By RG

Actors give away too much of their power. The biggest thing I’ve learned, we work what’s in our control. Here are three tips for an unstoppable 2020.

Perfect Your Opening

Let’s all say it together.  Impressions are lasting. You’ve got to own it.

Insider Secret

I sat in on a casting session with named actors for an ABC TV pilot. This was before I was an actor. I was a producer’s assistant.  The sign-in sheet spoke for itself. What happens on the other side of the table. That’s what I was going for.

I sat next to the Executive Producer as one of the actors came in.   He immediately jotted down no! Underline. Cue audition.

Gulp…

We work what’s in our control.

TIP ONE:  Let your character’s essence bleed into everything. Even your walk. One of the first things I ask, how would I introduce myself as this person? This does not mean over the top. Think essence.

Mine Your Self-Tape For Gold

TIP TWO: Master the art of the self-tape and I mean commit.

Self-Tape Practice Benefits

• Empower Your Performance

• Explore New Genres & Ideas

• Take Risks

In 2019, I committed to practicing on tape once or twice a week. Who says I need a class to work a pair of sides? I busted myself on a major habit and it was empowering. And, I gave myself permission to explore genres I had yet to audition for. 

Whenever I could, I self-taped before an in-person audition. The results: more confidence in the room. For the ActorCEO with an agent. Send it to yours before you go in. If that’s your vibe.

No Comfort Zones, Please

TIP THREE:  Get out of your comfort zone. My secret? If it works once, it’s worth doing once.

Shattering My Own Comfort Zone

For the first half of 2019, I didn’t have an agent. That was strategic on my part. Wanting to plunge into the deep, I took a lesson from a few named actors. i.e. they put shit on tape they weren’t asked to audition for. I asked myself can I make this work for me?

The answer was yes. I jumped in and pulled sides from Showfax.

Self-taped and sent my package through CastIt.

Bangarang!

The next day the same Casting Director was at Actor’s Connection.

I showed up prepared. Afterward, I let him know I sent footage for a show he was casting.

I got an audition…

For two roles…

And a third months later!

It’s 2020 do something you’ve never done before?  We all share the same hustle. Keep your professional integrity intact and respect boundaries. You’ve got nothing to lose.