6 answers
Sydney
Student
Wake Forest
2
Questions
Updated
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What is the best way to get in front of casting directors?
I have dance and theatre experience and am a performing artist. I took some time off and it is still my dream and passion to work in entertainment. I am 33 years old! College doesn't feel like the right fit at my age. I don't have transportation or much means to speak of.
I was working as a data analyst in the technology industry and was laid off. It sounds ridiculous, but it was a real wake up call.
I idolize artists that have made impacts in fashion, music, film, tv, and on the stage. But I am absolutely clueless on what to do.
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6 answers
Joseph D Freda
Actor/Hairdresser
5
Answers
West Hollywood, California
Updated
Joseph D’s Answer
Good morning and I hope this advice finds you well.
You said in your post that you didn’t think higher education was a good fit for you because of your age.
So to start this off, I’m 61 years old and was a student at Theatre Of Arts in Hollywood. There is no such thing in this business is too old.
Secondly, as far as going to a college, your mingling with people like yourself that’s the first thing you want so that you know what’s going on and where auditions might be held.
While I was at the arts, it was brought to my attention that some of the best ways to get in to anything is to first volunteer. Your first goal is to draw attention to you and that would be the first best way.
Please keep in mind that it doesn’t matter what position you hold on the crew at first.
Next thing to consider at one point in school, you would have work, Study. In this instance, you are freelancing your work study ahead of time. There’s a lot of positions available for people that are just starting out. So don’t carry that like a chip on your shoulder. Everyone starts somewhere, and most of the people you’re working with started the same way you are. I got this advice from Keiko Agena (Better Call Saul), who’d spoken to our class that semester.
From firsthand experience and taking her advice, this method has worked for me as well.
You said in your post that you didn’t think higher education was a good fit for you because of your age.
So to start this off, I’m 61 years old and was a student at Theatre Of Arts in Hollywood. There is no such thing in this business is too old.
Secondly, as far as going to a college, your mingling with people like yourself that’s the first thing you want so that you know what’s going on and where auditions might be held.
While I was at the arts, it was brought to my attention that some of the best ways to get in to anything is to first volunteer. Your first goal is to draw attention to you and that would be the first best way.
Please keep in mind that it doesn’t matter what position you hold on the crew at first.
Next thing to consider at one point in school, you would have work, Study. In this instance, you are freelancing your work study ahead of time. There’s a lot of positions available for people that are just starting out. So don’t carry that like a chip on your shoulder. Everyone starts somewhere, and most of the people you’re working with started the same way you are. I got this advice from Keiko Agena (Better Call Saul), who’d spoken to our class that semester.
From firsthand experience and taking her advice, this method has worked for me as well.
I checked out Keiko on imdb and what a talent. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I did a ton of community theatre in HS and in my 20s. I'm glad that I have more perspective now and that you have shared yours. I bet you have some amazing experiences and have lived a beautiful life. I wish you all the success!
Sydney
This helped a lot! My goals have changed, so I asked another question. If you have a moment, will you take a look? Thank you!
Sydney
I'm compelled to follow up....I'm so glad you found my advice useful and that you took the time to respond. That says a lot about your character. I'd like to have you on my team but I don't know how you'd feel about the project, other links are there. You made my evening more special.
Joseph D Freda
Zhuolong Li
Film Director, Writer, Producer
3
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Zhuolong’s Answer
You may have more experience than me in many aspects, so I will try to explain it based on my limited understanding :)
Acting is never late, it doesn't have any age limit. There are three factors when a casting director needs an actor for their film:
1. Apprence, if it fits the character.
(Top importance, so if they don't think you fit it, it is not always about skills.)
2. Acting skill.
3. Acting experience.
Therefore there are two things to prepare for:
1. Self-tape, 30 seconds of video introducing yourself and demonstrating your skills.
2. Reel, max 2 mins of video of all your previous acting projects.
Then consider going to the casting platform, like https://www.backstage.com/. The general start trail of an actor will be:
1. Find a student film/theater project, and apply to it if it fits your schedule.
(Short films generally don't pay actors, so please do it as a part-time.)
2. Record and submit a self-tape for that particular project so they know you care and you are capable.
(Usually, the casting director will post a page of screenplay to show the basic idea of the film, you can act on that.)
3. If they think you are a fit, they will ask you for an interview, online or in person.
(The casting director will send you one page of screenplay for you to act during the interview. The director will give you multiple directions of acting, maybe all contrary characteristics, to test if you can follow the directions.)
Actors in their 30s are in demand in student films. Because the majority of actors in their 30s don't even look at those unpaid positions.
If you get a position, just follow the crew call and you will receive your acting result in that film after about a month. Then you can start editing your reels. Repeat, and one day you will be able to apply for paid acting positions.
Some tips:
1. Find your character. Finding what character is your best hand will boost your acting path.
2. Join an actor's union (like https://www.sagaftra.org/) if you have built a decent experience. The union will have resources connecting large productions. Professional Casting Directors will contact the union first, so they save time and effort filtering inexperienced candidates. But some unions are exclusive, meaning they won't allow you to join any project except the production is permitted by the union.
