Acting : How do I get out of BG, and yet still pursue the acting by Xan Aspero

Xan Aspero

How do I get out of BG, and yet still pursue the acting

It was a long winter. Just when we thought it was going to be mild, it struck in February. Due to that and it being my 1st full winter doing it alone, it has been do arduous and the jobs limited, as has April so far. When does it pick up? Is it worth staying in the bg? I mean, I like it, but it can be such a pain and it seems like the casting agencies are so particular. Could I be doing something wrong? Is there another avenue to take pursuing this field? It's so frustrating and sometime discouraging. If it's a passion though, I guess you gotta live it.

D Marcus

Casting agencies are so particular because producers and directors are so particular. If the jobs are limited it's not because you are doing anything wrong. Pursuing a career in acting is always frustrating and sometimes discouraging. Actors keep at it because they can't imagine doing anything else. You're right; if it's you passion you gotta live it. Is it your passion?

Dave Slattery

When work gets real slow, and you want to 'practice' acting, look in to doing student films. They are always looking for actors. And you'll get lines. You also will see how the up and coming are doing and have a better understanding of the trade. Good luck..

Lina Jones
GoodAdvice
Laura Vogels

Hello Xan, ActorsAccess is what majority of actors use to find non-union jobs. You can submit yourself for auditions. This is a great way to get started and build credibility and comfort on set/on stage. However, those are still mostly non-union gigs that lean towards students and indies. To find bigger projects you need access to the agent breakdown or CastingAbout (which tells you what is casting and who is casting it). It's a very difficult process to get into these rooms. I would say pick one or two shows that you know you are ABSOLUTELY right for and find a way to build a relationship with the casting director who casts it. Be of service, get them to like you as a person, then blow them out of the water with your skills when the right opportunity comes along. Also, patience, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Find a way to keep a balanced happy life regardless of whats happening professionally. You only get one! Things will come your way when you are happy, healthy, and pro-active. Best wishes!

Andrew Bee

All the above suggestions are excellent. There are also StarNow, Now Casting and Backstage, to name a few websites. It also depends what country you live in. All the best.

Xan Aspero

Thank you everyone. This is sooooo helpful. I will certainly move on it. I'll admit it's been so hard lately that I had questions in my mind whether I should continue pursuing it, but deep down inside, even though it's hard and the income has been short coming, I can't and won't give up.

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