AUDITIONS

Muslim Case Study

Open Casting Auditions
Project: Short Films for the Cross-Cultural Study of Health and Healing
When: Sunday December 3rd 1PM – 5PM
Where: NAIT Television Studio, Industrial Tech Building, Room V-137.
11762 - 106 Street

-Appointments can be made. Contact Javid Hashimi (780-264-0144 or javid@kinoeye.ca) Sides will be provided at the audition

AUDITION POSTING

AUDITION - EDMONTON

Theatre Yes invites submissions from professional actors interested inauditioning for "The Enchantment" a new play by Sandy Paddick with Music and Lyrics by Dale Ladouceur inspired by Christina Rossetti's classic poem GOBLIN MARKET.

"The Enchantment" will run March 9-25 2007 in Edmonton. Auditions will be held Oct 29 /30, 2006. Actor / Singer/ Movers are required.

Roles available include: Laura (17), Lizzie (18), female goblin (17), male goblin (any age).

Actors will be asked to sing two contrasting excerpts from songs oftheir choice, read from the text, and participate in a group movementaudition. An accompanist will be provided. Please wear clothing thatallows easy movement.Copies of the text will be available for review on audition day.

Call Heather Inglis at (780) 777-5106 (Edmonton)

Equity members will be seen first at all open audition calls. Equitymembers cast in this production will be engaged under an Equity form ofcontract. CAEA members: please bring your membership card to theaudition

City of the Stars Screentest 2006 update

So much drama!!!!

Anyhow, just as I was saying about the Edmonton Sun being on the fence with the information I saw a little blurb in Graham Hick's column in the Edmonton Sun on Sunday. He mentioned my name and said to go support a former Edmontonian and told people to vote on the website. My apologies...ok all is forgiven Canada! Small but hey, something is better than nothing... I say!!!!!

PSS One correction...I am still Edmontonian

Canadian actress a finalist in Screentest 2006

Screentest 2006
Wow! I emailed everyone I knew and wow thank you so much for those of you who checked out the City of the Stars website and put in your vote for me. I very much appreciate that :) It's amazing the number of emails I received I am so overwhelmed and flattered. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It turns out I had a conversation with the Edmonton Sun the other day and they were doing some research into it and because of the lack if information on google they decided to not promote it till they get more information. Oh well, fair enough, word of mouth seems to spread much faster anyway and if the Canadian media doesn't want to support their own oh well...c'est la vie.

Here is more information from the company and it turns out the winners will star in a straight to DVD video... well hee hee, not exactly what I was hoping for but nevertheless I am thrilled to be a finalist and who knows maybe something will come out it. Hee...hee wouldn't it be lovely!

Cheers!

ACTING CAREER FAQ

Improve Your Acting Career With Better Questions by Bob Fraser

If you'd like to create dramatic and exciting results in your acting career -- I suggest you start asking better questions. Most actors ask lousy questions.

"Who's the best agent to get me going?"
"Where do I find acting work that pays?"
"How should I format my résumé?"
"Should I send postcards or letters?"
"Color or black and white?"
"Do you think I should get a manager?"
"How can I get my hands on the Breakdowns?"

Good questions are more inner directed and - as a result - more powerful. The more direct and probing your questions are - the more likely you are to find the answers that will empower you – to take the REAL steps that lead to the red carpet. In my opinion, if you want more out of life you must get in the habit of asking “good” questions. Of course, even a good question won’t help - if you don’t ask the right person. "Who's that," you ask? ... Yourself. Good questions are question you ask yourself. As an example, here's one of my favorite questions: "What do I need to let go of - in order to have more room in my life for what I really want?" This good question strikes at the heart of the all too common feeling of being lost and overwhelmed. The reason it’s so powerful is because of the way the human mind works. We tend to "pile on" - thought after thought, worry after worry - until we get to a point of no movement whatsoever. Do you know that feeling? For me, a well thought out answer to that question will almost always reveal that I am "holding onto" something I don't really need - and don't really care about as much as my core desires. As a writer with literally hundreds of 'ideas' (every writer's curse), that question is a critical part of my daily approach to the task at hand. The answer for most actors will be letting go of "other interests" – because achieving a successful acting career is always a "single focus" pursuit. It’s also a good question to ask when you are stuck in a scene or a 'moment' - and can't get a handle on how the character should express the author's intent. Often, "letting go" is the shortest path to "getting going." The concept of asking "good" questions can have a palpable effect on the results you are getting in your career - IF you take the time to understand how amazing you can be when you are forced to answer ... which you will be, if you take your life (and your career) seriously. Another example of a good question is this: Why am I struggling? Undoubtedly, coming up with an answer for that one can cause some pain - but in the end, once you answer it truthfully, you will have all the resources you need to stop struggling almost immediately. HOWEVER -- in order to make this 'good question' thing a powerful tool -- pay close attention to the way the question is framed. For instance, "Why am ... I ... struggling?" In other words, the answer is going to lie within you - your thoughts, your actions, your beliefs, your attitudes and your habits. The answer is never going to be about "them." Once you get into this habit of asking good questions, you can change your life and your career immeasurably.