I hope you will be a big star on-screen one day :)
Acting is never late, it doesn't have any age limit. There are three factors when a casting director needs an actor for their film:
1. Apprence, if it fits the character.
(Top importance, so if they don't think you fit it, it is not always about skills.)
2. Acting skill.
3. Acting experience.
Therefore there are two things to prepare for:
1. Self-tape, 30 seconds of video introducing yourself and demonstrating your skills.
2. Reel, max 2 mins of video of all your previous acting projects.
Then consider going to the casting platform, like https://www.backstage.com/. The general start trail of an actor will be:
1. Find a student film/theater project, and apply to it if it fits your schedule.
(Short films generally don't pay actors, so please do it as a part-time.)
2. Record and submit a self-tape for that particular project so they know you care and you are capable.
(Usually, the casting director will post a page of screenplay to show the basic idea of the film, you can act on that.)
3. If they think you are a fit, they will ask you for an interview, online or in person.
(The casting director will send you one page of screenplay for you to act during the interview. The director will give you multiple directions of acting, maybe all contrary characteristics, to test if you can follow the directions.)
Actors in their 30s are in demand in student films. Because the majority of actors in their 30s don't even look at those unpaid positions.
If you get a position, just follow the crew call and you will receive your acting result in that film after about a month. Then you can start editing your reels. Repeat, and one day you will be able to apply for paid acting positions.
Some tips:
1. Find your character. Finding what character is your best hand will boost your acting path.
2. Join an actor's union (like https://www.sagaftra.org/) if you have built a decent experience. The union will have resources connecting large productions. Professional Casting Directors will contact the union first, so they save time and effort filtering inexperienced candidates. But some unions are exclusive, meaning they won't allow you to join any project except the production is permitted by the union.
I hope you will be a big star on-screen one day :)
This is excellent advice, Zhuolong. Unfortunately, backpage subscription is not affordable to my budget so I will need to save and use https://actorsaccess.com as another commenter mentioned. I think student films will be the best way for me to get experience for now. I appreciate your time and encouragement. I hope to see you on set soon!
Sydney
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Sydney !
So glad you are asking more good questions ! I believe that I can suggest some doable advice that you can start to see things happening. I preface this with letting you know that you are not too old or old at all ! When I was a young acting student in college (and you'll see it in community acting classes) there were people in their 40's and 50's in college and taking acting classes ! There's always a need for every age in acting. So here is my advice for you, take it slow and deliberately !
First thing to start out is to enroll at your local community college and take beginning acting. Next semester take intermediate acting. At the same time, connect with Actors Group. Part of training as an actor is being there. Nothing is solitary about this career. You have to start networking and letting people get to know you. By doing this, you never know what opportunities will be presented to you. Sharpen your skills, make new friends that are like-minded such as fellow actors and directors. This is going to jumpstart your re-entry into the field. It's a people oriented business. So take some small active steps that will anchor you and let things flow naturally.
That you have spent some good years as a data analyst is wonderful, not ridiculous as you've said. You have great life experience to bring to a role. All actors and performers come to the career at different points in their lives. Performing transcends age or any other perceived barriers. People have done it as infants as well as into their 80's. So I believe that you can do it. It is difficult if or when one doesn't have the information or support, but I think community college acting classes and Actors Group can give you the reassurance that this can be done. Take it slow now and you will progress towards the other steps that actors do.
About casting websites if you feel you are ready to work, you can register with Actors Access and All Casting. Check out other casting websites, too but make sure that they are ones for which you do not have to pay for work. Backstage is very strict and wants you to pay in order to submit your materials for work. That's fine if you don't mind paying, but I strictly follow the old school process that no one in any career should pay anyone in order to obtain work. Direct Submit is a good one that you can check out and register at. No one has to pay. I left the link below and even though it says New York, they send out casting notices for all around the country, so it's not New York based. The free ones I use are very local and wouldn't have casting for North Carolina.
So, it's perfectly fine to gradually get yourself back into the swing of it. As you are around others, you will learn and see what to do. It is an exciting time rekindling a career again, putting your whole heart, mind and body into it. Your individual and unique contribution to the entertainment industry is very important and it's important to not underestimate or overestimate the possibilities - your possibilities. Take it one step at a time.
Definitely ask more questions because we are happy to help out. Don't let anything stop you from taking that first step. I wish you all the best and know that you can do this !
ACTORS GROUP ~ IN WINSTON-SALEM NORTH CAROLINA https://www.actorsgroup.net/
ALL CASTING https://allcasting.com/castingcalls/in-winstonsalemnc
DIRECT SUBMIT https://www.nycastings.com/
So glad you are asking more good questions ! I believe that I can suggest some doable advice that you can start to see things happening. I preface this with letting you know that you are not too old or old at all ! When I was a young acting student in college (and you'll see it in community acting classes) there were people in their 40's and 50's in college and taking acting classes ! There's always a need for every age in acting. So here is my advice for you, take it slow and deliberately !
