The Working Actor

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!"

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.

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?

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?

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?

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.

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; I had to be shorter than 5 feet 5 inches and of white European descent.

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).

For Me! For Me?

I wanted to ask for your advice on researching and joining theater companies. I feel silly asking this question, because it feels like I should know the answer, being from New York.

Top 10 Questions Actors Want Answered

There's no simple route. Getting a good agent is not something you can spend a great deal of time working on directly.