I've been attending seminars and events at places like Actors Connection from time to time for a while now. Some people feel it's not appropriate to pay casting directors, CD associates, or agents to see them. While I agree to a certain extent, I find that although I don't expect to hear from these people, for me, being new to the business of acting, I figure that it's good practice to get in front of them in an audition-type situation. Also, I'm getting my face in theirs, so to speak. And of course, you never know.
After these seminars, it's customary to send a thank-you note. Now comes the one thing I have a problem with, and it happens to be with what they call "events." (For your readers who don't know, they usually involve multiple agents and/or CDs in attendance in one sitting.) You usually get sides beforehand and read with a reader, then you get feedback. You pay a lot of money for these things, and when you're finished, getting some kind of feedback, positive or critical, is part of the reason you're there. In some cases, you get a sheet with simple comments ("good," "fair," "poor") on general elements. But it galls me to think that some of them won't show the courtesy of commenting on what they saw.
These people receive money for this—even if it isn't a lot, they still get money. If they can't take a couple of minutes to comment on the work I just did, why should I spend the time and money to send them a thank-you card? My issue is not with what they say; it's that they should say something. You can tell me I stink and I'll still send that card. I guess I'm venting a bit too much here. The bottom line is, if you're going to show these people the professional courtesy of sending them a thank-you card for being there, shouldn't they have the professional courtesy to say something about what you've just presented?
—A Bit Tired Right Now
North Hills, N.Y.
DEAR TIRED:
You know the old saying "You get what you pay for"? Well, I believe it applies to your circumstances, but in a way you might not have anticipated.
When you pay money to be seen by casting people, you're paying to identify yourself as an actor who has to buy opportunities to connect. While I understand the popularity of these "workshops," I'm of the opinion that casting people aren't generally inclined to show much respect to actors who pay them for meetings. And I think sending thank-you notes for opportunities for which you've paid only diminishes your status in their eyes.
Would you thank a movie theater for running the film for which you bought a ticket? Would you send a card to a doctor who saw you at your scheduled appointment? And—even worse—you're telling me that sometimes you're thanking people for sessions in which they barely participated. That gives them even greater cause to look down on you. Let's say you take a girl out on a date. You bring flowers, pick her up, and take her to a great dinner, during which she says nothing. You try your best to make it a nice evening, pay for everything, and drop her off. No goodnight kiss. Not even a kind word. How much respect will she have for you if, a few days later, she gets a thank-you note in the mail?
I believe the reason you're not getting a satisfying amount of feedback is this: Though some "workshop" guests offer great input, advice, and expertise, some are more interested in your money than in being of service to actors. It's also possible they don't know enough about acting to comment with any specificity. I believe that these particular "experts" hope to exert the minimum of effort, collect their checks, and go home, leaving you with the thrill of having met them in person. I don't think they feel obligated to give substantial feedback. You're right: It's discourteous and disrespectful and takes advantage of actors who are trying to build their careers. Am I shocked by the behavior? Absolutely not. This is the status equation that "workshops" cultivate.
But I'm not sure feedback is really what you want. After all, isn't your main purpose in attending to get seen by casting people? Well, you've done that. You've been seen. Why do you need feedback? If you're looking to improve, I suggest taking an acting class with a qualified teacher who'll really get into it with you and help you develop as an artist. That teacher's insights will have more value than those of "workshop" guests who may or may not have acting vocabularies.
You want to be a working actor? Try holding yourself in higher esteem. If you must attend pay-to-meet events, try to do so with dignity and a sense of your own value. Cultivate the idea that these guests will be very glad they got a chance to meet you and see your work, that you're an asset to their files, a real find. Then think about this: Does an actor who fits that description need to grovel, hang on each word of opinion, and thank guests for attending events for which they're paid?
Thank-you notes should be expressions of gratitude that ask nothing in return. If you're the consumer, you should only send a thank-you note to someone who goes above and beyond. If a "workshop" guest spent extra time with you, or took you aside and offered illuminating observations about your work, or volunteered his or her time for free, it would be perfectly right to thank that person. But in the case you describe in your letter, it might be more fitting to write a note that reads, "Dear Casting Person: When I pay for a workshop, I expect more than 'good,' 'fair,' or 'poor.' Aspiring actors aren't rich people. We spend our career-cultivating dollars carefully. If we're paying you to see our work, please do us the professional courtesy of sharing your insights and opinions." While your thank-yous may get tossed in the trash, that's a note that might get noticed, maybe even respected.
I know I've been a bit tough here. I am truly sympathetic to your situation. I just wonder whether we actors can demand courtesy and respect while presenting ourselves as underlings who, when mistreated, answer, "Thank you, sir; may I have another?"
At any rate, it's something to think about.