The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

GOOD ACTORS. BAD CHOICES.

One of my personal favorite bloggers is Back Stage's Secret Agent Man.  In the following post on his blog, Secret Agent Man poetically clarifies why good actors do bad things . . . and how it ends up sabataging all their best efforts and intentions.

I met Lucifer in a bar the other night, and he confessed that he likes to put bad ideas in the heads of smart actors. Curious, I asked why he did this. The author of all sin smiled. “Creative people annoy me. Just look at the so-called great works of art that claim to capture my image. You would be upset too.”

Lucifer had a point. The man in front of me wasn’t a horned monster with a red tail. He actually looked a little like Jeremy Irons.

We ordered another round. My new friend went on to explain that actors are especially open to suggestion because they’re such desperate beings. “Convincing them to get in their own way requires little more than a whisper in their ears.”

I was stunned. Actors are always cutting their own throats for no apparent reason. Could the devil himself be the root of all that self-destructive behavior?

Just last week, a client shocked me by ruining an opportunity I created at her request. Clara, an established actor in her 40s, had been begging me to get her in the room for one of her favorite TV shows. So when the right part crossed my desk, I convinced the casting director to give her a shot.

The show’s office was on the Universal lot, up in the Valley. Since it was hard to find, casting sent me a detailed map with parking directions. I told Clara to leave early, just to be safe.

After the audition, she was in a state of shock. Everything went wrong, and it was all her fault.

Here’s what happened. Clara barely glanced at the map before leaving her home. She just assumed it would all make sense when she got there. Well, it didn’t. Clara couldn’t find the right parking structure so she left her car in the wrong place, a spot which was half a mile away from the casting office. And this was on a summer afternoon when it gets past 100 degrees in the Valley.

So she arrived at the audition 20 minutes late, covered in sweat. There was no time to waste because the director had to leave, so casting rushed her into the office. Naturally, the audition didn’t go well, and now it’s going to be a hundred times harder for me to get her back in the room.

When I asked Clara why she had behaved in such an unprofessional manner, she wasn’t able to give me an honest answer.

I finished my drink and turned to Lucifer.

“Was that you?”

He grinned.

My mind started to race. I remembered the time I had to drop a young client because he was badmouthing me in public. The idiot had been at a workshop, waiting for his scene partner, when he decided to talk some trash. A passing casting assistant heard him and called me in the morning.

Then there was the time an actor followed me into a restaurant, interrupted my dinner, and begged me for a meeting.

And what about those clients who passed on auditions because they didn’t think they were right for the parts? Why wouldn’t they allow the casting director to make that decision? 

Or worst of all, how about all the actors who write in to Backstage, begging for a meeting with Secret Agent Man when they don’t even know who I am or where I work?

Lucifer stood up. It was time to move on. He explained that Hollywood was keeping him busy.

I had to ask.

“Will I see you again?”

“Perhaps.”

As the Prince of Darkness strolled off into the night, I made a mental note to pick up some holy water and a few crosses on my way home.

To see more of Secret Agent Man's blog posts, visit his site. 

Are you listening to the angel or the demon sitting on your shoulders?  Choose wisely!

SMOKEY JOES CAFE featuring LAURA MATULA!

Studio TENN in Franklin, TN, is at it again opening their season with Smokey Joe's Cafe starring The Avenue's Laura Matula!

 

The Tennessean's article stated:  "This cast of singers is, in a word, 'unreal'," said Jake Speck, Managing Director of Studio Tenn and a veteran Broadway performer. "I know this may sound blasphemous, but vocally, this cast blows the original Broadway cast out of the water.”

PLAYBILL.COM's review said, "'American Idol' finalist Melinda Doolittle will head the cast of Studio Tenn Theatre Company's upcoming production of Smokey Joe's Cafe, which begins Sept. 20 at the historic Franklin Theatre in Nashville.

[Melinda] Doolittle will be joined on stage by husband and wife pop duo Abner and Amanda Ramirez (daughter of the late Donna Summer), as well as Libby Hodges, Ryan Greenawalt, Laura Matula, Harvey Hubert and John-Mark McGaha.

