The Right Act

From Passion to Profession: Thriving in the Acting Industry

• Laura • Season 1 • Episode 1

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What if you could turn your passion for acting into a thriving business? Join us on "The Right Act" as we reveal the secrets to navigating the acting industry like a pro. From understanding that you are the CEO of your career to mastering set etiquette and professionalism, we provide you with actionable insights to excel in this competitive field. Learn why continuous training is crucial, the value of student films and background roles, and the importance of punctuality and professionalism. These foundational experiences are essential stepping stones on your path to success.

We also shine a light on the pitfalls you need to avoid, sharing personal stories of scams and unhealthy learning environments. Discover how to choose the right acting techniques and training paths, whether it's classes, schools, or conservatories, and understand the red flags of pay-to-play auditions and agencies that charge upfront fees. With perseverance and dedication, your acting journey can be incredibly rewarding. Stay committed, keep learning, and let every step you take be a testament to your passion and hard work.

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Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Right Act. If you're an aspiring actor, producer, filmmaker, this podcast is for you. Here you'll get real, practical advice on breaking into the entertainment industry. I'll cover the ups, the downs and everything in between. Forget the Hollywood glamour. This is the real hustle and learning about what it takes to succeed in this industry. So, if that's you, go ahead and tune in for insider tips, honest conversation and the inspiration you need to navigate the creative journey and reach your creative goals. We'll be right back. We'll see you next time. Hey everyone, welcome to the Right Act. I'm your host, laura, and this is the podcast where aspiring actors and filmmakers get the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to break into the world of entertainment. About what it really takes to break into the world of entertainment. Whether you're dreaming of your first role or looking for your big break, I'm here to help you navigate the highs, the lows and everything in between. So forget the glamorized version of Hollywood success. This is about the real hustle, the setbacks and the perseverance that shape every actor's journey. So if you're ready to dive in, you're in the right place. Let's get started.

Speaker 1:

For this first season, I'm going to dive into what it takes to build an acting career, and the first thing you need to know is that acting is a business. That's right, it's a business, and you are the CEO of you. Now, once you decide to pursue acting, it becomes your business and you're in charge of your career, your growth and how you present yourself to the world. As a new actor starting out, you want to jump right in, and I got it. I have been where you are, and that is one of the reasons I'm doing this show. When new actors find out that I'm also an actor and I've been cast in a few projects, one of the most common questions I get is where do I find work? I'm not going to answer that question right now, and here's why You're not ready to look for work. What you need to do is look for an acting class. And yes, I know there are people out there who will say, ah, you don't need an acting class. But here's the deal. Even the top actors are constantly working with coaches. So if you're serious about making an acting career, training is not optional, it's a must. Okay, so bear with me here. Think of it like this you wouldn't trust a doctor who skipped medical school right, and before doctors become doctors, they do what's called residency, and before they do residency they go to college. So if we're doing all this as doctors and lawyers, then of course you're going to be doing some form of training as an actor. Yes, it's a little different, but bear with me, okay. So why trust an actor who doesn't train? But bear with me, okay. So why trust an actor who doesn't train?

Speaker 1:

Now you may be thinking well, my friend had no experience and was cast on a student film. Or I have no experience and got work on a feature film. Although those can count as experience, it doesn't count as experience in acting. When you work on a student film, it can be a great experience, but chances are you will be overworked, not paid, and if you get footage and that's a big if the quality is not going to be that good and you're not going to be able to use it for your demo reel. And I'm not saying this is for every student film. There are some that are great and you can use it. It's just very rare. So now you're asking so why do student films? Then what's the point? The point is practice and networking. Look, those student filmmakers are working towards being directors, producers or working on set, and that is the start of your network, those other actors on the same journey as you that are also cast on those student films. Now you're asking so what about background work, like in a feature film or on a TV show Again, great experience, but not in acting. Look, you already know how to walk down a street, sit at a table and eat or, in some cases, pretend to eat, which is basically background work. When you are on set, working background, you're learning set etiquette and professionalism. You'll learn the process of being on set. You will definitely learn what set patience is.

