Blog
This Was a Really Bad Experience With an Agent
Sometimes we run into really bad experiences with agents. This happened to me a while ago. I want to share it with you so that you handle this type of situation better than I did. Like with many things in this industry, even after being a full-time actor for more than 30 years, I am […]
What to Say to an Agent When Work is Slow
If you are an actor or model and finding that work is slow, what should you say to your agent to make things change? First, keep in mind, that everyone has slow periods throughout their career. If you happen to be fortunate enough to be a series regular on a show that runs for years, […]
Is Someone Out to Get Us?
Sometimes it feels like someone is out to get us and make life as difficult and frustrating as possible. I recently was in a situation where I had 4 possible job opportunities that all feel on days where I was not available. Part of the time was while I was giving workshops out of town […]
Should You Pay Attention to the Writers Notes in a Script?
When you are reading a script, sometimes you will find writers notes. A question that I hear a lot is whether an actor should pay attention to the writers notes. Absolutely. Always pay attention to them. But, the real question is, should you follow the suggestions. NOT NECESSARILY You are not a puppet for the […]
Secrets to Getting People to Know You on a Set
I don’t believe when people say that in order to have success in the acting and modeling industry it is all about who you know. I actually believe the saying should be “Who knows you.” That is why, if you are working as an extra on a film, TV show or even on a TV […]
Doing this Can be Bad For Your Career
I just did something that I knew could either be good or possibly bad for my career and for me personally. This is something that I generally tell actors not to do, but I decided to take a gamble and give it a shot. Doing This Could Get You in Trouble After submitting your head […]
Great Way to Hold the Sides During an Audition
There are many ways that people hold their sides (the short portion of the script they read) during an audition. Some people always memorize their sides, but even if you have know your lines, you should always have the sides in your hands in case you get stuck during your audition. Getting Stuck This happens […]
How to Be Proactive and Book More Jobs
Some actors and models think they can book acting and modeling jobs by sitting at home and wait for their cell to ring. The fact is that no matter how talented you are, if you are not proactive and aren’t working at getting jobs, it can be very hard to have success. It is not […]
4 Things You Can Do to Help Your Agent Get You More Work – Video
I was recently asked to help find talent for a few business video projects. I had the chance to get a glimpse into the life of an agent. It was a great experience for me. I always knew that agents work incredibly hard, but it was so interesting to see how much detailed work goes […]
Can You Ask Your Agent This Question?
It is very exciting to get news about an audition or go-see (the audition for models.) But there is a problem and you aren’t sure if you can ask your agent this question. When is it OK to Ask Your Agent for a Favor I was recently in a situation where I was told about […]
How The Actor John Mahoney Changed My Life
Life Altering Conversation We all have different people who have greatly influenced our lives. Sometimes people don’t even intend or try to have a major impact, but perhaps something they say or do can be life altering. The late actor John Mahoney had a major influence on the way I live my life. Back in […]
Do you live in a small market and can’t find acting or modeling work? Try this!
Do you live in a small market, and can’t find acting or modeling jobs? What is a Small Market? A small market is any state outside of, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and perhaps Atlanta. Most people think that there are no acting or modeling jobs available if you live in a small market. However, […]
What Many Actors Forget to Put on Their Resume
Many people don’t know what they should or should not place on their acting resume. And, lot’s of people have no idea how important an acting resume can be for an actor, but for a reason that will surprise you. If you are just getting started in the acting industry then you won’t have any […]
Do Actors Have to Memorize Lines for an Audition?
As an acting and modeling career coach and guest speaker, one of the most frequent questions I receive is: “do actors need to memorize lines before an audition?” Even though this is a pretty simple and straightforward question, the answer is actually rather complicated. If the casting director says that all actors need to be off-book […]
Never Do This at a Film, TV or Commercial Audition
Going to a film, TV or commercial audition can be a lot of fun. It can also be an extremely stressful. Sometimes it can be even more stressful than getting booked and working on the set. That is why it is so important not worry about booking the TV, film, commercial or voice over project […]
This is When You Need to Say No to an Agent
When actors and models receive a notice that we have gotten a booking, it is a very exciting. Booking jobs can be very hard and to hear that we got cast, helps make all of the hard work we have done worthwhile. That is why it is so hard to say no to an agent […]
Signing This Modeling Contract Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars
If you ever get the opportunity to work on a commercial modeling job, you will be asked to sign a model a modeling contract on the set. It is called a model release form. This is a legal document that gives the photographer permission to use your image. The model release form has to be […]
True False: Are You Too Old to Model?
True False: Are You Too Old to Model? By Aaron Marcus For Backstage Have you ever looked at an ad and thought, “I’d love to get into commercial modeling, but I think I’m too old”? Well, think again! Unlike fashion modeling—which requires women be between 5’9-6’0 feet tall with 34/24/34 measurements, and men to be […]
You Should Do This at Every Audition
Here is something you need to do at every audition. When you first arrive at an audition you might be freaking out. That is pretty normal. Even for experienced actors. You need to use your acting skills and not let that be seen by the casting director or anyone else in the casting room. You […]
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