Page 16 – The Actor Career Center

Do Actors Have to Memorize Lines for an Audition?
By Aaron Marcus

Written for BackStage

Whether or not an actor has to memorize lines for an audition is a question I get asked all the time. It’s a pretty simple and straightforward one, but the answer can be complicated.

If you’re told that the casting director needs all of the actors off-book for the audition, then the answer is easy: memorize your sides.

But you’ll find that most of the time, it’s not mandatory for actors to have their lines memorized for the initial read.

Is there really an advantage to having your lines memorized for the audition? Does being off-book impress casting directors and give you a greater chance of booking the role? No. Casting directors realize you will learn your lines before the callback or shoot. So being a quick study and knowing your lines for the initial audition doesn’t give you a leg up over other actors.

If you can learn your lines and be really solid for the audition then absolutely memorize them. But you don’t get any extra points.

What is important during an audition is having the ability to say your lines in a fluent, interesting, unique, conversational way. If you’re not fully off-book for the audition, there are techniques that will allow you to consistently look at the reader or other actor during your read and periodically glance at your sides to grab a few words.

Some actors try and show off their memorization skills by not even having the sides in their hands when auditioning. If someone can pull that off, good for them. Even if I have things memorized, I always have the sides in my hand as a safety net. Even when you think you have everything memorized, there’s always the chance something happens to cause a moment of forgetfulness. Or maybe your brain takes a bit too long to find the word it’s looking for, causing a bump in the read.

Without the sides easily available, your audition will come to a screeching halt. That’s not a good way to impress industry professionals.

Another less obvious reason why it’s not necessarily great to have your lines memorized is that if you’re auditioning off-book, the casting director may think that your preparation is complete and your read is as good as it gets.

The reality is that quite often, we receive lines the day/night before or the morning of an audition. That does not give us a tremendous amount of time to prepare. But if you give a great read and refer to the sides periodically, they will think the audition was amazing and recognize how much better it will be once it is fully committed to memory.

So don’t stress out if your lines are not committed to memory for an audition. Be incredibly familiar with the lines, but feel free to use your sides when needed.

You can learn more about memorizing your lines by watching this video:

Have you had an audition, thought your read was great

and then you fond out that you did not book the job?

Or, have you auditioned multiple times for the same

show or casting director, never booked anything and figured they are not

liking your read?

It can be very frustrating.

Watch this video

and learn why this might be a good sign
that you did not book the job!

https://www.howtoactandmodel.com/didnt-book-tvfilm-job-maybe/

If you have experienced auditioning a number of times
but never booked the role, leave a comment on my facebook.com/howtomodel page
or on the page below.

12 Great Alternative Jobs for Actors
By Aaron Marcus

Trying to support yourself solely on acting jobs can be really tough, especially when you are first getting started. Finding the right alternative job to help pay the bills will allow you can concentrate on your acting career.

Not feeling the pressure of having to book a job in order to pay you’re your basic living expenses will allow you to feel much more relaxed during auditions.

But, you have to be really careful when choosing a side job. You need to make sure that it is not keeping you away from doing what you want to do – act. The job must pay enough so you don’t have to work 24 hours a day and flexible enough so that you can continue to take classes, audition and work on sets.

Something else that you should always keep in mind before accepting an alternative job is to try and find one that allows you to use your acting skills. Bartending, restaurant work or being a driver are the typical types of part-time jobs that many actors get. But, here are a few jobs that can help you with finances, give you flexible hours and allow you to grow as an actor.

Standardized Patient Jobs

There are many teaching hospitals and medical schools across the county that hire actors to play the role of a patient in order to help doctors and medical students get more practice with exams and patient care. The actor will be given a background history of the character. He/she will be told about their characters medical issues, symptoms and other problems that are affecting them.

Typically, the actor does not need to memorize a script, but they do have to be extremely familiar with every aspect of their disease and their history.

The actor is also responsible for evaluating the exam and point out the overall effectiveness of the doctor/medical student’s work.

This can be a fascinating, and rewarding type of part-time job. The fees will vary depending on the location and the actor’s experience. Most Standardized Patients will be paid by the hour.

Role Playing Jobs

Many actors are hired for Role Playing jobs in a variety of places.

In some ways it is similar to Standardized Patient work. But, instead of helping people in the medical field, Role Playing jobs involve training and education for law enforcement, law schools, corporations and law offices.

There are many law schools that hire actors to help students get practice in a court room setting. Sometimes lawyers will hire actors to test out an approach for an upcoming trial and ask for feedback after talking to the “jury.”

Government agencies such as the FBI, TSA, Homeland Security and many other agencies will hire actors to help with interviewing/interrogation techniques.