Speaker 1:

You may have heard your actor friends or maybe in social media, people using the phrase hurry up and wait. This is where that phrase came from, because that's exactly what you will learn to do. For example, your call time is going to be like, say, 8am, right, and you might not know until 9pm the night before, and if you want to make a good impression, do not show up at that time. I'm not even kidding. If you want to seem like you know your shit, your ass, better be there at least 30 minutes before that call time. Okay, 30 minutes before. That's, that's my goal. Anyway, that's what I do, that, and I'm telling you you are not going to get yelled at for being 30 minutes early, but if your call time's 8 o'clock and you show up at 8 o'clock, it's not going to look good for you.

Speaker 1:

So why hurry up and wait? Okay, so say your call time's at 8 am or 7 am, whatever. Once you get there, you may end up waiting for a crew to tell you to get in the van, and then you'll get in the van and you'll sit to wait for the van to fill up as other actors trickle in. Okay, then they're going to drive you to another location where you're going to sit and wait, and you may sit and wait there for several hours, or that may just be for where you get wardrobe, hair and makeup, and then they'll transfer you to another location where you'll sit and you'll wait. And to get that hair and makeup and to get that transportation, you have to hurry up. You can't dawdle, you can't be on your phone, you can't. You have to hurry up, and you literally are hurrying up to get this stuff done, to sit there and wait. So that's kind of where that all came from.

Speaker 1:

No, I want to reiterate I am not telling you this to discourage you. I am simply telling you so that you can begin your career on the right foot and know what to expect. So now that I have hopefully answered some of those burning questions and slowed you down a little bit, let's get back to talking about acting classes. Finding the right class is just like finding the right therapist Not every teacher is the right fit for every student. So before you dive into a class, you're going to do your research and write down the classes you think you may want to take first, and then call and ask if you can audit a class. Now let's take a step back and talk about why classes are so important. You might think, well, I can do a killer Denzel Washington impression or I have a great memory, so I'll be fine.

Speaker 1:

But here's the thing Acting is not just about memorizing lines or sounding like someone else. It's about being able to tap into real emotions and connect with your scene partner. Acting is like a muscle If you don't use it, you will get rusty. The last thing you want is to sound like the same character in every role. This is another place where classes come in. In addition, classes will help you build confidence, break out of repetitive patterns and discover new things about yourself, which is key to playing different characters authentically. You know when you're searching for an acting class. Stay open-minded but cautious. Auditing a class gives you the opportunity to observe the teaching style and see how the students interact. If the class doesn't leave you feeling inspired or encouraged, it might not be the right fit for you.

Speaker 1:

When I first got serious about acting, I signed up for one class after another and began noticing a troubling pattern. I signed up for one class after another and began noticing a troubling pattern. But before I dive into this story, I want you to know I'm sharing it with you so you can avoid paying for a class and ending up with the kind of experience I'm about to describe, because, as a new actor, it's easy to get swept up in your motivation and determination, which is exactly what happened to me. So, while living in California and determined to take acting seriously, I started by signing up for a class, but what I encountered was far from what I expected. I found myself being yelled at for the smallest thing whether it was not knowing something standing in the wrong way, smallest thing, whether it was not knowing something standing in the wrong way, misunderstanding a direction, and once even for not having enough time to be off book. Once a teacher even asked why I hadn't gone over my lines during my train commute. Sure, that sounded like a great idea in theory, but here's the issue I suffer from motion sickness and I cannot read while I'm in a moving vehicle, so trying to get off book or memorize my lines for that acting class homework assignment, it just wasn't going to happen. Now I eventually learned alternative ways to work on assignments. This guy just yelled at me and unfortunately this wasn't an isolated incident.

Speaker 1:

I faced this kind of treatment repeatedly in various classes. Instead of helping me move forward in my career, these experiences made me incredibly self-conscious. Whatever little bit of self-esteem I had at that time now became completely shattered. So when I was offered significant opportunities such as auditioning for a network TV show, I didn't take it because I convinced myself that they didn't really want me. Of course, that was false and irrational thinking and what Amy Jo Berman calls mind trash, and I'll talk about her in the future. But I didn't see it at the time. I did eventually realize that those so-called acting teachers were just profiting off eager actors without caring about our growth, which is not what you should expect from a real acting teacher. So I had run into so many of these kinds of classes that I started to believe that this kind of treatment was just part of the process. So let me be absolutely clear. It is not. It's not part of the process, and no teacher, including acting teachers, should be screaming, yelling or make excuses for belittling you. Okay, I don't care who they claim to have worked with or who they say they know it's not okay. The key here is finding a class where you feel supported and where you're challenged in a healthy way.

