotten an audition yet, chill. 6 months? Yâall arenât on the same page (but donât worry – this can be fixed!)
3.) Ask them for a submission report. This shows you the types of projects theyâve been submitting you on for the last 6 months or so. (Only ask for a submission report once every 6 months – itâs annoying if you do it more frequently) THIS allows you to see what types of roles theyâve been submitting you on and how well your marketing materials are working (or not working)
4.) Shoot them an email requesting to set up a time to talk about strategy – in this email you should be able to âupdate themâ with what youâve been working on – new classes youâve been taking and the feedback youâve gotten from your teachers, any new headshots or reel material youâve shot, casting directors youâve met in the last few months – what can you update them with thatâs helpful for THEM.
⨠Actor Problem 6.) “I really want to get good rep but Iâm hearing crickets when Iâm submitting.”
Solution:
1.) You need a PLAN. Are your marketing materials in a desirable place? Meaning – if they took a meeting with you they could start submitting you ASAP and wouldnât have to do any WORK. This = you making money for them faster.
2.) If you donât have reel material, donât submit just yet. Get some material on your profiles FIRST.
3.) Have you been sending everybody the same cover letter that is obviously copied and pasted? You need to be adding a personal element to make them feel like youâre the only girl youâre taking to the dance.
4.) Track all this info. in an excel sheet so you know who youâve contacted and can do follow-up emails. (Youâd be shocked at how clutch follow-ups can be)
5.) Donât get discouraged. Keep training, keep becoming a better actor (THIS is always what will be the most desirable)
⨠Actor Problem 7.) “When I self-tape I feel awkward or like Iâm guessing at how to prepare the character.”
Solution:
1.) Get a ring light, a backdrop, and have a dedicated space in your house that is your go-to self-tape spot. So every time one hits your email, you can film it with ease.
2.) Have a reader you feel comfortable with – do you have any fellow actors? Friends? Siblings? Who is someone that wonât make you feel uncomfortable when you record? If you canât find someone in person – check out WeAudition.
3.) If youâre guessing how to prepare for the character – get in an audition technique and script analysis class. This is MAJOR. You need to know how to make creative choices and build an authentic character. For some quick tips – check out my IG post here.
All of these problems are figuroutable – as is every acting problem you will ever face. Do not try to tackle them all at once – that’s a surefire way to make yourself ultra frustrated. Don’t want to solve your acting problems alone? I created a series of online courses (they’re đĽđĽđĽ) to help actors and parents of performers achieve their business and craft goals. Course one is for you if you’re looking to focus on the business side of acting, build a strong foundation for your career, and network with more representation and casting directors. Course two is for you if you’re focused on streaming your branding, designing marketing materials that shine, and having your unique castability stand out in a sea of actors. Course three is for you if you want to focus on your audition technique and script analysis so you can prepare like a professional actor. Not sure which ones right for you? Let’s chat during a 30-minute consultation and discuss the specific actor problems you’re wanting to focus on.
