Welcome actors at all stages and ages.

This season's column provides resources for finding the right acting school, and covers various topics like what it takes to become famous, what to do with headshots when you get a new haircut, and more.

Question
Dear Blair,

Hi! I'm a 25-year-old singer/dancer/actress currently working the German production of RENT as first cast ensemble and cover Mimi. I was also in the premiere cast of Miss Saigon in Germany and played Alternate Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

I never went to performing arts school (I finished three years of my Sociology course in the Philippines), but I've been training privately in voice for the last 6 years, have had 10 years ballet training, and am still learning a lot just by working. I have, however, noticed a growing desire within me to develop my acting and just get a good foundation on it. I was thinking of applying to some schools in New York that offer intensive one or two-year courses for people who already have some experience in theater. I would really appreciate it if you could recommend some schools that would offer such courses, or if you think I would be better off doing workshops or programs instead of taking a whole year or two of acting courses. I would appreciate it if you could also give me the addresses of these schools so I could apply to them directly, or perhaps recommend a book that would contain all this information for me already.

Thanks very much for your help!

Lissa Romero

Dear Lissa,

I think the type of training you go for depends on what you are looking for and the type of person you are. If you feel you need structure, than a one or two year program might be good for you. If you want a more flexible training that will allow you to continue with your performing, than I would go for that (I can offer that--see options on my web page-- Classes with Blair).

The book to get is the Directory of Theatre Training Programs. You can

order it online at http://www.genghis.com/theatre., or call (802) 867-2223. You can also look online for some interesting programs at www.backstagecasting.com. Look under "east coast coaches and schools."

Question
Hello,

My name is Holly Page and I am 19 years old. From childhood, I have dreamed and desired to be famous. From age six, I pictured myself as a world famous marine biologist; but now, just in my last semester of college, I find that I want something else. To be a great movie star has become my true ambition! I've completed my first acting class and have plans to continue along those lines. However, I do not live near any great Universities or colleges that offer what I feel I need.

The question is, where do I go from here? I have been told to get an agent, and I know of the material I would have to prepare to do so, but I fear I do not have much to put into a resume. Also, there is a question of schooling and such. I want to hit this full throttle and get as involved as I can. I always tell everyone that I will be on the big screen one day, now it's time to help make it happen. I would love to be "discovered" by some big producer, but not all aspiring actors/actresses can rely on that.

I have been told stories of actors that struggled for years, trying to make it with an occasional theatre production or a small comedic gig at a place that hardly anyone had ever heard of. The money from which, would barely get them to their next performance. I know that not all actors started this way, but I never hear of any other way of making it. I know it is very competitive to be an actress, but how do the more "fortunate" people do it?

Any advice you can give me, I would immensely appreciate!

Thank you Blair!

Sincerely,
Holly Page
Tomball, Texas

Dear Holly,

It is good that you are confident and ambitious. It will help you. It is also good that you seem to know that confidence and ambition are not enough. On your journey you will most likely also need: discipline, talent, ability to take criticism, patience, perseverence, stamina, flexibility, discrimination, faith and lots of luck. Unfortunately there is no formula on how to "get there." Everyone's path is different. Things do happen suddenly in this business, but more often, becoming a movie star is a painstakingly SLOW process. If you are looking for a get-famous-quick scheme, you may have more luck with marine biology. Certainly, less competition.

You seem to know what the next steps are. All actors begin with nothing on their resume. It's nothing to be ashamed of . . . you've got to start somewhere. In order to locate universities close to you with actor training programs, I recommend you refer to the Directory of Theatre Training (see above). I recommend you explore whether or not you really LOVE acting. Because if being famous is what you want, then you might as well do something that makes you feel really good about who you are to get it. Too many actors are obsessed with fame, and they suffer because they don't enjoy the process of becoming an actor.

Best of luck.

Question
Hi Blair.

Thank you so much for your informative website! It is one of the best ones on acting I have seen so far!

I read in one of the previous posts that "it is virtually, not totally, but virtually impossible to make a living from your acting if you don't have an agent." I was wondering, since it is not totally impossible; if you did not have an agent, how would you go about getting into auditions, etc.? What steps would you take to find and get into auditions without an agent? Thanks in advance.

