Acting tips for Los Angeles: from yours truly (an unofficial actress)

Steps to becoming a Working Actress in LA:

Whether you’re thinking about moving to LA, are on your way here, or have been here for a couple months or years – if you’re thinking about acting, there are definitely a couple things that could give you the head start you need to start booking jobs sooner than later.  Full disclosure guys, acting isn’t the number one priority in my life, I simply do it because it’s FUN it’s SO FUN (and you learn a lot about yourself), but the fact that I do it for fun and don’t take it as a life or death situation is how I’ve become successful in the area and have been paid to do it. 

So, for someone who has given a good chunk of my leisure time to being on set as an actress- let me give you a few nuggets of advice from my experience that could help you out for your future acting endeavors - for fun or for a career.

1. INVEST IN PROPER AND PROFESSIONAL HEAD SHOTS RIGHT AWAY – even before you move out to LA if you can. Casting directors will take you that much more seriously. Character shots are a major necessity too.
   1. Sounds bad, but create your type-cast character. Chances are they’ll like to see that in a headshot (Girl Next Door, Best Friend, Nerd, Jock, Goth, Rocker, etc.). 

1. GET ON THOSE CASTING SITES : LA Casting, Actors Access, Backstage, and even background talent services. Now, being on these is great practice and are opportunity finders to get your foot in the door and to get you experience auditioning and on set. Until you find an agent (and a good one at that) though, these casting sites really act as placeholders for you to submit yourself. Having an agent provides you with clout and representation behind your name and talent that casting directors will confide in when your agent submits you for roles. Being on these sites though before you even step foot in LA will at best provide you with footage for your reel and opportunity to network with casting directors, filmmakers, and other actors. *LA Casting is great for commercial, background, and audience work though. 
2. DON'T RELY ON SHORT FILM FOOTAGE FOR YOUR REEL –  chances are that if they're on LA casting, they are student films, most often poorly written, and are poorly shot with low resolution (this of course isn't always the case) - find filmmakers and writers you can collaborate with to make your own content that speaks to you and that you trust.
3. BE PREPARED FOR YOUR AUDITIONS FOR GOODNESS SAKES! Take it from someone who has been both the casting director and one auditioning. The earlier you are and having your sides memorized in depth will allow you to crush the audition. Also - pay attention to context clues! Know your character's situation as best as you can and give it all you got! 
4. Be YOURSELF in your auditions, don’t take it so seriously. BE EXCITED TO BE THERE!
5. SIGN UP FOR SHOWCASES – but as a partner scene – it usually works out better for the both of you cost wise and you have someone to react off of. Showcases allow you to get in front of agents in person and give you the opportunity to show them who you are! Choose material that resembles your personality best - not what you think they're looking for. 
6. PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE (not in a bad way of course) Just make sure to utilize the infinite opportunity to show off your work and talent online – it’s a great tool. USE IT!
7. NETWORK! Don’t beg to be in someone’s movie – make friends – they just might refer you.
8. GO TO WORKSHOPS, CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOPS, AND CLASSES – there is always room to learn in multiple areas – speech, dialect, breathing, stunts, combat training, comedy, improv, Shakespeare – everything!
9. PUT ALL OF THE MOST INTERESTING THIGNS ABOUT YOU AND ALL OF YOUR SKILLS ON YOUR RESUME! Whether you've hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro, juggle, sing alto, train show rabbits or played badmitton that one time in gym class - put it on there.  Who knows who'll need it for a role. 
10. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BOMB - YET LEGIBLE AND CLEAN ACTING RESUME! - Put the tiniest bit of your personality down on paper. Make yourself memorable. 
11. DON'T PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE IN ANY WAY YOUR MOTHER WOULDN'T BE PROUD OF. If you’re new here and don’t know any better – people will try to take advantage if they can tell you’re desperate.
12. DO YOUR RESEARCH – if someone on the street or on a casting site says they want to represent you  - look them up. See who their clients are. If they have reviews – if they don’t seem legit – then quit.
13. If you do find an agent who wants to represent you – be yourself and pay attention to the paper work you sign and make sure they’re not trying to bleed you dry  - they usually get 20% of what you make – make sure they’re not trying to take money from you in other ways too. Read through your contract. Keep track of how much they’re taking out, and always be upfront about your questions and concerns!
14. JUST HAVE FUN, LET GO – it’ll get you further than you can imagine. 

If you have any other questions, curiosities, or want examples of auditions or resumes, please feel free to contact me or comment below! Also - if you have any questions period, I'd be more than happy to answer anything that's on your mind! I have so much more information I'd love to share!

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you have a fantastic and memorable day! I challenge you to free write for at least 5 minutes today - no limits, no boundaries - just write what's on your mind, about a person you saw on the street, or the smoothie you had for breakfast - whatever! Just write, write, write!!

Love always,
Your friendly neighborhood Vagabond et Virtuosa: Mary Strause

xoxo

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