A Grammy Award-winning rock-and-roll revue, Smokey Joe's Cafe celebrates songwriters Leiber and Stoller's catalog of classics from the 1950s and '60s, including hits made famous by Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee, Tom Jones, Bobby Darin and more. Song titles include “Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," "Stand By Me," "Kansas City," "I’m a Woman" and more."

To find out more about the show or purchase tickets, visit The Franklin Theatre's website.

WHO IS FEATURED IN ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE?

The answer is Jared Carter!  Jared worked alongside Alan Rickman on the set of CBGB recently.  The move is yet to be released, but Rolling Stone spoke with Jared a few days prior to his shoot to find out more about the movie, his fellow actors, and his role as David Byrne from the Talking Heads.

To read more about the night club, it's owner, and the long history of rockers who have graced it's stage -- and who will now be portrayed in theatres around the world in 2013 -- check out the actual Rolling Stone article CBGB FILM FINISHES SHOOTING.

 

I'M SO SORRY . . .

Agents, managers, and casting directors find it amazing that actors and models so frequently start a conversation with the words "I'm so sorry . . . "  Insert any completion to the sentence.  We've heard them all!

 . . . I didn't get the message.

 . . . I haven't checked my email.

 . . . I'm not off book (e.g., I didn't memorize my sides).

 . . . I'm late.  It's the a) traffic; b) I was up really late last night; c) nobody called me; d) my alarm didn't go off; e) I didn't know I had to be on time.

 . . . I forgot my a) headshot; b) resume; c) pen to take notes

 . . . I'm too busy right now to write down the info.  Shoot me an email!

 . . . My headshot is still black and white.  I've been meaning to . . .

 . . . I didn't return your phone call the other day.  Can casting still see me?

According to one New York casting director, these excuses send the deal-breaker signal to those who could hire a talent.  The industry doesn't hear whining excuses daily -- we hear them hourly.  No one with money behind them cares how great a talent looks or how skilled they are if the first thing we hear is multiple reasons why someone isn't up for the job.  There is always another option in the talent pool!

So knowing what NOT to do is only half the battle.  Should you ever find yourself in a circumstance where you feel compelled to start with an apology, bite your tongue.  Apologizing at that point -- after you've already done something blaringly wrong -- will not fix the mistake.  Acknowledge your failure and move past it.  Choose to hear whatever frustration is shared with you from the inconvenienced professional and then choose to only say, "Yes, I hear you.  It won't happen again."  After that, you can move on and give them reasons to change their impression (because you'll nail it despite the stress, right?).  The words "I'm sorry" have no place in entertainment.  After you leave, be sure that you follow through on never letting the mistake happen again -- at all costs.  Actions speak louder than words.  Make yourself heard through people's experiences working with you and your mouth never has to even open!

In this business, the savvy talent must remember that in order to pursue significant well-paying work, there are NO excuses.   Period.   The actor who got the job had no excuses.  Did you?

WHAT SUSTAINS THE CREATIVE MIND?

New York actors were asked what sustains them day after day working in their creative endeavor.  Their answers were uninhibited.

CD Scott Powers says:  Wow! Nobody should look at actors the same way again! The clichéd actor stereotype has bit the dust. Thanks for all the well-thought-out replies - everyone one of them inspiring in their own way. And THAT'S what we mean by us being special - you just proved it.   Below are all the replies; please read all of them, you are sure to pick up some that resonate with you and will sustain you.

 
Writing down all of the things I've accomplished in the past year, and looking at that list frequently.

Doing something everyday, no matter how small, to move forward in creating contacts and making myself more visible.

Saying affirmations while looking at myself in the mirror. It's really hard to do at first, but I think it helps.

Getting involved with projects I care about and being with other artists I care about.

God and His grace are what keep me breathing

Every time a casting goes well

Watching myself improve and gain confidence

Knowing that I am not "just" an actor. To know that if this all goes to hell, I have intrinsic value and so much to offer besidesgives me strength to "go for it" without inhibition.

Loving what I do.

