The Working Actor

Friends With Career Benefits

What avenues are there to pursue to ease your way into having a connection without appearing to be an overly ambitious opportunist?

Fears and Nerves

"I have no reel. I have done three indies, four plays, and three local/Web commercials. I have some training. Should I even have the nerve to send headshots and résumés to agents?"

A 'Working Actor' Success Story

"I'm a teen living on the East Coast. This sounds extremely cliché, but I can't even explain to you in words how much I love acting. I am now ready to start my career in television and in feature films."

It's Indie Mail, Commission Impossible

"Does it make sense to send my material to a director's agent or representative if I cannot find his or her company's address?"

Travel Inclination, EPA Irritation

Youth is a valuable commodity, but your life should be your first priority, and if you have a chance to travel extensively, it's my strong opinion that you should take it.

Stop Signs, Early Checkout

I believe acting is a calling. If it's your calling, then you've simply got to do it. If you haven't yet found the person who sees your gifts and wants to cast you, that's fine. It doesn't matter. Keep learning. Keep offering your talents.

Stage Door Solicitation, Workshop Confirmation

Is standing outside a stage door to meet someone and promote yourself shady and/or pushy? I feel this is not a good career move, but the photographer feels differently.

Disney Dilemma, Forgoing Feedback

I would love to work on a Disney show. And I'm sure my 4-year-old would love it too. Though I live in New York, I would do whatever it took to go to California for work as well. Can you suggest someone I can email my info to?

O, Canada!, Manager Matchmaker

My question is: How do I balance auditioning, preparing for auditions, and working enough to make a living?

How To Quit the Business

At a certain point, some performers—even highly successful ones—find that these dangling carrots no longer offer enough incentive to continue the sometimes disheartening pursuit of an acting career.