You “can’t win the lottery if you don’t play,” says Robert Olsen. For that reason, the California-based actor submits as much as possible—and he’s able to do it thanks to Backstage.
Always look to improve.
“Practice your craft! Start a web series if you like camera work…. Practicing more gives you confidence to go in and book some work. Taking classes and working on your craft is always beneficial and [is] something every actor should always do.”
Your comfort zone is not your friend.
“I usually [look for] comedic roles: surfer dudes, college types. I love being the ‘lovable dope.’ But I have been reaching out into more dramatic roles, including villains and criminal types—it’s always good to work on other roles you aren’t comfortable with. It can greatly increase your confidence and your acting range.”
Backstage is for connection.
“I want to share how terrific, fast, and easy Backstage is—not only for finding work, but booking it! I love that you can have contact with filmmakers, producers, and casting directors with direct messaging.”
Try and fail—what’s the worst that can happen?
“Complete as much of your profile as you can: reels, headshots, voiceover reels, etc. The more complete your profile is, the more people from many different outlets can look at and directly contact you. And submit! Submit, submit, submit. Can’t win the lottery if you don’t play.”
Don’t fix what’s not broken.
“[I use Backstage] multiple times a day, in the morning and night and [on] the app on my phone. It even gives me updates letting me know when my customized search has found more roles that fit my criteria. I haven’t booked so much work so quickly with other sites, so why wouldn’t I keep coming back? It’s like finding treasure that keeps giving.”
To see your success story in print, tweet @Backstage using the hashtag #IGotCast.
This story originally appeared in the Sept. 26 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.
And if you haven’t yet been cast, check out Backstage's audition listings!