Getting into the 'good question' habit is fairly easy. Start by making a list of good questions. Here's my little starter kit:
What would I do if I were really serious about making money as an actor?
What would I need to do/have/be to produce the results I want?
What action can I take today that will move me in the direction of my dream?
What kind of roles do I play that make me the happiest in my work?
What have I done that works?
Can I repeat that sort of success?

Well, I think that's a good beginning. I'm sure you'll come up with your own good questions … once you get into the habit. I’m positive that these were the kind of questions that prompted Stallone to write the screenplay for Rocky - convinced Whoopi Goldberg to devise her one-woman show - and gave hundreds of other actors the courage, patience, and persistence to last out the fight and finally accomplish "the dream." Believe me, formulating good questions is one of the core skills of all successful people. So I urge you to take some time today to start putting together your own list of probing interrogatives. "Wait a minute Bob -- not so fast. Will this good question technique work for me?" Ah, that's a great question. It all depends - are you going to actually try it?

* * * * * * * * * * Bob is an actor, writer, director & producer/showrunner of such hits as Full House, Benson and The Love Boat. His in-person event, Show Biz U, is 300 minutes that can change your career (and your life) forever. Only two sessions left in 2006. November 11th or 12th. In Burbank, California. Click the link to find out more and make a reservation: ==> http://www.showbizu .com * * * * * * * * * *

For Immediate Release
Edmonton Resident Selected To Compete In International Screen Test Program
Hollywood, CA -- 10/17/2006

Carrington International today announced that Susan Aceron from Edmonton, Canada has been selected to compete in the final round of the entertainment program, ScreenTest 2006.

ScreenTest 2006 is an international search for new movie stars to appear in upcoming TV shows and movies produced by Carrington International Studios and its corporate partners. Susan was selected from an initial field of thousands of aspiring performers."We are thrilled to have found Susan from the thousands of people who applied for this program," said Terry Lowell, Director of Casting, Carrington International Studios. "Millions of people dream of becoming a movie star, but only a few like Susan have the drive and determination to make their dream come true."Susan is featured on the company's brand website, "City Of The Stars" (www.cityofthestars.com) where visitors to the site can choose who they think has that elusive "star quality". There is no cost to vote so Susan is asking everyone in the Edmonton, Canada area to vote and help Susan fulfill a lifelong dream.

About Carrington International, LLCCarrington International, LLC is a leading creator of original entertainment and “how to” content and related products. We leverage our “City Of The Stars™” brand name across a broad range of media and retail outlets, providing consumers with entertainment products and “how to” ideas, products and other resources they need to raise the quality of living in and around their homes.

Contact Information:
Paul Bretton-VP Of Media RelationsCarrington International,
LLCEmail: pbretton@cityofthestars.com

CITY OF THE STARS SEARCH

I auditioned for this contest way back in January while I was living in Toronto, didn't think much about it at the time and GO FIGURE I am one of 24 finalists in this international Star Search for the next movie star. Funny, I now live in Edmonton now and I thought I had said goodbye to acting. Strange world we live in...