Less is more...If I can't fully commit to something. I simply don't do it. I go in 100 % and sometimes i fall on my face but at least I know I gave my all with no regrets. My time is my most valuable asset and if I'm not going to give it my ALL than it's not worth it.

I watch inspiring documentaries, inspiring bio pic films, visit the museum, reading moving books that feed my spirit. I do work on myself and always work from integrity because it's foundation of life. Without Integrity nothing works. Honoring my promises I make to myself first.

Being connected to the source of my gifts and my life.

Understanding that before I am an entertainer I am a light.

Knowing how to come back home to myself.

Looking for love and acceptance within my own heart.

Faith to stay in the present moment.

The sound of applause after a good improv show. Doing a good improv show is such a success.

Seeing my friends succeed in this business encourages me not to stop trying.

Creating my own work; making things happen on my own.

Meeting industry that already "knows" me.

My parents, who believe in me, and still call me their little star!

Hearing the laughter from the audience when you've just nailed a funny line!

The rehearsal process, joy, laughter, and comraderie

Several community theaters in New England are refurbished churches; and it is so fitting because Theater, like all art forms, feeds the soul.

It took a great deal of maturity, but knowing NOT to take it personally if I don't get a part.  I've done the work. I can act. I just may not be what they are physically looking for. 

I never gave up on anything. I refuse to lose. I dont give up. Ever

When your daughter says, Dad, I was watching a movie last night on TV and all of a sudden You popped up on the screen, WOW. you didn't tell me you were in that one.  Hey, we went to the movies last night and there you were right in the middle of things as big as life. What a thrill to see someone we know personally in a movie.

Hello Peter, This is casting calling to see if you are available tomorrow for a featured spot in 'What's Your Number' as "Uncle Charlie' ?. Ah, let me check my calendar.

Morgan Freeman called me over shared his heater with me on the first cold day of the season. At the end of the shoot when he was leaving the set, he walked by me and shook my hand and said, "It was great working with you."  I said to myself, Wow, What a Class Act."

An understanding of what I bring to the world - bridge building.  I look to connect people, connect "situations" with solutions or resolutions and provide clarity to otherwise confusing and daunting tasks.

Loving the things I do in life which sustain me (even when they're annoying, like my survival jobs and the fact that I, HAVE THEM).

Always seeking a new thing to learn every day.

Mind games with myself.  For example, when someone asks how I'm doing, my normal response usually is "Another day in Paradise".  Most folks usually scoff at that, to which I retort "that's my story and I'm sticking to it."  The responses usually shift to amazement.

Throw folks a curve ball in life that's unexpected.  For example, one of my joys is driving a bus.  I drive a line run to Atlantic City on weekends whenever I'm not doing a show or other artistic endeavors.  When a (female) passenger boards my bus and informs me it's their birthday today, I usually say "oh, that's nice, happy birthday" then they take their seat.  What they don't know is when I reach my last pick-up and make my announcements about Atlantic City protocol, I will walk the length of the bus towards where that person is sitting and just before I finish my announcements, I'll ask the question "Oh, by the way, what's you name again?" to which they'll tell me, then I belt out HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  The responses I get amongst the passengers: PRICE-LESS.

PRAYER/FAITH. These go hand in hand

Optimism- for each No, i'm closer to my Yes.

Determination- there is nothing else for me. Been workin since 14yrs old and I believe Ive been in almost every field from food service to nursing to finance to law enforcement. Since I was 7 I knew I was an Actor/character.

Passion- I eat, sleep, breath my craft and know that its my gift from God.

Perserverence- my drive to excel and never quit. Don't focus on how many ppl doin the same thing but concentrate on the unique talents I have to offer.

No Sense- not enough to even think For one minute that I won't make it. As long as I stay dedicated, there is no failing.

Physical well-being: having a gym, yoga, dance class, etc. routine. Maintain a good diet.

Mental well-being: keeping an audition journal, having an understanding friend/roommate/partner that you can vent to without getting negative feedback, writing your memoirs or an anonymous online blog. Join a book club, check out novels from the library for your daily subway commute.

Creative well-being: watching local TV shows. Taking acting class, voice lessons, etc.