Learn more about Role Playing and Standardized Patient work: https://www.howtoactandmodel.com/role-playing-sp

Additional Side Jobs

There are so many other types of great part-time jobs that are perfect for actors.

Audio Books – Actors are hired to record audio books: Check Out This Video

EJury – Lawyers have actors give feedback/comments from this online service

Focus Group – Attend focus group sessions and give your thoughts on a variety of products or ads.

Murder Mystery – Actors are hired to work in murder mystery shows

Sell Your Services – Have a special skill? Sell your services online

Substitute Teacher – You can pick and choose what days you want to work

Tutoring – If you are extremely knowledgeable in a subject, tutor.

Writing Articles – There are websites where you can get paid for writing

Virtual Assistant – Get part-time work as a virtual assistant

Video Editing – If you have editing skills, this could be a great part-time gig
There are tons of really good part-time jobs that will allow actors to use their skills to pay their bills.

The important thing is to make sure you are free to pursue what is most important and not fall into the trap of taking on a job that prevents you from acting.

This year I decided to stop thanking veterans for their service on Memorial Day. This is something I typically do throughout the year, but my mind changed after talking with my father. My dad is a World War II veteran who spent 2 years on a ship in the Pacific.

When I was a kid, my dad use to take me to Arlington Cemetery, in VA to visit the grave of a close friend of his who was killed aboard ship. I have a vague memory of visiting his friend’s mother as well.

I find that on Memorial Day, my dad normally shares even more stories about the war. What he endured, friends he lost, how proud he was to serve his country and the unimaginable things he lived through.

I decided that instead of thanking him for his service, I would listen, let him talk and share information and allow him to mourn the loss of friends.

So, instead of thanking him for his service, I tell him that I hope this is a meaningful day for him.

Honestly, I have no idea whether veterans are offended in any way by being thanked for their service on Memorial Day, but this seems like a better way for me to recognize and appreciate veterans.

So, to all of my actor and model family who are veterans, I hope this day is a meaningful one for you.

Let me and others know what you say to veterans on Memorial Day by leaving a note here. If you are a veteran, I would really like to get your thoughts. Please leave your posts on facebook.com/howtomodel.

Sincerely,

Aaron

P.S. On a side note, my dad will be honored by the Baltimore Ravens during their first home game this year at Ravens Stadium. Can’t wait for September 17th.

The agent for money acting scam makes me so upset because people are at their most vulnerable as they pursue their dreams — Don’t let people trick you into paying them money to deliver on promises they can’t keep (side note: the make-up on this shoot took FOREVER)

Unfortunately in the acting and modeling industry, there are many people who prey on folks who have a dream. They know enough about the industry to tell you what you want to hear, but don’t have the knowledge, experience or contacts to turn your dream into a reality. Any acting scam and modeling scam is costly. They cost aspiring actors and models money, time, and trust at a point in their lives when they are especially vulnerable.

I want to share a personal story of when I almost fell victim to a scam. At the beginning of my career, I went to an open call where a “N.Y.” agent was scouting for actors and models living in a small market.

I met with them. They told me how they would begin submitting me for TV and Film projects in N.Y. Naturally, I was very excited for the opportunity to break out of my smaller market.

At the end of the meeting, I was told they wanted thousands of dollars to represent me. I knew this was not right, but being early in my career, I wasn’t 100% sure. They gave me a contract to sign on the spot. I was uncomfortable about the situation, so I told them that I needed to take the contract home and read it over. They then told me that if I did not sign it on the spot, I apparently was not serious about my career and they would have no interest in working with me. I was also told that if I did not sign the agreement, I would never get the chance to work in New York.

Avoiding this acting scam requires actors to be knowledgeable about what an agent can and can't do for you — The reason why the agent acting scam works is because the allure of booking big-time roles and jobs is very real and frankly very understandable

I decided to stick with my gut and not sign the contract on the spot. Later that year, I was able to get a legitimate agent in New York and have been working in that market ever since.

Looking back at that situation, I was very fortunate (and lucky) to have made the right decision. I wasn’t well-educated on what an agent can and can’t do for you, which is how a lot of actors fall prey to this scam. Many actors just don’t have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about what to do or what not to do. Another reason why avoiding this scam is so tough is because actors want to achieve their dreams and be successful. When you are put in a situation where you think this might be your one and only chance, it is tough to walk away.

It genuinely angers me to see so many people, who have real talent and desire, get burned by an acting scam. It isn’t fair to them and it damages their ability to trust people moving forward.