First thing to start out is to enroll at your local community college and take beginning acting. Next semester take intermediate acting. At the same time, connect with Actors Group. Part of training as an actor is being there. Nothing is solitary about this career. You have to start networking and letting people get to know you. By doing this, you never know what opportunities will be presented to you. Sharpen your skills, make new friends that are like-minded such as fellow actors and directors. This is going to jumpstart your re-entry into the field. It's a people oriented business. So take some small active steps that will anchor you and let things flow naturally.
That you have spent some good years as a data analyst is wonderful, not ridiculous as you've said. You have great life experience to bring to a role. All actors and performers come to the career at different points in their lives. Performing transcends age or any other perceived barriers. People have done it as infants as well as into their 80's. So I believe that you can do it. It is difficult if or when one doesn't have the information or support, but I think community college acting classes and Actors Group can give you the reassurance that this can be done. Take it slow now and you will progress towards the other steps that actors do.
About casting websites if you feel you are ready to work, you can register with Actors Access and All Casting. Check out other casting websites, too but make sure that they are ones for which you do not have to pay for work. Backstage is very strict and wants you to pay in order to submit your materials for work. That's fine if you don't mind paying, but I strictly follow the old school process that no one in any career should pay anyone in order to obtain work. Direct Submit is a good one that you can check out and register at. No one has to pay. I left the link below and even though it says New York, they send out casting notices for all around the country, so it's not New York based. The free ones I use are very local and wouldn't have casting for North Carolina.
So, it's perfectly fine to gradually get yourself back into the swing of it. As you are around others, you will learn and see what to do. It is an exciting time rekindling a career again, putting your whole heart, mind and body into it. Your individual and unique contribution to the entertainment industry is very important and it's important to not underestimate or overestimate the possibilities - your possibilities. Take it one step at a time.
Definitely ask more questions because we are happy to help out. Don't let anything stop you from taking that first step. I wish you all the best and know that you can do this !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
This is amazing! I really needed it. I am likely going to need to relocate due to rent prices, but I am hoping that these links will have opportunities in my area. Your encouragement and belief means the world. Thank you!
Sydney
Hello, Sydney - I just wanted to address something about the actor's union so that you can get a clearer picture. Just because an actor is a member of SAG does not mean that they are professional. Anyone can join the union if they pay the initial fee and continue to pay the membership dues whether they work or not. Many people not in the unions get paid for their acting work. Also, some productions cast a combination of union and non-union actors for roles in the same production. It has to do with pay rate, not if a person is talented or not. Union membership is a business first and foremost. You can consider yourself a professional actor once you start getting paid for your acting. Hope this helps.
Michelle M.
Sydney, you are very welcome for the advice ! Have a good time exploring and meeting all the new people. At some point, you will be the one helping others !
Michelle M.
Joseph D Freda
Actor/Hairdresser
5
Answers
West Hollywood, California
Updated
Joseph D’s Answer
As for all of this, you said school wasn't a fit.....studying the craft doesn't fit? You're on a learning curve for the rest of your life in this biz. When I read that, I thought, wait....I just told him some great advice that I got when I was attending Theatre Of Arts Hollywood for my AA. If not there, several other acting schools are here, some accredited. UCLA has a great program and they have housing. I'd remind you that most of the 'leads' I got came from there as well....even volunteer work, that turned into a paying gig.
You need to 'get in their face' any way you can. You have other skills that are useful ON SET.....one thing leads to another...
Also, for side gig.....I can help with that more directly....my LLC
You need to 'get in their face' any way you can. You have other skills that are useful ON SET.....one thing leads to another...
Also, for side gig.....I can help with that more directly....my LLC
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hi Sydney! To get in front of casting directors, focus on building a strong resume by taking on diverse roles in student films, community theater, or independent projects. Networking is crucial, so attend industry events, workshops, and film festivals to connect with actors, filmmakers, and casting agents. An online portfolio showcasing your work can enhance your visibility, while having a reputable talent agent can open doors to auditions. Regularly check casting calls and seize every opportunity to audition, as practice is essential. Finally, invest in acting classes to refine your skills and remain persistent; resilience in the face of rejection is key to success in this industry. Good luck!
Yingna Wu
Film director / producer
15
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Yingna’s Answer
Hi, first of all, you are not too old to be a student, at age 33. There's always education opportunities available. Don't let age be your barrier.
If dancing, acting is truly your passion, then definitely go for it. Meanwhile, think about a way to make a living, if not in the tech industry. Anything that can sustain your life.
Then watch your favorite movies, attend whatever acting workshops or programs availble, practice in other people's films (including student films) whenever there's a chance. Slowly you will be able to build your reels.
Lastly, I don't think you need to be concerned about what casting directors want. If you are really good, you will shine.
Good luck!
If dancing, acting is truly your passion, then definitely go for it. Meanwhile, think about a way to make a living, if not in the tech industry. Anything that can sustain your life.
Then watch your favorite movies, attend whatever acting workshops or programs availble, practice in other people's films (including student films) whenever there's a chance. Slowly you will be able to build your reels.
Lastly, I don't think you need to be concerned about what casting directors want. If you are really good, you will shine.
Good luck!