Emotional well-being: making sure you keep up a social life/dating life! Keep it in check (going out is expensive!), but do make time to see your friends and go on dates (or take your partner out if you're in a relationship) - doesn't have to cost money, and you can combine them with other goals such as going out to see a show or taking a walk in the park.

Financial well-being: having a flexible day job or side catering/waitering job. Unemployment. Barter with friends for mutual coachings if you're short on money for lessons.

Weekly one-on-one coaching keeps me audition-ready at all times.

Always maintain curious attitude without being intrusive.

Bringing everything I work on to a higher level.

Seeing I've played my position on the team (shoot) to the best of my ability and have had fun doing it.

Learning for forgive -- especially myself .

I got in this by the back door -- through looking to better express emotions like vulnerability. Finding out I had talent was a major surprise. I learn something new every day which is a hoot!

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to Prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Heb.11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

1 Cor. 2:9 - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

Isaiah 30:18 - The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Ecc 5:19 - Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy with his work---this is a gift of God.

Faith

Belief in myself

Belief in the Universe and Natural Law

Family

Friends

Recognizing the strengths of others and knowing I have the ability to surpass what has already been proven possible.

Recognizing the weaknesses in others and knowing i am nothing like them and will never be like them.

The joy and happiness that comes from setting and obtaining goals.

Being lucky and grateful of having the people who inspire me most in my life.

Realizing my potential and refusing to do it injustice.
 

 

What sustains YOU day in - day out?

PATRICK HIGG'S NEW SHOW ON CMT!

The Avenue Agency's Patrick Higgs, an Evansville man, and his family are the focus of a new CMT Channel series "Redneck Rehab," which premieres Saturday.

Patrick Higgs is an aspiring actor who grew up in Newburgh but has spent the past 10 years in Evansville. Higgs has long sought the drama limelight,from the days when he dressed in drag for showings of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show,"first in the 1980s at Ross Theatre and eventually at Mesker Amphitheatre. In the process, according to the show description, he alienated his family.

For the past six months, however, Higgs has refocused on his acting career.

Courtesy CMTPress.com On board to join his family for a camping trip, Patrick must adjust to his new surroundings of dirt, guns and beer. While he may complain along the way, thereís no denying the redneck in his blood as his family welcomes him back with muddy arms and reminds him that thereís no shame in this rowdy lifestyle.

 

Contributed photo / Erin Ivie Patrick Higgs has a redneck intervention on the new CMT series.

 

 

Higgs says his ultimate goal is to make it big in the world of acting and lead the luxurious lifestyle while remaining true to himself.

"My agent is trying to focus on films, TV series and just trying to take it to that next level for me," Higgs said. "I haven't really worked (in the business) for the last 20 years, so I'm still a fresh face."

The road to that has him scouring casting calls for opportunities. It was on one of his regular visits with his Nashville agent at The Avenue Agency that he learned about the CMT show.

To read more about Patrick, CMT's Redneck Rehab, and Patrick's family, visit the full article in the Evansville Courier & Press.

Higgs will be with his family to watch the episode, which will air at 9 p.m. CDT Saturday on CMT.

"I'm very proud of it," Higgs said. "We're just one big, strange, happy family."

Check out Patrick tomorrow night and let him know what you think of the premiere!

INDIAN VS. THE CHIEF

No, we're not talking baseball here.  We are talking the leaders vs. the followers.  The most important note to make is that as a talent, you must learn how to be both.  The next step after that is learning how to know when to lead and when to follow.

Casting Director Scott Powers shares his advice on the subject of how to follow and when to lead. 

The hallmark of a good actor is "takes direction well." Makes adjustments. As performers, we are many times on the receiving end: being told what to do by a director, photographer, agent, casting director, your teacher. Mom might even figure in there somewhere.
 
What can happen is that the actor insidiously falls into a trap: the permanent mode of always expecting to be told what to do. And can't move until. This is where obviously an actor runs into trouble. And can't quite understand why things aren't clicking, especially after being so obedient. Remember: only you can advance your career. So much has been written about the necessity of being pro-active [get-off-your-butt] that we won't re-hash that one more time. But what is most important is: knowing how and when to shift out of the Follow mode and into the Lead mode.
 
