Tips for Parents: Get More Auditions for Young Actors
In this video we are talking about my tips for getting more auditions & being known in the industry. In this industry, there are so many important people! Agents, Managers, Casting Directors, Directors, Writers, etc. The reality is, unless you are interacting with folks, people will forget you exist....and we can't have that! The more the Industry Professionals are thinking of you, the more auditions you will get.
Hi my name is Jazelle, I am an acting coach in NYC as well as an actor, so I know how difficult it is to start a career in this industry. I just want to help you make it a little bit easier.
It's not enough to submitted your self on Actors Access, Casting Networks, etc. etc. There's so many other things you could be doing!
Workshops
This is where you can come in and ask questions and perform for Industry Professionals. I love these because it allows you to meet people you probably otherwise couldn't get in front of. Not everyone loves workshops and showcases, but I swear by them. Now there is a right and wrong way to go about them, and if you want a whole video on that, let me know in the comments below.
Let me tell you about one of my students, she was struggling to get auditions from this specific casting director, mostly because CD's want to bring in people they know can do the job. And if you're new, they’re just not sure. Anyway she goes in for the workshop and ends up getting an audition for her a month later. Coincidence...I think not. Workshops are also great for seeing Industry Professionals who haven't called you in for a while, or who are calling you in but you aren't booking. It's a great chance for them to give you some specific feedback because you already have a relationship with them.
Now after you see them, make sure to add it to your Industry Notes.
IMDb
Most people know this as the spot to go to find the actor you recognize but just can't remember their name. Well, it is so much more than that. My favorite way to use it, is to search different industry folks to see what projects they have worked on or just finished. Now the Pro version, takes it a little further and you can see all of the phone numbers, email addresses, & addresses of the Industry Professionals....use responsibly.
Keep lists of the people in the Industry
You have to do it... especially if you have a memory like mine. If you cannot name every casting director you have ever auditioned for, how many times they have called you back, and when you've been on hold or booked by them...you need to take notes. Now I've made a whole video about this when it comes to auditions, that I will link up now....but this is on an even bigger scale, auditions, workshops, meetings, referrals, friends in the industry & their connections.
Set up google alerts
You want to be the first person to congratulate a CD on their Tony nom or on a new project they maybe working on. But staying on top of that is impossible. Enter, google alerts. It allows you to receive emails when new news breaks on the internet about any given topic. Want to know everything going on with Carmen Cuba, set up a google alert so you never miss a beat. I even have google alerts set up for my name!
Post Cards & Emails
If you were a business owner or a dentist, you would send out newsletters and postcards to get customers in the door. Well, you are a business owner, you are CEO of your career. When you land a big gig, send an email or a postcard to the people on your Industry list. Let them know you are booked and blessed. It creates a great buzz around you and reminds them that you exist. Now every Industry Professional prefers different form of communication, do your research and don't be bothersome.
Social Media
I don't know about you but the first thing I do when I met someone is google or Instagram them. You know what, right now would be a perfect time for you to follow me....don't worry....I’ll wait. OK. If you are being considered for a role, expect them to look you up on social. I was on set once where one of the producers asked me about working with kids. I half answered, more focused on figuring out when I mentioned that. He said, sorry I saw it on your instagram. I’ve even booked gigs from Instagram. Just...make sure your social is professional and intriguing.
Alright that's all the tips I have for you today. If there was one that really stood out to you, or if you do something I didn't mention here, let me know in the comments. I would love to share all of my secrets with you, & I don't want you to miss a beat, give me your email address and I will make sure you don't.
As always, wishing you love light & all that jazz.