Additional Video Blogs to Watch

How to Make Sure Your Agent and Booking is Legit

Watch Out for this New Scam

Avoiding the Agent Acting Scam

To help actors avoid this acting scam, I put together a Secrets to Finding and Working with an Agent video to educate actors about agents.

In the video, I interview Marc Soper, who owns and runs Carolina Talent, which is an incredible agency. Their talent has had actors work on projects such as: Netflix’s House of Cards , The Walking Dead, Are You Here, and HBO’s Vice Principals to name a few.

By the end of the video, you will learn:

How to find great agents in local and distant markets
What questions you need to ask to make sure the agent is legit, including how to prepare for your first agent meeting
What makes agents want to work and not work with talent, and what agents expect all actors and models to do and have before signing them
Secrets to getting your agent to work hard for you
What all talent must do when you are not happy with your agent

Bonuses (these must have bonuses are worth the entire investment of the video!)

When you order this video, you will receive two must-have bonuses:

A link giving you access and contact information to over 400 agents across the U.S.
An essential guide of 12 questions and things to look for when meeting with an agent

Order the Finding a Legitimate Agent and Avoiding an Acting Scam Video Now

You can learn how to find an agent and receive the bonuses by ordering the video by clicking here.

There are actions you can take to market yourself and jump-start your acting and modeling career outside of what your agent can do — Don’t feel trapped by waiting on others to get you acting and modeling work.

As someone who has been a full-time actor and commercial model for over 30 years, I can unequivocally say it’s always best to have an agent help you find work. An agent is going to know more about the jobs happening in your market than anyone else. With that being said, it’s critical for actors and models to take control of their career and know how to market themselves.

Understanding how to get work on your own has several benefits. If you don’t have an agent, finding jobs on your own is the only way for you to get work. And if you do have an agent, it can keep you busy while things are slow.

There are actually many avenues for actors and models to find work; most people just don’t know where to look.

Step 1

Begin searching for and contacting commercial photographers in your area. Doing a search on ASMP.org will give you the names of some photographers close to you.

Step 2

Getting in touch with the art and creative directors at advertising agencies is also a great way to find work. You can contact your local Chamber of Commerce to get the names of the ad agencies nearest you.

Sometimes the art/creative directors are the ones who decide which actor or model gets cast in the modeling job, TV commercial or radio spot.

Step 3

To help improve your ability to market yourself and find paid acting and modeling jobs, I have created a video for you. In this video, Bloodline and St. Vincent actor, Ron Bush, and I teach you exactly how to find paid acting and modeling jobs on your own.

By the end of this market yourself video, you will learn how to:

Market yourself in small markets as well as N.Y. and L.A.
Find the decision makers – the people who hire actors and models
Prepare to “wow” the decision makers – get them to notice and want to
hire you
Learn about the many helpful web sites and list serves you need to know about
Best introduce yourself to agents, photographers, casting directors, etc.
Find jobs not only in your area but in other markets as well

Bonuses (these must have bonuses are worth the entire investment of the video!)

You will receive a listing of over 70 websites and list serves where you can find
acting and modeling work
Access to the Video and Bonus materials 24/7 at your convenience

Order the Marketing Yourself Video Now

To order your video and receive the bonus materials, Click Here

Helpful Article

Here is a great article about What to do When Work is Slow

Traditionally, most people think you can only work in a restaurant when you try to become an actor and model — Most people only think of waitressing while pursuing their career as an actor and model, but there are a lot more survival job options out there!

Becoming an actor and/or model is hard. Supporting yourself while you pursue your dreams of becoming an actor and/or model is even tougher. In this blog, I’ll share how you can find survival jobs so you can earn money for living expenses while you are auditioning and attending go-sees.

Over my 30+ year career as a full-time actor and model, I have met countless actors and models who decided to move to either Los Angeles or New York to pursue their dreams. They wanted to break into the acting and modeling’s biggest markets, and I applaud each and every person who has made this move. It takes courage and self-confidence to pursue your dreams. Anyone who has ever followed their dreams has ‘won’ in my book.

With that being said, most of these aspiring actors and models have the following approach:

Quit their current job
Relocate to Los Angeles or New York and find a new place to live
Find a manager and an agent
Start auditioning

These are great thoughts, and I know everyone’s intentions are pure, but I want to make sure aspiring actors and models understand the reality: moving to these major markets won’t be easy. And when you do move, it can often take longer than expected to start making things happen. In these major markets, it can easily be 6 months or longer to find representation.

