Start prepping for the new year with a new you, equipped with the knowledge you need to succeed! Our Backstage Experts are full of amazing advice to help move your career forward, and we wouldn’t want you to miss one drop of it. Here are five tips to keep in mind during the week ahead!
Make sure your name represents who you are.
“Of course, just like people, all names come from somewhere. However, if your name clearly comes from a specific place and you look like you come from someplace else entirely, you might consider using a show name. For instance, a fair, blonde Latina who does not speak Spanish may choose a show name that conceals or obscures her heritage. If your name suggests a strong identification with a language other than English, a stage name might be something to consider.” —Mae Ross
Stay present in the casting room.
“People hire people they like, but how can they like you if you’re not present? You need to show up in the room as a fully dimensional human being who has nothing else on their mind than being present for the people and the experience in front of you. Just as in the work, if you have no experience in your body and mind of what it feels like to be completely present, if you’re a multi-tasking fiend who does no less than four things at once, you’ll appear in the room as fractured, neurotic, and weak.” —Craig Wallace
Don’t let the plot surprise you.
“By reading the book in advance, you will be well equipped to tell the story and sound like the omniscient narrator you are meant to be. The understanding you’ll gain will map out a vision for your read while helping you stay true to the author’s intent. Developing believable, sustainable characters is much easier when you have the benefit of the full picture. When all the information is on the table, details that are revealed later in the book about a character will not catch you off guard. Who wants to record six chapters of narration only to find that in Chapter 7, one of the main characters suddenly has a Hungarian accent? Doing your research saves you time in the long run and prevents costly mistakes.” —Stephanie Ciccarelli
Get your own glam squad.
“Once you’ve got your look, essence, and outfits pulled together, then it’s time to schedule the [headshot] shoot. Always have a professional do the hair and makeup, even if you’re a dude. Again, the headshot photographers I use provide this as a matter of course, but you cannot skimp on this. You need someone whose eyes are on your hair, skin, and clothes (like weird wrinkles, bunches, or folds), while the photographer is focused on performance, lighting, and composition.” —Shaan Sharma
Make sure your face reflects your emotions.
“Your face reflects your soul. It’s that powerfully transparent. When you wait, listen for an internal cue, and trust it, what emanates from your hearts and souls is profoundly, personally yours. And, emotions specific to fulfilling your objective will emerge when they have an objective to ride out upon. This is what the creative team and your audience are waiting for—this marriage of emotion with objective.” —Kimberly Vaughn
Like this advice? Check out more from our Backstage Experts!
