1. PROGRAM
INFORMATION
WWW.CELEBRITYACTORSCAMP.COM

2. BURN NO BRIDGES
ACTING AGENTS & AGENCIES NOTES:
It may seem like a no-brainer, but always be kind and respectful to agents,
whether or not you agree with the way they handle their business. It may seem as
though everyone wants to be a famous actor, but the industry isn't that big, and
most agents are well-connected. Leaving a bad impression with one acting agent
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can destroy your reputation with others. Conversely, if you impress an agent, she
or he may recommend you to colleagues. Remember that many acting agents are ----------------------------
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creative people as well; they work in the same industry that you do. The more you
respect your agent and work hard for them, the more they will work for you. Not to
mention that being respectful and professional in all you do establishes you as
someone anyone would want to work with.
CHOOSING AN AGENT
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When you look for potential acting agents, consider where you are in your career.
If you're just starting out, a smaller agency will probably suit you better. This
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doesn't mean you have to skimp on professionalism. Any good agency -- large or
small -- will be well-versed in the industry or industries it represents. Find out how ----------------------------
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many clients your potential agent represents. This will give you some idea of how
much work s/he will have to do while representing you. If an acting agency is
handling many actors, then you may add up to only a small part of their business.
With large and reputable agencies, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as top
names in the industry often have high status attached to them. Be sure the agent
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who is representing you is not so booked with clients that you become just another
headshot and resume on his/her desk.
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MAKING CONNECTIONS
How connected is your agent? How well-known and well-respected is your agent ----------------------------
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among casting directors, actors, and even other agents? In order to get you seen
by directors, agents need to be seen themselves. It works like this: An agent will
send your acting headshot and resume to a casting director asking for an audition
slot. Probably, s/he will attach a cover letter expressing why you are a prefect fit
for the role in question (another nice advantage to having an agent!). The better-
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known the agent, the more likely you are to get that audition. Any successful agent
is well connected to the industry, so it doesn't hurt to ask if the acting agent is
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connected to any producers, directors, and writers. If your agent is very well
connected, it's a good chance s/he will send you for auditions or interviews that ---------------------------
will land you a job more readily.

3. NOTES: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING REPRESENTED
How important is it for you to have an acting agent? The truth is that many actors
______________
make a fine living in the acting business without being represented by an agent.
It's a lot of work, since actors who represent themselves have to split their time
between honing their craft and doing the business of acting. The business end of
______________ acting includes compiling, updating, mailing out headshots and resumes;
researching auditions; networking with casting directors and/or production houses;
______________
handling finances, and more. When you have an agent working for you, much of
the business is taken care of for you. With an acting agent in your corner, you
really only need to keep track of your audition schedule, show up on time, and
______________ bring the best of your talents to each meeting. The time you then have to work on
your craft and presentation can certainly pay off in the end with more successful
______________
auditions...and more acting jobs.
USING ROSS REPORTS TO FIND AN AGENT
A great source for agent listings is the Ross Reports. Typically, you can buy the
______________ latest issue (they run monthly) at any dramatic bookshop or even some
commercial booksellers. The Ross Reports website lists members of the industry
______________ by region, medium, and genre. You need a good idea of what your areas of
interest are before you begin. Start with your location (New York, Los Angeles,
Phoenix, Philadelphia, etc.), and begin researching acting agencies that represent
______________ actors of your type (commercial, comedic, musical, etc.). Make a list of possible
candidates, and then do your research on each potential agent. Ask your contacts
______________ if anyone they know has worked with the agencies on your list. Search the Internet
for any information about each agent. Best yet, visit the agencies in person to get
a fist-hand view of the offices and agents within.
______________ WHAT IS AN ACTING AGENT?
So, what is an acting agent? Acting agents are the professionals who have an
______________ inside edge on the theater, film and/or television industry. They act as the go-
betweens for casting directors and you, the actor. Put very simply, with so many
______________ actors looking to get their career in acting going, casting directors need a little help
weeding through potential performers. Good agents are well-versed in what
projects are in production and for which auditions you, their client, will be best
______________ suited. Casting directors aren't the only ones to benefit from the assistance of
agents. The acting agent works for you as well. They do all the footwork of seeking
______________ out upcoming auditions, sending out your headshots and resumes, following-up on
your meetings with casting directors, acting as the your professional contact
person, and even promoting you one-on-one with casting directors when the agent
______________ feels you need a little push to get noticed.