So now you are in a new, expensive city, you have spent most if not all of your savings, and you aren’t making the money you need to make to pay all of your bills and basic living expenses. All of a sudden you find yourself spending more time trying to survive instead of dedicating your time trying to achieve your dreams. Does that mean it is time to give up? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

In reality, when some people get to this point, they pack up and return home. It always crushes my heart to hear these stories. Making it in L.A. and N.Y. is very possible, and I just wish at some point I could have helped prepare these actors and models for the reality they were going to face. If you take the time to prepare, succeeding in Hollywood and New York is possible, you just need to right game-plan.

To help aspiring actors and models out, I created a video that will teach you how to find survival jobs so you can earn a living by using your acting skills while pursuing your dreams.

And these survival jobs aren’t just restaurant or bartending jobs, even though they do often provide the flexibility you need to audition for roles. The jobs I talk about in this video are flexible and mostly keep you connected to the acting and modeling industry. The best part about these jobs is that they aren’t just based in L.A. or N.Y. so if you haven’t made the commitment to move to those big markets, you can still find them in your local area.

Since I originally created this video, I’ve added another survival job idea to my list: ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. While you do need a car for this job, you can set your hours, which is great when last-minute auditions and go-sees come up.

Ride sharing companies will let you set your own hours so you can attend auditions, even if they come up at the last minute

Another Job Idea
I want to share a great article about another type of job you probably never even heard of that could be very interesting and lucrative. https://www.notaryondemand.com/mobile-notary/

How to Prepare for Your Next Audition

Whether you are just getting started or have been in the industry for a while, you need to have a solid game-plan for all auditions you attend. For any other profession, you wouldn’t go in to a job interview without a strategy – and acting is no different.

To help you come up with a checklist to dominate your auditions, I put together an online workshop called Secrets to Preparing for Auditions.

The online video will take the guess work out of auditioning and give you a specific structure, guidelines, tricks and secrets I and my special guest, acting coach Cathryn Hartt, have developed and use on a daily basis.

Here is a little bit about Cathryn and why she’s such a good person to learn from:

Cathryn Hartt is a graduate of the Juilliard School and is the founder of the Hartt & Soul Studio
Her career as an actress and coach has spanned over 50 years
Among Ms. Hartt’s awards are Dallas’ Best Art School (as an acting coach), Best Theatrical School in Dallas, and the Backstage Choice Award for the Best Acting Coach in Texas
She is currently an expert adviser columnist for Backstage.com
Ms. Hartt’s clients include Morgan Fairchild (FRIENDS, FALCON CREST), Debby Ryan (JESSIE), Hunter Parrish (WEEDS), Brighton Sarbino (WALKING DEAD), Laya Hayes (voice of DOC MCSTUFFINS) and Cade Sutton (KIRBY BUCKETS)

What You Will Learn From the Preparing for Auditions Video:

What every actor needs to do as soon as soon he/she gets the sides/copy (words for a TV commercial)
How to best study and analyze the sides/copy
What is the most important thing actors must do to prepare before an audition
What questions all actors need to ask and NEVER ask during the audition

Bonuses (these must have bonuses are worth the entire investment of the video)!

When you order this video, you will receive two amazing bonuses:

A 68-item check list guide you can use when preparing before an audition
Over 30 web sites and list serves that will help you find auditions and jobs

And, you can watch the video and access the bonus materials 24/7 at your convenience.

Order the Video Now

If you like the Secrets to Preparing for Auditions video, you should check out my follow up Audition Secrets video (bonus: I’m giving you 50% off)!

Here is an article I wrote for BackStage Publications. You can read the article here or on their site:
https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/can-your-clothes-make-or-break-audition/

You have an audition coming up. You’re studying the sides, researching the casting director, making decisions and choices about who the character is and how to play him. Something that’s probably not top of mind? What to wear to the audition.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to audition outfits: one that says the clothes you wear are an important part of the process and another that says clothes make no difference if the talent is there.

Personally, I don’t think there’s one right answer here, so instead, I’ll offer both sides of the argument based on what I’ve heard many agents, CDs, and directors say.

Some industry professionals will tell you that you never want to dress the part for an audition. If you’re reading for the role of a doctor, don’t show up wearing a lab coat. If the role is for a business person, wearing a suit isn’t necessary. Dressing the part can even be detrimental to your audition. The reasoning? First, it’s insulting to the casting director. He or she knows what doctors and business professionals look like. Second, it’s desperate. Your work should be strong enough that those watching the audition can immediately picture you in that role without a costume aid.

Do you think this might be too much if you were to be reading
for the role of Sir Isaac Newton?

On the other end of the spectrum are those who think you should dress the part, but not to excess. If you’re auditioning to play a firefighter, don’t show up in a helmet, carrying an ax. But you do want to wear something that indicates someone who fights fires for a living.

