What You Can Do Today for Your Acting Career...

"To become different from what we are, we must have awareness of what we are." 
Bruce Lee 

The actor
puts themselves on the front line and must be self aware to be a successful actor.
I feel for you all, as I am a behind the scenes gal. Being on the front line means that you are
being judged for your acting ability, your appearance & energy and the list goes on. At the
audition the director knows that if you are in for the casting, you are the degree of actor
that is needed for the project. That is why he hired the casting director. 

Other than your acting ability, what makes you so wonderfully unique that the project will
benefit from you being a part of it?

This true uniqueness comes from you being genuinely authentic from the inside and shines
on the outside. So, let's work on the exterior....

....I know all of the excuses so just stop there....if you want to look your best, you can! 
1. Make sure you have a great haircut for your face, body type and for the type of acting gigs
you will be auditioning for. 
2. Have a few auditioning outfits ready to go at all times that work well with your body type.
This should include the right undergarments - there is no need for fat back, as I call mine,
or muffin tops to show...Make sure your clothes are good quality pieces. Second hand
stores are wonderful resources!
3. Get makeup that makes you look up to date and fresh.
4. Have your finger nails in good shape.
5. Have your headshot and resume ready in a nice folder or clean large envelope,
something that reads professional.  
6. Practice EXTREME self care - take long bathes, have energy reserves, eat well, get sleep,
get massages when you can!

When we don't feel our best it is hard to fake (oops, I mean ACT) our best. So, if you
are feeling that your pants are to short, that insecurity will be screaming out from inside
of you. 

Suggestions....
1. Consult with a hairstylist & get a great cut. If you can't afford this every time, go to a
cheaper salon and ask them to follow the same lines. 
2. If you need 3 great auditioning outfits to fit your body type - hire a consultant or go
to Nordstrom's and ask a personal shopper to assist you. Also, go to the linger department
and ask for assistance with under garments - these go a long way ladies!

I am assuming that you are constantly taking classes, doing local theater, etc to grow your
craft! 

Resources for All 

Voice Training
Melissa Leebert
Ty Ford


Headshot Photographers
These photographers vary in cost and level - something for everybody
Clinton Brandhagen
William Gray
410-737-8008, bill@graypictures.com, www.graypictures.com

Roy Cox Photography
Paul Sirochman

Worksheets to get you moving / thinking




Actor Resources
Baltimore Area Agencies
Taylor Royall

Philadelphia Agencies
Bowman Agency
Cathy Parker Management (referrals only)
Gail Williams
Greer Lange Talent Agency
Models on the Move (856) 667-1060
Pro Model and Casting Agency

Reinhard Agency

Washington, D.C. Area Agencies/Management

Central Casting
Taylor Royall
T.H.E. Agency (print only)

Regional Casting Directors

Carlyn Davis Casting
Heery Casting
Kathy Wickline Casting
Liz Marks Casting
Mike Lemon Casting
Pat Moran and Associates
Betsy Royall Casting

Children's Managers/Agents
Camera Ready Kids
Kids International
Linda Townsend Management

History Reenactment

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival
Virginia Renaissance Festival

Listservs
AFTRA/SAG Hotline

Back to Holding
Baltimore Theatre Alliance
Brian Dragonuk
MD Film Office Hotline
Women in Film and Video Baltimore
Women in Film and Video D.C.

Acting Classes
Check out all reputable universities and theaters
AFTRA/SAG Conservatory
Baltimore Improv Group (Improvisational Comedy)
Everyman Theatre
Marcus Institute for Commercial Modeling

On-Camera Training
Pumpkin Theatre (for Children)
Shakespeare Theatre
The Business of the Biz

Organizational Groups
Actors' Center
Baltimore Theatre Alliance
Women in Film and Video Baltimore
Women in Film and Video D.C.


Role Playing at Hospitals

Johns Hopkins Hospital - Standardized Patient

Kaiser Permanente - Educational Theater -- Rob Hopson (301) 902-1111

Reproduction Services for Headshots/Cards
ABC Pictures, Inc. (reproduction services)
MRP Publicity Prints, Baltimore, MD - Fred Bianco


Unions

Actors' Equity Association
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Screen Actors Guild




Voice Recording

Clean Cuts
How to Record a Voice Audition on Your Computer, Courtesy of eHow:

Mac
PC