Classes Query, Need for Nerves
I realized that when I'm super-nervous, I do much better. But once I realized that, I stopped getting nervous and therefore lost all the nervous energy. More »

Stuck in Rep, Pay to Play
"It was with a mix of relief and sadness that I recognized the agent in question in your recent column ["Arrivederci A******," Oct. 29, 2009]. Because, unfortunately, I'm signed with him." More »

Facebook Manners
"If a casting assistant I have read for several times is on Facebook, would it be weird for me to add him as a friend? I don't know him outside of those couple of auditions I have done for him." More »

Contact Hi, Teen Has-Been
"Do I even have a shot? I'm not asking if I'm good enough. You probably can't tell me that through an email! But am I too old to keep this "silly" dream alive?" More »

Simple Resolutions
This year I'd like to take a stab at some less overarching but altogether worthwhile objectives. Use these resolutions to get started on some practical goals of your own. More »

Character Traits
"A coach told me, 'You're too smart for your own good.' So shall I train myself to conceal that intelligence and perhaps spend more time at the gym?" More »

Agency Blues, AFTRA Dues
"I signed with my agent before I knew much about the industry. I know now that I should have gotten more experience and training before seeking representation." More »

Road Rage
"I recently went through a rough experience involving my first professional tour and am desperately seeking advice on the situation." More »

Dues Discussion
"I have a difficult time understanding how the unions are protecting the "working actor," and I am hoping you can help to clear something up for me." More »

Praise and Pass, Scouting Troupe
Do you know of or recommend any theater companies in town where I can work with an acting family–type atmosphere? More »

Father Ponders Fi-Core
My daughters have only done background work for the past two years. They accumulated waivers, and I was misinformed and told to join the Screen Actors Guild, which I did. More »

Tough Type, The Card Fairy
"I've been an actor for 20 years. I just moved to New York from Chicago, where no matter what I did—and I tried everything—I couldn't get into the union." More »

Representative Resistance
I met with an agent yesterday, and although she offered to sign me, I feel strangely unhappy. More »

Arrivederci, A******
"I recently interviewed with a new agent. While the office impressed me, there were some red flags." More »

Timing Tiff, Sexist Stiff
"I’m acting in a short film and I’m having a problem with the director. He is really dismissive of me and makes weird, sexist comments about me, right in front of my face." More »

Cash on the Dresser, Quitting Time
"It feels like it's really time for me to submit my two-week notice at my survival job. The No. 1 reason is that it leaves me out of energy when I'm done at 5:30." More »

Residual Reassurance, Group Dynamic
"If my son has a credited principal role in a major motion picture, will he still get residuals if he's nonunion?" More »

Papa Was a Working Actor
"I was wondering if you had any success stories about being a parent and an actor and somehow maintaining sanity." More »

Flash in the Pan, Unkindest Cut
"I have a question that is too tough to ask of people in a position to hire me, so I beg for your help!" More »

Desperate Acts, Moving Pictures
Does the Screen Actors Guild realistically expect struggling, out-of-work actors to turn down nonunion work? Times are hard, and SAG isn't making it any easier. More »

Reasonable Request, Accidental Advantage
Is it too much to ask for the script before committing to a project? Or are starving actors supposed to take anything without asking any questions? More »

Space Case, Thai Ties
Is it considered unethical for an actor to use a gimmick or shtick to leapfrog over other struggling actors and get ahead in the business? More »

Bathing Suits, Onscreen Looks
I've never, ever had this happen before. Have you ever been asked to bring a bathing suit to change into at a first audition, since the role calls for it? Is this a scam? More »

Extra Benefits
A certain casting office hired me for three days. They fitted me in a period costume and wanted my hair to be all one color. More »

Profile Purpose, Feedback Foul
I cast extras and principals with Extra Talent Agency, and I have to disagree with a statement in your recent column "Rotten Request, Dumping a CD" (June 18–24). More »