The same is true if you are reading for the role of a doctor. Wearing a lab coat can really make you look like a doctor, which helps others believe you are physically right for the part. But you don’t need a stethoscope around your neck and a tongue depressor in your pocket. That’s overkill.

Ok, so, what should you do? Here’s how I deal with the conundrum.

I dress the part in as much as I look professional, and I bring anything extra with me as an option. If I’m reading for the role of a doctor, I wear a jacket, tie, and slacks, and I have a lab coat in my bag. When I walk into the audition room, I ask the CD/photographer if they’d like me to wear the coat. If they say yes, I’ll definitely look like a doctor. If they say no, I still look like a professional.

My reasoning? Even if the casting director or photographer (if it’s a print job) can easily imagine me as a doctor, the head of the pharmaceutical company might not be as imaginative. So, I like to knock people over the head with the look. I want them to look at me and say, yes, he does look like a doctor.”

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of actors who wear shorts, T-shirts and tennis shoes and can book any role they are reading for, but I think that it is better to at least give the appearance that you look right for a role.

Watch one of Aaron’s quick tips on what wardrobe should you wear to a go-see.

Aaron Marcus is an author, acting and modeling career coach, and has been a full-time actor and commercial model for over 30 years. For more information, check out Marcus’ full bio!

You get excited because you are contacted about auditioning for a TV show or feature film. And, you should be excited.

It is hard to get auditions. Actually, getting the audition is winning.

And now you are thinking about how you can book the job.

You should be excited about getting the film or TV audition

I have interviewed a number of casting directors for my monthly online workshops (See the Interviews,) and they have told me that depending on the project and role, there can be as many as 500-2,000 head shot submissions for every role they are casting.

And, typically, the casting director might bring in 30 people to read for the part. So, although you have not booked the job,
you have accomplished more than most people.

Now that the excitement has slightly faded, you need to get to work. It is time to research the project, by watching the TV show and being
extremely familiar with the characters, style, type and pacing of the show.

If it is a feature film, then all actors need to visit IMDB.com and research the director to see what is the director’s style.
This will help you with your audition.

You have carefully:

study the sides
understand and know how to pronounce all of the words
know who is the scene about
figure out if there are any changes with your character and if so, where they take place
get incredibly comfortable with the dialogue
Create a life for your character prior to the scene starting and right after it ends

If you can memorize the lines, then that is helpful, but if not, at least make sure that your words are sounding
conversational.

And, you will want to bring the sides with you during the read. That way if you forget a word
you can causally look over at the sides and keep your audition going smoothly.

Now, you are ready to audition.

You think the audition went really well and are happy with your read.

Just remember that you have complete control over the audition,
but no control over who gets cast.

So, just because your audition was great, that can have little to do with booking
the job. Many of the actors auditioning will give a great audition.

But there are many other factors that go into getting the job. These are the things that actors have no control over.

If you are auditioning for a TV show then actors will get booked pretty quickly.
If it is a feature film, it can take much longer.

I recently auditioned for TV show. The call backs were happening two days after the audition.
I did not hear from my agent about getting a call back.

I waited one day after call backs were held and asked my agent if they postponed the call backs or if they took place.

I also told the agent that even if I did not get a call back, I was really happy about having
my audition seen by the casting director.

I had booked an episode of the TV show The West Wing
through her, so it was great to be seen by her again.

I was told that they did have call backs and I was not invited back to read for the director.

Not booking the TV or Film job can be frustrating.

You were so happy about getting the chance to audition for a new TV show,
worked really hard at preparing for the audition, spent hours getting to the
audition, felt great about the audition and then bam… you find out that what
you did during the audition did not work for the casting director or director.

Our emotions are all over the place. You go from an incredible high to a low
very quickly.

It is easy to start having self – doubts about your ability. You can begin to lose faith
in what you think is good. It is easy to question how can you keep doing this over and
over again without getting the results you ultimately want.

This is the life of an actor.

However, there is a little silver lining to this story. It is quite a coincidence that these
two things happened to me with the same casting director.

Many years ago I auditioned for a really good feature film. I got a call to attend
a call back and read for the director. One day before the call back, my agent
contacted me to say that they cut that character out of the film so there was no call back.

I felt bad about not getting the opportunity to read for the director, but at least it felt
good that they still liked my read enough to want me to be seen by the director.

Just a few days ago, a very similar thing happened with the same casting director.
Did the audition, but I learned that I did not get a call back because they changed
the age range for this character. I currently don’t look like I am in my early 30’s.

Although it was disappointing that I did not get a chance to read for the director,
at least I knew it was not because of my audition.

So, the next time you don’t get the booking or a call back, just remember, it might have
absolutely nothing to do with your acting skills.