Well, it's even funnier cause I was just on set for a commercial this week in Edmonton ...and I was thinking....I really do miss being an actor:) I actually met someone who I had worked with in Toronto on a commercial years before... and it turned out he was cast in Vancouver and was flown to Edmonton to do the shoot. A one day shoot, 3 days hotel and air. NICE. They also auditioned actors in Edmonton but they looked to Vancouver because the actors there have better resumes. (So they say) I worked in Toronto and now I'm thinking I live in Edmonton now ... so does that mean casting directors overlook you cause you live in Edmonton? GO FIGURE!

Anyhow, would you do me this BIG favor and help me out by voting on this website...I am the only from Canada on this website and I would appreciate it if you could cast a vote for me and maybe you will be helping someone make their dreams come true too. C'est la vie.

Cast your vote here.
http://www.cityofthestars.com/workinglayout.htm

Susan Aceron
www.susanaceron.com

Audition - Male actor required

AUDITION - Edmonton area

A local independent film-maker, Kate Wilson, requires a male actor(approximately 23 years old) to perform in her film. Shooting will involve only one day, either of Nov. 5, 12, 19 or 26.

Ms. Wilson will be meeting with prospective actors at the Centre for the Arts, 10045 - 156 Street, as follows:
Wednesday, October 18
Room 230, Centre for the Arts
6:00 p.m.

If you are interested in this opportunity to get some film-acting experience, show up at the above time and place for an interview/audition. There is nothing for you to prepare.For more information you can contact Kate Wilson directly at (780)618-5913 or 477-1775.

Auditions for Entrepreneurs

Hi everyone,

This came in so I thought I 'd post it to all of you. Hope all is well.
Susan

My name is Katie MacGuire and I’m a producer with a new CBC TV program called Dragons’ Den. The show gives entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas, inventions or products to a panel of Canada’s most successful business people (the Dragons). The Dragons have agreed to invest their own money in the best ideas. Winning pitchers may take home a cash investment and expose their business to a national television audience. I’m organizing auditions for entrepreneurs. The first one is in Toronto on Saturday, June 24th from 9 to 2 p.m. at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in The Atrium at 25 John Street. Details about the audition can be found online at www.cbc.ca/dragonsden

I hope this show might be of interest to you. I’m attaching our press release about the auditions. Please pass it on to any Centennial College entrepreneurs that might be interested in auditioning for the program. If you have any questions, please call me at 416-205-7282.

Thank you,
Katie MacGuireProducer CBC Dragons’ Den
416-205-7282
Katie_macguire@cbc.ca

www. cbc.ca/dragonsden

So you wanna be in a soap?

So you wanna be in a soap?
By Christina DeHart

A steady gig in the soap opera arena is widely sought after by many struggling actors looking for stardom on the big screen. Known as one of the toughest training grounds for any actor, any one of five roles - Extra, Under-five, Day player, Recurring Day player and of course the coveted contract role - on one of today's daytime dramas is an excellent way to jumpstart your acting career. Coincidentally, many of today's well known actors launched their careers with Daytime Soaps and agree their experience proved to be crucial in setting the foundation for their careers. These actors include "America's sweetheart" Meg Ryan, Oscar award winning actress Marisa Tomei, Oscar nominated actress Julianne Moore, a famous "Friend" Courtney Cox-Arquette and Latin heartthrob Ricky Martin to name a few.

Heading directly to the source to uncover the many myths about obtaining this type of work in the acting field, casting directors from three popular New York City produced "Soaps" share their expertise during this exclusive interview. Those interviewed include Kate Martineau, Casting Director with As the World Turns, the second longest American Soap Opera. Sheryl Baker Fisher, Casting Director with One Life to Live and Darlene Failla, Casting Director with Guiding Light, the longest running show in broadcast history.
As a matter of fact, there are five different opportunities available when seeking work with a Soap Opera. First, there are Extra/ background roles. When asked if this type of work is difficult to be cast for they all earnestly responded, "not at all!". "We are constantly searching for "new faces" for extra roles - we cast 85 for today and 72 for tomorrow", Ms. Baker Fisher stated. What about the belief that once you accept an "extra/ background role" you will never be considered for larger roles and are "pigeon holed" for extra/ background work with that show for life?? "A complete and utter myth. Start by doing background work and you will be considered for larger roles as they arise", stated all three casting directors in agreement.

Another opportunity is an "Under-five" role which simply means under five lines. For example the nurse that declares, "You are wanted in the emergency room, Doctor", etc. These roles are nice as they can add those much needed lines when building a resume.