~Melody

Dear Melody,

The actor trade paper is the most important tool for a performer who doesn't have an agent or is just starting out. In the big cities like New York and L.A., the trade papers list casting calls for local stage productions, films, extra work, and student films. It is rare that auditions for major motion pictures will be listed in the trade papers, because these high-level auditions are generally only listed in a publication for certified casting people and agents and managers (called Breakdowns). But occasionally, open auditions for big Broadway shows and films are listed in the trade papers.

People in this business do get lucky. The original performers from RENT are an example: Many did not have agents when they starred in the production, but ended up with agents afterwards. Many newcomers to that show are now cast through open casting calls listed in the trade papers.

Actors can go to regional or Indie film auditions listed in trade papers and get parts without an agent. These gigs may not pay well at first, but they offer the opportunity to build experience and credits, get exposure AND most importantly, make contacts.

An actor will work with many directors, other actors and playwrights. If they do good work, are responsible and cultivate good relationships, the directors, etc. will keep them in mind for further productions. As the directors become more established and work in higher paying realms of theatre or film, they can bring the actors they like along with them. Getting parts through people you know is a great way to keep working without representation. There comes a point in an actors' career where it generally becomes necessary to have an agent, because at a certain level in the business, it is the agent who negotiates the actor's contracts with the producers. The agent can get you access to important auditions, and look out for you and your career in a way that may be too difficult for you to do by yourself.

I am really glad you like the column and I hope this helps.

Question
Dear Blair:

I have written to you before -- my letter was part of your April 6, 1998 column. I just wanted to say thank you for your advice. It has helped me a lot. I feel more confident with my resume and I am currently training in the "Method" which can be a frightening but unbelievable experience. I have a new question for ya: Can I send in a headshot of a different hairstyle to an agent even though I am currently getting new ones with a new hairstyle (my hair is pretty much buzzed now)? I know that agents want a "recent" photo (the photo of my old hairstyle was taken a month ago). I know I will need new headshots, but can I wait? Thanks so much for your help and Good Luck to you with your career and your web site!

Sincerely,
Justin

Dear Justin,

I am really glad that you were able to make use of the advice. As for you question about headshots, it is okay to submit photos with old hairstyles, but not preferable. Agents generally understand that headshots take time and money, and that young actors don't have much of either. But it is best to have a photo that looks like YOU, as you would look when you walk into the agent's office. I recommend you get new headshots ASAP.

Good luck with your studies and career!

Question
Dear Blair,

I am a junior in high school. I am beginning to decide what I want to do in college. I was wondering if you thought it would be possible to balance an acting career and be a full time student studying business or even law. I realize that both of these things take up a lot of time, but have you known anyone that has had this same problem. I'm looking for inspiration and a role-model. Friends have told me it wasn't possible. What do you think?

ThankYou,
Danny Kirkwood

Dear Danny,

Thanks for writing. I don't know anyone whose done it, but I believe it can be done. Acting is very much a part of being a lawyer, so it can only benefit you to take lessons. Doing both things (student and actor) full time may be difficult and challenging, but anything is possible. I don't discourage you. I do warn you to pay attention to taking on more than you feel comfortable handling.

I know of several people who have jobs at business firms, but their passion is acting and they are trying to be actors. It is good to have the money coming in from a full time job. It helps to have a company that understands your desire to act. If you try and keep it hidden, it may backfire.

I will keep my eyes and ears out for student lawyers/businessmen who are or want to be actors, and if I find them I will put them in touch with you. To any readers who know someone, contact me!

Question
Dear Blair,

My new agent says he wants me to go to the "MB Talent Expo" in Dallas as it will be an excellent showcase for agents from both NY and LA. My concern is that I have to pay over $500 upfront for what sounds like a talent contest. This doesn't include cost for travel, room or board. Sounds like a money maker for my agent. Any info you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Respect,
Shmactor

Dear shmactor,

This sounds like a very slippery situation.

I have not heard anything about this expo--but I have not been reading the trade papers for a while because I have been so busy. I would tell your agent that you are seriously thinking about it, but it's a big investment and you need to find out all the details about what to expect, and what he or she thinks you will get out of attending the expo.

See if your agent can recommend an actor who's been to the expo and then talk to that person about their experience.

If your agent gets defensive in answering your questions, I would look out for that. That is a sign that he or she has a lot invested and wants to scare you away from making your own decisions.

Once you get the information, you need to weigh the pro's and cons. I am happy to help you sort it out.

Sincyberly to all,
Blair