Speaker 1:

Now, just like finding the right acting class, exploring acting techniques is an ongoing process. There isn't one technique that fits everyone or every role. In fact, many actors combine different methods, drawing on what works best for them in any given situation or role or scene. No-transcript. Let's dive into those acting techniques. Number one Meisner.

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This one's all about being present and responding authentically to your scene partner. It's known for repetition exercises, which help focus on truthful reactions. Number two check off. This is more of a psychological technique where you use imagination to connect with your character's emotions and their physicality. Number three Stan Slavosky. Note. This method encourages you to draw from your own life experiences to create real, authentic emotions. Number four is method, and you may have heard the method of staying in character even when you're off-scene. Actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, joaquin Phoenix, they use this technique. Number five, stella Adler. This one leans heavily on imagination and improvisation, relying more on creative thinking than your personal experiences. And last but not least is Lee Strasberg.

Speaker 1:

This is a deeper dive into method acting. It emphasizes emotional recall, using your own memories to fuel a performance. So now that you know the basics, it's time to explore and figure out which one clicks with you the most. This will help you when researching classes. Now, many teachers may stick to one technique, where others will teach a few, if not all of these little here and there, depending. Where others will teach a few if not all of these a little here and there, depending. Personally, I'm a fan of mixing techniques.

Speaker 1:

Acting is all about being flexible and finding what works best for the character you're playing, or at least that's my opinion. Now, real quick, I want to go over the difference between acting classes and acting and an acting conservatory. In summary, acting classes focus on specific skill and offer flexibility for actors at various stages. Acting schools provide a structured, comprehensive education over an extended period, often leading to degrees or certifications. An acting conservatory offers an immersive, highly focused experience, concentrating on intense practical training without the emphasis on formal academic credentials. They are ideal for actors looking for rigorous preparation in a very short time. There's no right or wrong answer. It's all about you, remember. In the beginning I said this is your business. You're the CEO. These are choices that you come up with to decide what works best for you in your journey as an actor. Now that we've covered acting classes and technique, let's talk about something really important Scams.

Speaker 1:

The entertainment industry is full of them and unfortunately they can be hard to spot, especially when you're just starting out. When I first started out, I got scammed out of $5,000 by a fake modeling agency. They sent me a check and told me to use part of it to pay a makeup artist. Of course, the check bounced and I was left with a huge debt. It was a hard lesson learned, but now I have and hopefully these tips you will not have to have the same experience.

Speaker 1:

The first one pay-to-play auditions and how it works. Skimmers will advertise casting calls or auditions for quote-unquote major projects, but to secure an audition spot, actors are required to pay a fee. Red flag. Legitimate casting opportunities, especially for well-known projects, do not require upfront payments for auditions. Now here's a misconception. People hear this pay-to-play auditions and they think that websites like Backstage Casting Networks, actors Access, are pay-to-play websites. They're not and I will get into that down the road, probably in the next episode. But a pay-to-play audition is what I just said, so I'm going to repeat it. It's when scammers advertise casting calls or auditions for major quote, unquote major projects, but to secure an audition spot, the actors are required to pay a fee. Legitimate casting opportunities, especially for well-known productions, do not require upfront payments for auditions. You are never, ever to pay for an audition, and I'm repeating this because I hear time and time again how many times people actors who are just starting out do exactly this. Don't do it. Okay.

