Actors always wonder “Why am I not getting more auditions?”
And I always wonder"what are you doing to make that happen?"
The truth is most actors work very hard to get an agent, but once they do, they rest on their laurels and wait for auditions to pour in.
You certainly can do this, but a more proactive method is to develop relationships with casting. I am not suggesting you become their best friend, but DO get your photo, name and work in front of casting as often as possible, and believe me your auditions will increase.
How?
Here are the 3 most effective ways to get your work in front of Casting Directors:
1. Postcards: Inexpensive and effective way to announce, introduce, inform or stay in touch. The postcard should have a photo of you, contact information and news that they should know. Examples include:
I am working
I am studying (Where and with whom)
New agent ( within a year is new)
New manager ( within a year is new)
New headshots ( within a year is new)
Great achievement ( hiked a mountain, Graduation, Baby, Marriage etc)
For more info regarding postcards, check out I BOOKED IT
2. NOTECARDS-
Actors always ask if they should send a thank you after an audition, and I say NO!
It looks too desperate. You want to create the illusion that this was one of many audition you had this week. However, you can send a thank you to the CD office and let them know how wonderful the session director ( name them )was for the audition ( name it ) and congrats on having a wonderful casting team.
Always include your photo in the form of business card or postcard so they remember who you are.
3. Social Media
Social media is another excellent way to be seen. Many CD’s have public accounts on facebook, twitter, and or instagram.Here are a few tips on how to stand out on social media:
Be a real person: Post about your dog, your kids or your baseball team on your personal page, and find ways to relate to castings’ posts on their public pages.
Be supportive: Share a photo on a set with another actor and talk about how wonderful it was to work with them rather than talk about how great you are.
Respond to posts in lieu of “liking”. Likes will go unnoticed, but casting may remember a funny or sweet comment on their page.
Congratulate CD's on their good work: Check out there websites for new commercials and let them know in a tweet or message how artful there casting choices were. Acknowledge their accomplishments rather than constantly asking for auditions. Say something supportive, but do not be a suck up!
Commercial heavy events like the Superbowl and the Olympics are the perfect times to congratulate. Find out who cast the top 15 spots and get busy.
Good luck and see you on set!
Judy Kain is an actress, author and acting teacher in Los Angeles, California. She has appeared in over 400 commercials. Theatrical credits include recurring parts on The Fosters, The Odd Couple, Hand Of God, and Mad Men. For more information on networking and marketing, sign up for Judy's Business Of Acting Workshop.