A good rule of thumb: in the in-between times of their not telling you to do something, you should automatically be telling yourself to do something.
 
Taking this concept one step further: know when to think and when not to think.   Many actors have been in acting classes where the instructor says, "Don't think," "Get out of Your Head," "Don't Intellectualize," "Be in the Now." They are correct when trying to get a truthful performance out of an actor. Here's what's forgotten: when you're finished acting, turn your thinking switch back on and then continue to be able to take care of yourself. Some actors, in learning the craft of acting, have little by little unlearned how to think, dumbed themselves down and have insidiously become helpless, hopeless individuals requiring the care and supervision of friends, family and the kindness of strangers. Do not do this to yourself.
 
Knowing when to shift gears is a big key to success and longevity. If you're looking for an industry that runs on yin/yang, right brain/left brain, lead/follow, think/don't think, passive/aggressive, and an undercurrent of S/M thrown in for good measure; congratulations, YOU'VE FOUND THE RIGHT BUSINESS!

When should you take the lead?  And when should you take direction?

THE TIMELY BOOKING

Having your marketing materials in good condition is one thing you can control as the talent in an industry with so many subjective variables.  Another variable the talent can control is being timely and helping casting stay on schedule.  Again, Mercedes Rose, blogger for Backstage Unscripted, shares her experience from the perspective of casting.

A pro actor shows up on time, prepared. We saw over 75 actors total from beginning to end. But we had 95 scheduled. You do the math. Wait- you might be as bad at math as I am... according to my handy calculator, that is about 20 actors that didn't show up. 4 contacted their agent to let us know. The rest? We call those "no shows". The producer asked me to make a list for him of all the names of those that were a no-show. He posted it above his desk under sign reading "don't accept checks from". He has a funny sense of humor. About half of all the actors were late to their scheduled time. The two that finally booked the spot were early. Coincidence? Maybe.

Be Timely.  Get Booked. 

How do you ensure you are early to all of your professional commitments?

WHAT WE SEE IN AN IMAGE

Mercedes Rose, blogger for Backstage Unscripted provides perspective on other things the casting directors look for.  As obvious as it sounds, headshots are one of the biggest headaches CDs deal with.   She says . . .

Many actors do not look like their headshots. Or forget them entirely so I have no idea if they look like their headshots or not. This is such a no-brainer I can't believe it is still an issue... bring a headshot and resume already stapled to every audition NO MATTER WHAT. Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. And that headshot that you remembered to bring every time should look like you. And preferably it shouldn't have a coffee stain right across your forehead. This is your calling card. What is it saying?

I am sure I haven't heard every excuse in the book . . . yet, but I don't deal with as any talent as a CD would.  Each time a CD hears an excuse, (s)he becomes more callous, which means you could be the next unfortunate soul to have all the negative feelings of prior irresponsible actors or models thrown at you.   No one wants to be the straw that breaks the camel's back when it comes to explosive anger.  Set yourself up for positive feedback and positive experiences - be professional and prepared!

How do you keep your headshots available and in good condition for last minute audition opportunities?

SAVANT OR PROBLEM CHILD?

So much of a talent's time is focused on trying to book the job that we rarely consider the ramifications of work afterwards.  Nailing the audition or go-see is always a good start, but it doesn't end there.  The Virtual Channel Network's Inside Casting interviewed Mean Girls Casting Director Marci Liroff about her experience casting and what followed after the actors had been offered the roles.  Click the link below to watch more and hear her tell the story.

TABLE READ FOR MEAN GIRLS

Truth be told, we all have bad days.  We could even admit that we all suffer from a bad attitude from time to time.  But being outright bulligerant to a CD, Director, or Producer''s request will only end up hurting you in the end.  With or without Mr. Grumpy-Pants, the movie Mean Girls was a success.  The producers made money.  The director was praised.  And the actors went home from the screening feeling very good about their work . . . well, most of the actors, anyway.

Who do you think the unnamed drama queen was?