4. YOU AND YOUR AGENT RESEARCH BEFORE YOUR AUDITION
An effective acting agent should have a clear idea of what roles you are looking
Before you enter an audition, make sure that you are as informed as possible.
for. Beyond that, your agent should act as a sort of career counselor, letting you
Whenever possible, make it your business to get to know as much as possible
know which roles you should be looking for. Your acting agent should be acutely about the director and his or her previous work. Similarly, knowing about your
aware of your "type," in other words. We can't all be leading men and women - casting director can help you understand the way s/he works in an audition
some of us are . Some of us are character actors who thrive on the diversity of the scenario. If you are attending an open audition – where casting is open to anyone
business. In order to develop a rapport with your agent, you need to help him/her who wishes to try out – think of the audition in terms of your past and future work.
get a better understanding of who you are. Ask the agent how s/he sees your Be sure that you are of similar type to the part that you are auditioning for. Some
career right now and where it could be in a year, 5 years, 10 years... You may not directors like to ask you about the piece as a whole, so if possible, read the entire
script -- not just your part -- so that you are able to discuss it comfortably.
agree with your agent, but do listen to what s/he has to say. Objective feedback is
a huge asset for any artist.
THE AUDITION SLUMP
HEADSHOTS & RESUMES BE HONEST! We all have them. One month you're auditioning like gangbusters and
then...nothing. No one's calling; no roles seem to be right for you. Or worse, the
Just like any other job, your resume should reflect your talents and highlight your
few auditions you get seems to end terribly. You're just not on your game. Don't
skills. When putting together your acting resume, only include truthful information.
panic if you find yourself in an auditioning slump; after you have found what works
While the industry is big, it isn't that big. People talk and network, so there’s a very to land a few roles, your auditioning can become mechanical, leading to a slump.
good chance that someone with whom you have an audition knows someone who Get back in the game by focusing your training regimen and attacking each new
knows someone who knows all of your previous work. No one expects a young audition. Slumps can also result from disillusion with the auditioning process.
actor to have a stellar resume. In the end, it is your audition that will land you that When this happens, it is best to take a week or two off to refocus other aspects of
job. A small, credible resume is much more effective than a large one padded with your life before returning to acting.
lies. It’s better to earn your credits the hard way. In the end it will pay off.
THE RESUME RULES
Want to land an acting job? Follow these basic resume rules:
1. Your resume should never be more than one page long.
2. Never make the font on your resume smaller than 10pt. It is difficult to
read in any situation, whether it's in a well-lit office or a darkened theater.
3. Staple and trim your resume to fit the headshot.
4. Don't staple clippings or reviews to your resume; they will just get in the
way.
5. You should have an email address created specifically for your acting
resume. It should be your first and last name, whenever possible (i.e.
janesmith@yourserver.com)

5. agreement in writing before shooting begins. Also find out if a make-up artist will TYPES OF HEADSHOTS
be available to you. If so, pay the extra money and hire him/her. It’s well worth the There are two basic types of headshots: commercial and theatrical.
cost to have someone making sure you look your best you during the entire shoot.
THE HEADSHOT AND RESUME COMBINATION Commercial: These should be attractive, warm, and open. Always smile for these
Since you'll be handing your resume over with your headshot – the two are rarely, shots, with teeth showing, if possible. (You never know if you’re going to be up for
if ever, separated – you need to have the resume attached to the back of your a toothpaste ad.)
photo. Many photo printing companies offer the service of printing your resume
directly to the back of your photo. If this option is in your budget, take it. If not, Theatrical: These can be more “natural,” and should try to represent your
neatly staple your resume to the back of the photo. Be sure to only use two staples characteristics as a person.
(top & bottom.) Never use paper clips, as they snag on other photos and resumes
in a casting director's pile. The last thing you want is for your photo and resume to
The format for headshots varies throughout the country –- from close-ups to 3/4
be separated; one without the other is useless!
shots, from bordered to borderless. Make sure you use the preferred format for
your area of application. It’s not a bad idea to have one of each taken so that you
GIVING PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS can submit to all types of jobs. The general rule is that television and commercial
work receives the commercial shot, theater and film receive the theatrical shot. If
If you only learn one thing about auditions, remember this: Professionalism goes a
you're in a showcase, you can present either, depending on the industry
long way. It's not just about looking professional, it's about acting that way. Be
professionals who may be present at the event.
prompt and courteous during your auditions. Take as little of the auditors' time as
necessary. If you receive a callback, be sure you are available for rehearsal and/or YOU AND YOUR HEADSHOT
shooting dates. You don't want to waste the director's time by auditioning even Casting directors use headshots to get a feel for an actor's type. The headshot
though you already know you have conflicts. If you do not receive a part, do not should embrace your best qualities. Don’t dress or use make-up that covers your
call the theater/production house/etc. Chalk it up as a role that was not for you and true nature; let the shot be true to you. And by all means, get new headshots if
move on. (There will be a lot of them in your career, so get used to it.) your look changes drastically and/or after a few years have passed.
Misrepresenting yourself will only lead to trouble later in auditions. Remember,
headshots aren't glamour shots. The look should be natural, open, and compelling.
IMPROVING YOUR AUDITIONS Many times, you will be judged by your headshot even before you are called in to
If you have had a bad experience with an auditor, when do you know it is have an audition. Let your photo speak for you and your abilities by being
acceptable to meet him/her again? In smaller cities, this can come up more often professional yet accessible.
than you might think. New York actors, for example, don't have as much concern YOUR MAILINGS
about this unless they are returning to the same casting directors over and over
Enclose your headshots in an envelope that is easy to open. That way, the casting
again. In short, you should only return to that auditor if you have shown
director doesn't have to struggle with your materials. A simple clasp envelope
improvement in your craft -- either through additional training or additional acting
sealed with a small piece of tape should be sufficient. Always include a Cover
experience. If the auditor previously offered any feedback, show that you have
Letter with your headshot and resume in the envelope; it could gain you a few
taken his/her advice and incorporated it in to your acting. Don't tell them that you
extra moments of the casting director's time. Although they are popular, it’s not
have improved; show them! You should be able to demonstrate stronger acting
advisable to use the envelopes with clear covers. The idea behind these
skills since your last meeting.
envelopes is that the casting director would not even have to open the envelope to
see your picture. However, this can go against you; s/he may not warm to your
photo and could toss the envelope out without even opening it to read your
resume.

