Matt Fletcher
Theatrical agent and head of youth division, Acme Talent & Literary, Los Angeles
One of the biggest things is not listening to their representation. I am not saying this because I'm an agent but because it's true. Agents and managers are professionals who provide professional guidance for an actor's career, from the headshot to the acting coach, the projects they should or should not do, etc.
One of my favorites is headshots. So many actors don't look at headshots as an investment for their career and will choose to shoot with a cheaper photographer, who does not always get the best picture. What the actor doesn't realize is that picture is the first impression you make with an agent, casting director, producer, director, studio exec, etc. The picture has to grab everyone's attention. And with most everything being done electronically, it has to grab everyone's attention from a thumbnail. As I say to my clients, if I see your picture every day and it doesn't grab my attention, think what's happening when I submit you on a project.
The other thing I think can sabotage an actor's career is when an actor feels he or she should not do a television show because it's on cable or a kids network, such as Disney or Nickelodeon. If we look at recent history, the shows on these networks are the Emmy winners and star makers, so unless you have offers all around town, don't cut your nose off to spite your face.
A couple of other things: Don't be late to agent meetings or auditions. Don't make excuses. Never, ever crash an audition. And don't gossip in the waiting room of an audition — people are listening.
Ashley Knox
Commercial and theatrical agent, Hervey/Grimes Talent Agency, Los Angeles
1) Going into an audition or meeting unprepared. This includes not knowing information on the role, the casting director, or the rep's office or agency you're meeting.
2) Showing up late to auditions, meetings, fittings. This really needs no explanation, but many do it. Stop!
3) Headshots that are more glamour shots than a true reflection of you and your talents. We want to see the same person in this picture standing in front of us.
4) Crashing auditions. Once in a very, very tiny while, it might work. But more times it will not.
5) Failing to take proper training. Get into class; the worst that can happen is you will only become a better actor.
Michael Goddard
Theatrical agent, Nicolosi & Co., New York
Actors sabotage themselves by staying too much in their heads and not being present for their auditions. So many times actors are overthinking and overpreparing, so that their read doesn't sound organic or natural; it sounds too planned and prepared. And if a casting director doesn't see any room for growth or the ability to take direction, then the audition can just stop right there. I encourage actors to be prepared, but also to leave room for direction and spontaneity in the room — it keeps it fresh.
Carole J. Russo
Theatrical agent and owner, Agents for the Arts, New York
First of all, actors should never be late. If you're going on an audition, always be prepared. If it's a musical audition, always have alternative choices, because very often they'll say, "Come in and sing something that's in the style of the show," and if you don't know what it is and you haven't researched it, you could be in a great deal of trouble. Always research it. And if somebody gives you an audition, have the intelligence to ask them, "What style of music do you want? How much do you want me to sing? And would you prefer something that's up or ballad?" But you should always have enough material prepared.
It's important to present yourself properly. You don't have to be in costume, but contingent on what the character you're auditioning for is, be it musical or dramatic, you should dress appropriately. And then it's all about attitude. Put your best face on. I think one of the biggest mistakes that young people who are recent graduates from universities and go to New York or Los Angeles make is that everybody wants to be a star. Well, God bless 'em, but what does your résumé say that you're qualified to be at the moment? You have to be willing to start before you finish. That's a mistake a lot of kids make: "I want to play this role on Broadway." Well, good. What have you got to back it up? I think the kindest thing we can do, and what I always try to tell them, is look at the regionals. Start somewhere. Begin.
— Sarah Kuhn