My
bestie called to ask me about getting back into show business. She has national
commercial credits and was an Elite fashion model. But a lot has changed from the days
when we went on foot to agent’s offices, checked our answering machines on a
pay phone and picked up sides in person.
(Wow I am old) Show business, the last of the handshake businesses has
gone high tech. Everybody has a smartphone or you can’t compete. An agent or casting director should be
able to communicate with you ASAP. Your phone should also have your headshot, résumé
in PDF, composite and reel on point. Producers and directors
look at reels and resumes for talent round the clock thereby a website and/or
web page is essential. For “Full Metal Jacket” director Stanley Kubrick
placed ads for actors to submit audition tapes. This has now become a standard industry practice. Having
a good HD
handheld camera for audition submissions when
requested or to create your own content is an advantage.
Brette Taylor’s website is the perfect
presentation of her work and contact info. Actress, singer and activist Carole Davis is a good example of utilizing the IMDB resume page for her credits and reel. Actress
and songbird, Erica Gimpel uses her website to highlight her singing and
songwriting with a link to her album on iTunes. Seasoned actor Tony LoBianco promotes and sells tickets to his one-man show, “Little Flower” about
Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. Actress
and photo journalist Lia Chang features her iActor resume the SAG/AFTRA online casting directory on her website. Luca Della Valle networks at Stage32 with upcoming directors , writers and
producers.
YouTube
offers opportunities to showcase a professional reel and creative independent productions. Multi hyphenate actress, director, coach and
producer Rosalyn Coleman of Red Wall productions screens her classes,
interviews and films. Actor and Director Jose Yenque post on Vimeo. Thespian Craig Bierko likes to mix it up on his YouTube
channel @MrCraigBierkoVision.
From
the comfort of your computer submissions to agents and casting
companies can be made at Actors Access and Backstage.com. Get
over to Reality Wanted for the latest casting on a reality talent competition
show. The SAG Foundation
features a variety of networking opportunities, casting
workshops, on camera technique classes and film screenings. The legendary Actors Fund provides financial assistance,
scholarships, health clinics, survival job information, employment skills
workshops and affordable housing to professional actors. The Conrad Cantzen Shoe Fund is still
reimbursing performers in need for a pair of shoes. Planning to produce your own theatre piece ART/NY has
workshops for members on every aspect of theater production. Material for the Arts can provide props, costumes, and furniture for your production. If you’re
writing a script, Writers Guild of America has registration online. For
webinars, posts and examples on treatments, formats, and screenwriting from the
master see John August. Check out The Foundation Center for free access to an extensive online grants database
for artist during Arts Funding Month. There are so many
empowering opportunities for performers online to promote and enrich their
careers. Break a Leg!