Speaker 1:

So, moving on to number two, expensive photo shoot packages, how it works Some agents or managers will claim to represent you, but first insist you pay for headshots or portfolios from a specific photographer, usually at an inflated price. Now agents and managers can suggest a photographer they not deny representing you because you didn't go to their photographer. Now, while you are going to need headshots as an actor, and I will get to that in another episode. No legitimate agent or manager is going to force you to use their preferred photographer. Number three talent agencies charging upfront fees and how it works. Manager is going to force you to use their preferred photographer. Number three talent agencies charging upfront fees and how it works. So some talent agencies quote, unquote talent agencies will charge upfront fees for representation, claiming this is standard practice to get you auditions or exposure. It's not Reputable. Talent agencies take a percentage usually 10 to 20 percent, of what you earn from your booked job the booked job that you got paid to do. They don't take upfront fees. Okay, so any agency or any person claiming to be an agency asking for money up front, run, run as fast as you can.

Speaker 1:

Number four workshops with fake casting directors. This is when workshops or classes promise actors face time with casting directors or industry professionals who can help them book roles, but the casting director is either not legit or won't provide real opportunities. You see, real casting directors do participate in workshops, but you should verify their credentials. Make sure the event is endorsed by legitimate industry organizations. Number five, number five and we are halfway through the popular scams. Okay, so these are bogus online casting websites. These are websites that claim to provide exclusive casting calls but require a subscription fee to view listings. The jobs often turn out to be either non-existent or extremely outdated. Well-known casting websites like Backstage Actors Access. Those are legit, but there are sites that are fraudulent or provide low quality listings. So you have to really do your research and be careful.

Speaker 1:

Number six fake movie roles and extras work. Scammers will advertise major movie roles or extra work but require payment for processing fees, guaranteed placement or special materials like costumes or scripts. Legitimate productions do not charge actors to apply for roles or extra work and any required materials are pretty much provided at no cost to the performer. So number seven unlicensed acting schools. Acting schools or coaches will claim to provide top-tier training, promising connections in the industry, but they charge an exuberant fee and deliver superb training. Again, always research the credentials of any school or teacher before enrolling. Check for student reviews and affiliations with reputable industry bodies.

Speaker 1:

Number eight fake casting calls, especially via social media, and this is one of the most popular ones going on right now. So beware. Scammers post casting calls on platforms like Instagram, facebook especially Facebook, that's where I see it the most or on Axe. What they'll do is they'll claim their casting for a film or TV show but ask you for personal information or money up front. Make sure you verify that casting call through trusted platforms or official production companies. Legitimate casting calls won't ask for sensitive personal information, especially up front. Now, once you get the job, that's a different story, but up until then it's just no, let's just put it that way.

Speaker 1:

Okay, number nine guaranteed success. Some companies or individuals will claim they can guarantee acting success or get you in front of the quote unquote right people for people for ding ding ding, a fee promising stardom if you quote-unquote follow their method. No, okay, no one can guarantee you success in the acting world and such promises are a huge red flag. So, just like run, run as fast as you can. Run the other way, because, again, success is never, ever guaranteed in the entertainment industry.

Speaker 1:

Okay and last but not least, bogus representation. Okay, this is how the scam works. Someone will contact you claiming they saw your work and want to represent you, but they ask for upfront fees. Do you see a pattern here? They're always asking for upfront fees and notice what I'm telling you is that there really aren't any upfront fees. Okay, just saying Okay, so way this works is they'll require upfront fees or they'll require you to use certain paid services. Again, legitimate agents and managers. They earn money based on the work you book, not on prepayments. So let's just summarize what we've learned here Do your research.

Speaker 1:

Always investigate the legitimacy of companies, agents and workshops before signing up. Ask for references. Reach out to other actors who have worked with the school, the agent or the service. It's okay to verify credentials. Check if agents are licensed and if casting directors or workshops are endorsed by reputable industry organizations. And I'm going to add some more here. If somebody gets offended because you're asking for a website or you're asking to speak to somebody, or you're calling and they'll only communicate through text, red flag run Okay.

Speaker 1:

So definitely be skeptical of guarantees as well. No one can guarantee success in the industry, so any such claim it's just a scam. All right, that's a wrap for today. We've covered a lot, from acting classes and techniques to avoiding scams. Remember, building an acting career takes time, dedication and a lot of determination. But if this is truly your passion, the journey is so worth it. Just stick with me as we continue to explore the ins and outs of making it in the industry. Until next time. Keep hustling, stay curious and remember it's all part of the journey. We'll be right back. We'll be right back you.