Susan Bianchi turned a personal tragedy into a catalyst for change. “After my husband of 26 years passed away, the fragility of life became so apparent that I decided it was time to change course and pursue my dreams,” she says. Here’s how she did it.
Set a daily goal.
“I have always had a passion for film and acting. Without any direction, I turned to the internet and found Backstage. Upon signing up, I made it a goal to submit at least one or more applications every day. It didn’t take long before I started landing small jobs.”
Find opportunities wherever you can.
“Those new to the world of acting should take small jobs to gain experience and confidence. My first film was an unpaid student film, and I learned so much from that experience.”
Persistence is key.
“Casting is a strange science…. Keep applying! You will be the right fit for many projects, but it takes patience.”
Follow self-tape instructions.
“When an audition provides a script, I make sure that I memorize the lines. [When submitting self-tapes,] I read the directions multiple times to make sure that I have followed all of the guidelines, such as [whether to choose] vertical or horizontal filming. I also attempt to film most self-tape auditions during the day for the best lighting, and utilize a ring light and greenscreen when appropriate.”
Punctuality is professional.
“I find that by providing timely, quality work, you have an excellent chance of receiving multiple assignments from the same directors. If edits are required, I make sure that I get them completed immediately, and I never submit subpar work. I have attended a number of virtual classes…. And I try to get my face in front of as many casting directors as possible.”
This story originally appeared in the Feb. 8 issue of Backstage Magazine.