Then there is the day player role. This role is larger and is usually for a few scenes within a days shooting. A recurring day player appears in a role that returns continually from time to time, although they may not appear everyday.

Last, but far from least, there is the Holy Grail of Soap Opera acting - the contract role. The actor in a contract role is a member of the cast and their character has a regular storyline in the show.
When asked what gets the struggling represented (or even unrepresented) actor noticed for work on their individual shows, all enthusiastically replied, "submit, submit, submit!" While Ms. Martineau suggested submitting separately to all casting directors listed for As the World Turns, Ms Baker-Fisher and Ms. Failla stated that one submission for their show is appropriate as they cast from a main file and are constantly sharing submissions and consider talent across the board for various roles. When asked about the best way to submit and get noticed, they continued, "a headshot, resume and short/ simple cover letter including your latest gigs. No life stories please!". Your headshot should be an acting headshot. They agree that there is no such thing as the "soap headshot" and would prefer that your photo not reflect a certain character - for example, a doctor, nurse or policeman. "We are casting directors. We have imagination", Ms. Baker-Fisher stated. "Please do not send candy, water, cakes, pizza, etc. Those things do not work!", declared Ms. Failla. Most Soaps do not offer open calls and you are strongly asked not to call, fax or show up! You are encouraged to update with post cards every once in a while. Let them know of any performances you are currently in or other acting jobs you have booked to pique their interest.

When "called in" by one of the soaps from a submission there is usually a general audition where they are gauging your talent. You will then be kept in mind when an opening arises. You may also be asked to further your training. If this happens, do not be discouraged. It is a part of "the craft". For contract roles you will be asked to perform for a "Screen Test" which is actually a mock performance of the show "on-camera" and is usually shot when you are being seriously considered for a contract role.

While the taping schedule for each show varies they all remain vigorous, to say the least. Starting between 7:30 a.m. and running sometimes till late in the evening. Every fast paced day includes a quick "dry blocking session" (that determines your positioning "on-set" during the scene) followed by hurried taping, relying many times only on the initial take. As many as 30 pages of dialogue are required to be memorized for roles. You should receive the script a week in advance but less would not be unheard of. Then there are also "re-writes" and "script changes" to be learned the day of shooting.
When initially cast for any roles on a soap opera you have 30 consecutive days to work before you are required to join the union AFTRA - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Keep in mind for example, if you are cast as an "extra" today and do not work on another soap for the next 4 years that you are still in "must join" status before you can complete any further jobs. The initiation fee is $1,300 followed by minimal yearly dues. Joining AFTRA has a number of benefits including heath care coverage, retirement plans, special scholarships and a credit union to name a few.

Basically if you want to be in Soaps - submit, submit, submit! You will need to be determined in your goal and consider every opportunity. When asked directly what characteristics these casting directors are looking for they stated, "Natural, compelling and most important - someone the audience will be drawn to tune into!".

OPEN CALL FOR HAIRSPRAY

CASTING: OPEN CALL SCHEDULE
These may be the final open calls, so really try and get to one.
However, if you cannot make it, don't despair!
Download your application and send it to us right away.

TORONTO (TRACY, LITTLE INEZ, LINK)
Saturday, April 8
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Elgin Theatre
Stage Door Entrance
158 Victoria St.
Toronto, ON M5B 1T6

Here’s what you need to prepare:
For TRACY: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, which is downloadable here, or sing a similar upbeat Broadway show tune. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

For SEAWEED: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of either ‘Run and Tell That’ from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, or sing a similar upbeat 60’s Motown song. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

For LITTLE INEZ: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of either ‘Run and Tell That’ from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, or sing a similar upbeat 60’s Motown song. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

For LINK: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of either ‘Without Love' from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, which is downloadable here , or sing a similar upbeat Broadway show tune song. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

http://www.hairspraymovie.com/open_call.html

Script Readers Wanted

Wanted: Actors

Humber College Film & TV Dept.
Task: Table -reading some 20 short scripts for our Independent Film Production Projects.
Scripts are selected this spring for production next fall.

Six actors ( mix of male /female) to read the character parts.

