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Entertainment Career Advice
HOW TO START YOUR ACTING CAREER  
Becoming an actor seems like a daunting task when you first start. Many questions, both practical and emotional, need answers. Where can I get training and experience? Do I need to move to NYC or Los Angeles? How do I get an agent, or join the actors union? How can I avoid being taken advantage of?

Remember: You don't need to answer all the questions at once. Like anything else, it's easier to break it up into steps and look at it piece by piece. That's what we've tried to do here.

In this actors resource from Backstage you'll find eight chapters that address many of the basic issues and concerns an aspiring actor faces. Everything from whether acting is a good choice for you, to very practical advice on how to kickstart your entertainment career and approach acting auditions.

Much of the acting business is centered on the two coasts, in New York City and Los Angeles. Moving there can be difficult; we offer some advice on the best way to do it.

We also discuss whether to join the actors union, and when, as well as the pluses and minuses of working outside the union environment.

Many obsess about getting an agent or manager their first day out of acting class. However, there are many things to consider about that - including how to avoid being taken by unscrupulous people.

If you're reading this actors resource, you've already taken the first step toward pursuing your dream of being a performer. And always remember that Backstage is your place for casting calls and auditions! Break a leg! (In actor-speak, that means 'good luck!')




» Should I Be an Actor?
Is being a performer really the entertainment career that I want for myself? First, consider all the pros and cons.

» What to Do First
Get practical advice on taking classes, getting a headshot, books to read, and how much money you'll need to put in the bank first.

» When to Join an Actor's Union
To act on Broadway, on TV, or in big movies, you'll need to be a member of one of the performer unions. Getting in, though, is often not easy.

» The Non-Union Option
Many great opportunities exist for non-union actors. We discuss everything from community theater to independent film.

» Avoiding Scams
Crooks prey on your passion to perform. But there are ways to avoid being taken advantage of. Learn how to avoid scams.

» Finding an Agent/Manager
Getting an agent or manager can take your career to the next level. At what point do you need one? And how can you get right one?

» Moving to NYC
The Big Apple offers plenty of opportunities to perform on stage and screen. But there's a lot to learn before you get here.

» Moving to L.A.
Los Angeles may have the sun and the sitcoms, but it's also very competitive for actors. Learn the best ways to navigate the Hollywood landscape's acting auditions.

BACKSTAGE BULLETINS
NY Panel on How to Run a Theater Company
December 02, 2008
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) and Back Stage will host the networking panel, How to Run That Theater Company That¿s Been Running Your Life, a follow-up to September's panel, on Wednesday, December 17.







Gain Access to Commercial Auditions

Film acting school graduates often attend Commercial Auditions to get their first break. Even though school teaches the art of acting, they may not really help graduates prepare for their first Commercial Audition. Back Stage provides hints and tips to help you prepare so you can increase your odds of landing the cherished role. Read Audition Tips to spice up your profile to land you Commercial Auditions!
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