Maybe they cut the role out or changed the age or ethnicity of the character.

Perhaps you were to attractive, not attractive enough, to tall, not tall enough
or one thousands other reasons why a decision was made not to cast you.

Always remember, not getting the job is not a personal decision, just business.

Join me and others on my facebook.com/howtomodel page and let others know
why you did not get a booking.

This type of information is so helpful to other actors,
and keeps us from moving forward in this business.

Aaron Marcus

SAG-AFTRA
Acting/Modeling Career Coach
Author: How to Become a Successful Actor and Model
Website: howtoactandmodel.com
Friend me: facebook.com/howtomodel
Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/aaronrmarcus
Mentoring Program: howtoactandmodel.com/coaching
IMBD: http://imdb.to/2jQJFiI
Office Phone: 410-764-8270

I just returned from giving some workshops in Johannesburg, South Africa and got the chance to watch many many talented people perform.

I Saw Some Really Sweet Kitty’s

I am also so fortunate to having been asked to give a workshop today in St. Louis, at an incredible international photographers convention.

What I have learned by having watched and mentored thousands of talent over the years is that in order to have success, you need to answer this one question.

Who Are You?
(My current headshot)

Everyone is unique. Everyone has something special offer. All actors and models need to figure out how they can realistically get cast.

Do you have the look of the leading man or woman?

Are you the stars best friend?

Would you get cast in an ad as the mom, teacher, doctor, bully, smart student or real estate agent?

Without knowing how you can realistically get cast, then you won’t know how to create the right photos that will put you in those categories.

My strength is being the “regular” guy.

With that information, I have created photos that put me in that category which allows me to be submitted for those types of roles.

So, figure out your type. It is the most important question you need to answer.

Get Feedback on Your Photos

Post a photo of yourself on my facebook.com/howtomodel page and let us know how you think you should be cast. I will be more than happy to post my thoughts about your photo as well

Feel free to share this with all of your friends on social media and have them submit their photos as well.

Looking forward to talking with you again soon.

Aaron

There are a number of reasons why agents decide to drop their actors or models.

Sometimes it is because they are not booking any jobs. Sometimes it is due to being unprofessional, showing up late for go-sees or bookings, or not being prepared when arriving on a set.

Another reason is because the agent was angry when a model (who did not have an exclusive contract with the agent) accepted to attend a go-see (the model’s audition) with another agent.

Here is a way of calming down a difficult and potentially uncomfortable situation.

Enjoy the video.

Learn more about this great video

https://www.howtoactandmodel.com/go-see

Let others know how you dealt with tough situations with agent.

Leave a comment on facebook.com/howtomodel

or leave a comment here.

3 Ways of Doubling Your Chances of Booking a Modeling Job

Written for BackStage

By Aaron Marcus

If you have never attended a modeling go-see, let me first give you some background information about what takes place at the model’s audition (go-see), before explaining how you can increase your chances of getting booked.

A go-see, is the term used for model auditions. Honestly, I think it is a bit silly to call it a go-see. It is an audition. Perhaps people think that commercial models are not very bright so we have to be reminded that a go-see means we: go to a photographer’s studio or a casting office, and we are seen! It’s an audition.

How Should You Dress For the Go-See?

Like with acting auditions, there are two philosophies about how to best dress for your go-see. There is no one right answer. For auditions, some actors don’t even think about their wardrobe. They don’t want to look desperate by “dressing the part.” They believe that people can see them as the character simply by their read. Others believe it is helpful to wear appropriate wardrobe to allow the industry professionals and client see you as the character. This is your call.

Since there is no dialogue at a go-see , industry professionals can only decide if you are right for the job by looking at you. I don’t want people to have to imagine if I look right for the part. That is why I dress the part, without going overboard. If you are attending a go-see as a doctor, you don’t need a stethoscope, tongue depressor in your pocket or paper booties on your shoes. Just wear something that will allow people to see you as a doctor. You can learn more about dressing for a go-see by watching: https://www.howtoactandmodel.com/type-wardrobe-wear-go-see/

When first arriving, we typically fill out some paper work. People need to know our contact information, our agent’s information, sizes and sometimes a listing of any ads we have done for competitors over the past few years.

There is also a sign in sheet so people know who is next in line to have their photo taken. Unlike Union auditions, there typically is not a specific appointment time.

I would suggest not signing in until you are 100 percent ready to have your photo taken.

You might want to look around the room to see if there is a layout. This is a general idea (like a storyboard) of how the ad will look. If it is available, study it and try to make yourself look like the person in the layout.

