With 14 years of acting experience under her belt, Sonja Ann Jones knows what it means to grind till you shine.
Nothing worthwhile comes easy.
“Never give up! If you want it bad enough, you have to keep working hard. Try new things, learn your craft, and keep reinventing yourself. My success has come from learning to never give up and my ability to remain persistent.”
This industry is about who you know, and Backstage can help you meet them.
“I love Backstage! [I’ve used it] every day for over 14 years. I have met a lot of casting directors, actors, and filmmakers through Backstage, and I actively keep up with my relationships. For example, a big project I booked on Backstage was a pilot over five years ago. I still keep in touch with everyone from the project.”
There’s a role out there for everyone if you know where to look.
“I look for comedy and drama acting roles in movies and TV shows. I also look for commercials and voiceover work.”
When it comes to putting together your reel, ask for help.
“I worked with my manager on selecting a scene and [had it shot] it by a professional reel company. Find scenes you like that showcase your talent.”
To see your success story in print, tweet @Backstage using the hashtag #IGotCast.
This story originally appeared in the Feb. 25 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.
And if you haven’t yet been cast, check out Backstage's audition listings!