How To Become An Actor

         Becoming an actress, does not happen over night, not unless you are in the .01 percentile with very good luck.   Acting takes time, patience and money.   How are much are you willing to invest?  You are only as good and the product you market.   Becoming an actor means taking acting classes which could range from $75-$125 a month.  Some of us get a degree in theatre and we all know that degrees do not come cheap.   You must also invest in quality headshots.   These sitting range from $100-$300 depending on the photographer.   You then have to consider the cost of reproduction of you headshots.    Remember quality is important because these are your calling cards, the things that will get you into the audition.

            Often I meet people who want to be actors but they don’t understand the cost or are not willing to invest in themselves to put their best foot forward.   People must remember that acting is a job.   A great example is , why would I apply to an IT position, but I have never studied computers technology.  I know I like computers, and I think I can do it, so I think I will apply,  this formula does not equal success.  Below are a couple of tips that will help you on your journey to become an actor.

1.     Ask yourself why is it that you want to act?  Is it just something fun to do, or is it your passion?

2.     Take a few classes.  This will help you get a better understanding of acting and whether or not it is something you want to pursue

3.     Continue taking classes.   Learn the craft.  Understand the difference between theatre, and acting on camera for film vs. commercial.

4.     Invest in quality headshots.  (You pay for what you get) Remember this is what they see before they meet you, so your pictures must sell you.

5.     Invest in quality reproduction of headshots.

6.     Start building your resume

a.     Audition for community theatre

b.     Audition for student films

7.     Once you are studied and have starting building a resume, begin submitting to agents.   Do an internet search to see which agents are excepting new clients.  You can also send a potential agent comp tickets  to one of your upcoming shows so that they can see you in action.

With Patience & Persistance, May you find success!!!

Misha Moore

How to be Successful

            As artist we all want to be successful, but many do know how to be successful. As I listened to a speech by Richard St. John, a success analyst, I was inspired to share this with you.    His speech focused on 8 Secrets of Success.  According to St.John, through research and interviews he found the big eight secrets that would lead to success.   As I listened I was inspired because I agreed with his principles.  As I continued to digest the information he had just disseminated, I realized his eight secrets to success coincided with biblical principles.  So I set out to find scriptures that were directly related to the 8 secrets that he shared. For many who view his video they will just receive the 8 secrets, but I wanted something deeper. A greater understanding of how these 8 secrets could be applied to the biblical principles in which many of us believe. 

        In this industry we are constantly faced with rejection. But when you know that you are walking in your purpose, you need little reminders to help you keep your focus.  I encourage all of you to look at the 8 secrets and keep them as a daily reminder that success is around the corner. Not because Richard St. Johns say so, but because of WHOSE YOU ARE!

1.     Passion: Proverbs 18:16   We all have talents and if we use them properly we will not have lack in our life.

2.     Work: II Thessalonians3:10   In order to survive we must all work, but when you are doing your passion it never feels like work.

3.     (Good) Practice:  Matthew 7:24 Practice means to do repetitively in an effort to get better.  When we practice continually we are building a strong foundation for our gifts.

4.     Focus: Proverbs 23:7   Concentrated focus. Focus on one thing at a time and master it. Always let your thought be positive. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to.

5.     Push:   II Timothy 2:  Never give up. We have to push to fear, shyness and all other inhibitors to reach success.

6.     Serve:  I Peter 4:10 Never be selfish. Serve others and watch doors begin to open for you.

7.     Idea: John 18:34   Have your own ideas.  Know for yourself. Create your own path   

8.     Persistence: Romans 2:7   If you fall get back up. No success is overnight. Keep going now matter what, because success will soon follow if you keep the course. 

Keep Pushing,

Misha Moore

Agent vs. Manager

          How are you being represented?  As an actor you have either an agent or a manager. Some may be fortunate to have both, but this is definitely not without cost.   Most people starting out do not understand the difference between an agent and a manager.   They are definitely not the same and should never be confused.  What’s the difference you ask?  Well let’s take a look at the task of each:

Agent:  

            Any actor wanting to have a thriving career seeks out an agent.   An agent’s primary function is to send you on auditions.   They get you work.  They should never be paid up front.  Agents will get ten to fifteen percent of each job that you book.  Many agents will sign you to an exclusive one year contract. (A later blog will focus on exclusive vs. non-exclusive contracts).  It is imperative to seek out a reputable SAG-Franchised agency because they understand that when you book a job they get paid.   Also, this is why it is important for actors to have proper marketing materials and training because a reputable agency will not sign you if they feel that you will not benefit their company.

Manager:

            A manager handles the daily affairs of an actor.  They deal with press- releases, signing, appearances, and negotiations.   Managers handle the overall career of an actor.  Most actors will not have managers until they are well established and are in high demand.   As an actor it is hard to prepare for auditions and work on projects all while managing daily affairs.  A manager gets a higher percentage than and agent does.  A manager receives fifteen to twenty percent commission.  The actor and manager must always be on the same page about the direction of the career of the actor in order for it to be a successful relationship.

             For actors just starting out I suggest getting great headshots, training, and experience in community theatre and independent films.  Once you have established yourself begin to research reputable talent agencies in your area.  Check out their websites and see who is accepting new talent and begin submitting yourself.  

I found this informative video and hopes that it helps you as you seek out and agent.

Continue to shoot for the moon,

Misha Moore