When you meet the casting director or photographer, ask if they want a head shot or comp card. Today, they generally don’t need one, but always ask. It could be helpful to you if they have your photos in their hands. It will allow them to learn more about you, and perhaps there are some shots that will represent you better than the few shots taken at the go-see.

Asking the Right Question

Here is the crucial question that few commercial models ask. It can make the difference between booking the job and not getting cast. Before the photo is taken, always ask the photographer, “What are you looking for?” You might be told that they want to see someone happy. That does not tell us anything. If this is a go-see for a pharmaceutical company and you are the doctor and need to look happy, then it is essential that you know why. Did you save someone’s life or perhaps now you can offer a new medication that will greatly help a patient. Those are very different types of happiness, so you need to learn which emotion to create.

Sometimes we can get very specific information about what emotions are needed which is great. And, sometimes we receive little to no information and have to make our own decision. Like with any audition, it is imperative that we make a specific character choice, even if it is not the correct one. Don’t ever try and play it safe by giving a generic look in order to avoid giving the “wrong” look. That way of auditioning never works well for models or actors. Giving a specific look based on the information you receive from the photographer or casting director will give you a tremendous advantage while attending a go-see.

There is a specific technique that I developed and always use when working with photographers. This technique will help you use your acting skills in order to create believable and interesting photos that will make your pictures stand out. You can see this technique at https://www.howtoactandmodel.com/practice-technique-photos-will-explode/

These are a few tips that should always be used at a go-see, that will give you your best chance of getting booked for a commercial modeling job.

Here is an article that I wrote for BackStage.

Some actors talk a great game about how busy they are. They say they’re constantly auditioning and booking. If that’s true, then it’s wonderful. But from my own experience—as well as my peers—we all have periods where auditions and jobs are scarce. It’s the nature of our industry.

For actors who who’ve had long runs on TV, Broadway, or multiple films it can be incredibly difficult when it ends since they’re been out of the auditioning loop for a long stretch. Even well-known actors hit dead periods, sometimes waiting years before booking again.

If you hit a stretch where there’s little happening, you’re not alone. And it’s so important that you know that the lack of work isn’t an indictment of you or your acting skills. So here’s how to get those auditions flowing again.

1. Contact your agent.
Set up an appointment to meet face-to-face. Don’t start your conversation by blaming your agent for the lack of auditions. Always remember that your agent really wants you to work—that’s how the agent makes a living. They’re not purposely trying to prevent you from working. Instead, ask your agent what you can do to get more auditions.

When I’ve approached agents this way, I often get great responses. Some agents told me they’ve been submitting me a lot but for whatever reason, I wasn’t getting selected by casting directors. Some agents have said they haven’t gotten many breakdowns that are right for me. Sometimes agents will ask to look at your headshots and tell you it’s time for new ones.

It’s crucial that you remove any anger or desperation in your voice and really listen to your agent’s suggestions and comments.

2. Stay in touch with your industry contacts.
This should be done all the time, but can also be incredibly helpful when work is slow. Let casting directors, photographers, producers, directors, and art/creative directors at ad agencies know about recent plays, jobs, and classes you’ve taken. This note isn’t about trying to impress anyone; it’s about reminding people that you’re around and available.

Always include your contact information and headshot at the top of the letter. It’s also really helpful to have your headshot in the signature section of your email as well to help remind them who you are. Don’t assume that because you worked with someone they remember your name.

In many ways, what you say isn’t that crucial. You could simply say how much you enjoyed the project you worked on with them. Assuming things went well, why wouldn’t they want to cast you again?

There use to be time periods when I could easily predict when work would be hopping and when auditions would slow to a trickle. The industry has changed and now it’s really hard to know when things will be busy or dead.

The important thing to always remember is that our business is unpredictable. Instead of feeling depressed when things are slow, embrace that time. Use it to help build your business. Continue to study. Consider new photos. Edit your resume. Work on your social media/website, reels, and marketing. And most importantly, don’t allow your lack of work to make you feel like a failure. Don’t allow your self-worth to be defined by your work.

This is a time period to regroup and make yourself a stronger talent so that when auditions start rolling in again, you’ll be ready to take your career to the next level.

Last week someone sent me a photo of a new born giraffe. This 6’0 newborn looked so interesting and beautiful she just grabbed my attention. I knew that I needed to see her in person.

So, last Sunday I took my family to the zoo and we got a chance to see “Willow”, her mom and her dad. I was just amazed at how interesting and majestic she looked. I found myself staring at her for quite a while.

So, how in the world can a picture of a giraffe get you more auditions?

I thought about the power of the photo I viewed and then connected it with head shots. An effective head shot also needs to show the actors personality, grab people’s attention and have industry professionals wanting to see the actor for auditions.

