Brian Hoyson has booked everything from background roles to voiceover gigs; here’s some advice he has for his fellow actors.
Know why you came to this career in the first place.
“I’ve wanted to be an actor ever since I put on a talent show for my parents in our family’s basement. It went really poorly, but the joy of performing in front of other people has never left me. If anything, it’s become even more fun and rewarding as I’ve gotten older.”
Acting training is helpful in more ways than one.
“Taking classes is a great way to meet people in this amazing community. Not only do you get to work on your craft, but chances are you’ll meet incredibly talented actors, writers, and directors who you will hopefully get to work with.”
Try to have a good time.
“Have fun. That’s, like, the entire point of this journey, right? And even when it gets hard, which it will, give yourself some grace and remind yourself that everything good and important takes time, and you’re doing the best that you can.”
Only you can decide what’s best to put on your reel.
“For my voiceover reel, including as much variety as possible really helps to showcase all the cool and funny sounds and voices I can make. It’s also important to include the material that brings me the most joy, because if I can’t enjoy it, how can I expect a casting director to?”
The first step is often the biggest.
“Submit for as many things as you can at the highest quality that you can. This business is such a numbers game that the very act of submitting for something is a win in and of itself. Be proud that you took the time and energy to share your gift with someone else. That being said, put your best foot forward when submitting and never half-ass an audition or submission.”
This story originally appeared in the Sept. 7 issue of Backstage Magazine.