6. ACTING TERMS to have two of each in case you are asked to perform another. If you audition a lot,
it's a good idea to vary your monologue readings. This keeps you fresh when you
COMMERCIAL ACTING perform, and your lively performance may very well result in a callback.
When acting in a television commercial, remember that you are there to sell a
AUDITIONING: WHAT TO WEAR
product. In these instances, it is not so important to have motivation for your When dressing for an audition, consider first the role you're auditioning for. You
character, do a detailed breakdown of his/her character. Instead, focus on the
don't have to arrive at the audition in full costume, but do dress with the essence
product you are promoting; it is the star. If you are reading your own copy, be sure
of the character. Here are a few examples of roles and appropriate audition-wear:
to give a little more emphasis to the name of the product or service. This technique
can be called either “punching” or “warming” a word or phrase, depending on the
*Young Mother/Father: Twin set and slacks or a skirt for women; slacks and a nice
mood of the ad. Be sure not to overdo it. Advertising is a subtle art. You want the
audience to believe you, not feel pressured by you. shirt or sweater for a man.
*Businessperson: Suit and/or at least a sport coat over slacks. Women can wear
skirt suits and/or slacks.
SITCOM ACTING *Non-descript/General: Wear your normal street clothes, but steer away from
Acting in a sitcom (situation comedy) is a very specialized talent. It’s something
anything too trendy.
like being in a comedic play, but without the need for vocal projection and larger-
than-life body movements. Sitcoms are known for their “laugh-a-minute”
If your audition is a screen test, steer clear of wearing white, as it washes out your
standards, so they are fast-paced. Comedic timing is key. Actors wishing to break
skin color and doesn't read well on screen. The best color to wear for screen is a
into the world of sitcoms should read a few tips on acting in the comedy genre as
medium blue (like a deep periwinkle). Remember the audition is to showcase your
well as take a few comedy acting classes. Sketch comedy and stand-up are best, acting talent, not your wardrobe!
since they teach the fine art of timing. Watch as many sitcoms as you can stomach
– good and bad. Familiarize yourself with what works and what doesn’t.
DON'T SWEAT COLD READS!
Cold read. Sounds scary, huh? Actually, cold reads can be a lot of fun. A cold read
TV ACTING TERMS: COPY, TELEPLAY, SIDE is when you are handed a script and asked to perform a scene. This is often done
Copy refers to the lines you will speak. In sitcoms and television dramas, “copy” in lieu or in conjunction with monologues as part of your audition. Many actors fear
comes in the form of a teleplay. In commercial advertisements -- whether on- this type of audition because they feel they do not have time to prepare. Of course,
screen or in voice-over work -- the words you speak are called copy, but the form there are ways to prepare for these types of auditions. If you already know the
in which they come to you is called a side. Sides are also what are given to you for piece you're auditioning from, try to find a copy of it and read the entire piece. If
you're auditioning from an unproduced script, your auditor will most likely give you
an audition. In this case, almost any excerpt of a longer script can be referred to
a brief background of your character. Overall, don't sweat it. Have fun. Play! Cold
as a side.
reads can often be thrilling experiences, as you don't run the risk of being over-
prepared or burned out from over-read monologues.
AUDITIONS & CALLBACKS SELECTING A HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER
When selecting a photographer, use one who specializes in headshots. Portrait
AUDITIONING: WHAT TO READ artists may make you look great, but without insight into the industry, the photos
The material you read in an audition affects the impression you make. Use may be overlooked. Research several different photographers, and ask your
material that is representative of you, in terms of both age and type, and that will contacts in the industry for recommendations. Ask to see a portfolio of the
photographer's previous work. Use a photographer with a permanent studio;
make you look your best. Concentration is key during the reading phase of the
mobile studios are less trustworthy. Negotiate rates beforehand and get an
interview. Some general auditions ask for a classical and a modern piece. It's best