Keeping an open mind is important for Trystan Colburn. However, he also knows how special it is to find a role that he relates to deeply.
Backstage brings roles to you.
“Backstage has a lot of quality casting calls of all levels. It’s nice to see what’s casting and what I would be a good fit for. I love it when I find an LGBTQ+ role that I believe would be a good match, because I get to shine in a way I couldn’t in other roles.”
Opportunities to learn are all around you.
“Being on set is a great opportunity to connect and hear about other artists’ journeys. It’s all a learning experience in which you get to decide what may work for you and what won’t.”
Patience and honesty go a long way.
“My best advice [is] to just be yourself. Be patient and honest with yourself. Even if you don’t know who you are or feel like you’re lost, trust that you’ll find your way eventually.”
Let your reel do the talking.
“Find moments that showcase your best performance. Don’t worry about context; casting directors don’t want to see what the project is about. They just want to see you at your best. It can be time-consuming to find the right moments and edit them together, but the result is worth it.”
Every second of your reel counts.
“When editing your reel, don’t add an intro or ending with your name and other info unless your representation specifically asks this from you. It’s a waste of time and space. Just go straight into the juicy stuff.”
Feedback is a tool, not a weapon.
“Get a second, third, fourth opinion about your reel. The more feedback you get, the more you’ll see what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to ask acquaintances and strangers, too. The less someone knows you, the more honest a first-impression answer they’ll give you.”
To see your success story in print, tweet @Backstage using the hashtag #IGotCast.
This story originally appeared in the Oct. 22 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.
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