In today’s market, head shots are even more essential than in the past. Casting directors typically will receive anywhere between 500-1,200 or more submissions for every role they cast.

That means that your head shot needs to be striking. It needs to grab their attention. It does not matter how talented you are, if your head shot does not sell you well, it will be very difficult to get the audition.

Head Shot Video

Because of the importance of head shots, I decided to create an amazing video on the

Secrets to Creating Effective Head Shots That Will Get You Noticed

Joe Henson

I interviewed Joe Henson. He is a great New York head shot photographer who has shot over 16,000 head shots. That is not a typo.

Most people find a head shot photographer, show up in the studio or on location, take some shots, change wardrobe and shoot more photos.

These might be nice photos, but not necessarily the shot that will grab the attention of industry professionals.

In this video, howtoactandmodel.com/headshots you will learn step-by-step how to:

Find the right photographer for you
What questions you need to ask before hiring a photographer
What types of wardrobe is best to wear during a shoot
How to prepare before your photo session
How to figure out “your type” which is essential for all great head shots
How to relax during the shoot
How to decide which photos should be used
And, so much more.

Order the Video

No Need to Leave Your Home

This video can be watched online 24/7 which allows you to get this crucial information without having to leave your home.

You can also download the video and watch it anywhere without the need for Wi-Fi.

For additional information: click on this link: Head Shots

and read about the bonuses you receive when investing in this video.

Head Shots Are Expensive

This video allows you to be fully prepared and really get your monies worth during your next head shot session.

Feel free to write back if you have any questions.

Create an effective head shot that like Willow, grabs people’s attention.

Order Now

Looking forward to talking with you again soon.

Aaron

There are times when actors and models need to do some uncomfortable things with their agent. This is especially true when it comes to auditions or go-sees. When you watch this vlog, you will see that this is an essential time to do this with your agent. Actors and models always need to stand up for themselves and make sure they do what is best for their career.

Let me and others know if you have had to say or do something uncomfortable with your agent by either posting it here or on my facebook.com/howtomodel page.

You just heard that you have an audition. That is great. Now you are wondering, do you need to memorize your lines for the audition, or can you use the sides while reading at the casting. Watch this video to learn about memorizing your lines.

Share your experiences with others, by letting us know if you memorize your lines or not for an audition. You can leave your comments on my www.facebook.com/howtomodel page or at the bottom of this Vlog.

A frequent question that actors and models ask me is what they should wear when attending a go-see. A go-see is the term used for the model’s audition.

Typically, the model will have two or three photos taken. It happens very quickly. Having the right wardrobe and looking the part is something I feel is important and can help increase your chances of getting cast for the job.

But, you have to be careful. You also don’t want to insult the photographer or client by over dressing. So, watch this video to learn more about what you should wear when attending your next go-see.

Share your experiences with others, by letting us know how you normally dress when attending a go-see. You can leave your comments on my www.facebook.com/howtomodel page or at the bottom of this Vlog.

Many actors and models have told me how it can be hard for them to show believable expressions and many layers of emotions during a modeling job or while attending a go-see. It is difficult for them because they are not saying any lines.

I have had many actors and models tell me that they feel uncomfortable and a bit stiff during the shoot.

Here is a technique that I developed that will make your photos come alive and show the energy that the client, photographer and art and creative director are expecting.

You can read about how to best practice using this technique in my book How to Become a Successful Actor and Model. You can find the book at: https://www.howtoactandmodel.com/book-the-job-book

Share your experiences with others, by letting us know if there are any techniques you use when attending a go-see. You can leave your comments on my www.facebook.com/howtomodel page or at the bottom of this Vlog.

In today’s time there are certain markets within the United States that allow actors to shoot auditions from home. You might be in a situation where you live alone or you have a last minute audition that must be sent in immediately and there is no one available for you to have as a reader.

Here is a great solution to this problem.

Let me and others know about any tips you have when needing to find a reader for an home audition.

You can leave your comments and suggestions at facebook.com/howtomodel or at the bottom of this page.

Watch this video

Avoiding the Agent Acting Scam

Bonuses (these must have bonuses are worth the entire investment of the video!)

Order the Finding a Legitimate Agent and Avoiding an Acting Scam Video Now

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Bonuses (these must have bonuses are worth the entire investment of the video!)

Order the Marketing Yourself Video Now

More about this Survival Jobs Video:

How to Prepare for Your Next Audition

What You Will Learn From the Preparing for Auditions Video:

Bonuses (these must have bonuses are worth the entire investment of the video)!

Order the Video Now

Related Blog:

3 Ways of Doubling Your Chances of Booking a Modeling Job

Free Acting Tips That Actually Help!