Jarod Lindsey found refuge in acting; now, he gives his all to every role.
Performing can be more than just a job.
“Acting saved me. I was in a really dark place in my life, and this beautiful art form became a sanctuary for me. Acting is an arena where you can freely express yourself through all of your vulnerabilities, and I did just that.”
Get everything you need as an actor in order.
“Stay ready so you won’t have to get ready. Train, take classes and workshops, submit yourself to projects, get a demo reel, and keep your headshots up to date. When all of these things work together in unison, you just might carve out a career for yourself—or at the very least, land an agent or manager.”
There’s value in being reliable.
“I’ve realized the right individuals will take notice as long as you continue to do great work. You’d be surprised how many fans you make in front of the camera, behind the camera, and in the casting offices when you show up and remain consistent.”
How To Make a Demo Reel Your reel is your best first impression.
“Your first major starring vehicle should be your demo reel. It doesn’t matter if I’ve acted alongside an Academy Award winner; in my reel, I am the star! I don’t have a fancy introduction: I get straight to the meat and potatoes and start with my best clip, and I always keep it under three minutes. If I’m not prominently featured in my reel and the opposite actor is, it confuses the viewer and can potentially lead to losing out on roles. Lastly, quality is a must! I’ve come to realize that no matter how brilliant an actor you are, if your demo reel is extremely low quality, you’re essentially forfeiting the game before it even starts.”
Get in the mind of every character you portray.
“With larger auditions, I continuously bring my authentic self and use that energy to present my best interpretation of the character. How does my character serve the story? What’s their purpose? I am a tactician, so understanding these nuances helps me strategize how to dissect a character with complexities, versus someone who may solely be a necessary force to drive the story along. Lastly, I make sure to have fun. Can’t forget that!”
This story originally appeared in the Jan. 19 issue of Backstage Magazine.
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