I already have an actor/reader for the Action Description Sections
Each of our three scriptwriting sections selects 10 stories for a total of 30 , out of which 20 will be finally selected by an adjudicating committee in May.

Days & Times:
1. Wednesday April 5 8:15 am - 10:45 am
2. Wednesday April 12 8:15 am - 10:45 am
3. Wednesday April 19 8:15 am - 10:45 am
Place: Humber North Campus - Film/TV Dept. Room LB-122

Humber Contact:
Robert O'Meara 416-675-6622 ext. 4409
e-mail: robert.omeara@humber.ca

CASTING CALL

CASTING CALL: PLEASED TO MEET YOU

Guile Productions, a burgeoning Toronto-based Production company, is casting a short film to be shot in May 2006.

PLEASED TO MEET YOU is about youthful dreams, shame and betrayal. Actors will be required to commit to several rehearsals a week in the build-up to shooting. While we can't afford to pay anyone, we promise a solid script and a high-quality finished product, which we will take to film festivals around North America.

We are looking for:

Greg: Male lead, 20-28. A frustrated young man just out of university who dreams of travelling abroad but can't get out of his parents' basement.

Sara: Female lead, 18-28. An Indian-Canadian girl from a small Ontario town. She has just left home for the first time, but feels isolated in the group with which she travels. She yearns for something, but seems unsure of what.

Claude: Male supporting role, 20-32. A French traveller in Canada with a dirty mouth and mind.

Nicky: Female supporting role, 18-28. A small town girl desperately trying to sow her wild oats.

Nigel: Male supporting role, 20-28. A friend of Greg's now travelling in India. He's blunt and sex-obsessed with a relaxed set of ethics.

Greg's Mother: A female supporting role, 45-60. A hard working woman and supportive mother who loves her son so much she ignores his odd behavior.

Interested actors, please email a resume and photo to Alexander Molenaar at guile.productions@gmail.com

Actors = Risktakers

There are basically two kinds of actors:

Those who risk and those who don’t risk.
No-risk actors follow a safe path of risk avoidance. Their low tolerance of uncertain, possibly negative results, keeps them safe from any rejection. They prefer to avoid any negativity or criticism by not risking a personal character choice. They want only to hear what is good and positive without having to go through the pulse pounding effect of challenging their status quo. They avoid any kind of challenge that might mean failing.
Actors, who duck risking, lack artistic courage. Their auditions and presentations are predictably bland. They act the words of the script or sides, not the story of the character. They fear an unknown outcome. As a result these actors are not engaging or interesting to watch. These actors take a step or two in a slightly risky direction, but usually fall back to their safe, predictable position.

On the other hand, an actor who is a risktaker, challenges himself and others constantly. They expose their feelings and ideas risking negative outcomes, such as tough critiques, bad reviews or failed auditions, by presenting unique personal character presentations. These choices mean that these actors must reveal some personal trait or quality or some unusual idea or thought.

An actor who is constantly a risktaker is not only affecting but also exciting to watch, because they are never satisfied and are always digging for more. They experiment and explore different character presentations, as well as, challenging what they have learned or been directed to do.
These actors tend to leap first, and then look afterwards. They make a risk-laden choice, present it and question it afterward.

Risk-taking actors are alive and in turn, enliven an audience. They seem to only comply with an inner drive to follow personal, affecting choices.
All life is a risk. Risking love is to risk being hurt. Trying something new is to risk failure. Exposing personal feelings is to risk exposing one’s true self. A full life is filled with risk and loss and victory. You can’t win or lose without risk.
Not every audition will be successful. Not every review will be full of praise. Not every choice will be well received. But – and always listen to everything after the “but” - to not risk means that you will be like all the other actors with risk avoidance. And, there are an overwhelming number of these actors.
Actors who risk are special, memorable and working.

Which kind of actor are you?
Bill Howey is a highly respected acting coach and author, whose latest book The Actor's Menu whets the appitite on how to create unforgettable characters with the ingredients you already possess. Check out the book at http:// http://www.actorsmenu.com

Directors Talk Back

Talk Back
A Film Artist Salon

On Sunday, March 12th, on the eve of the Genie Awards, First Weekend Club is offering members a unique chance to take a close peek into the masterminds of four Genie nominated directors, all in a single afternoon of intimate conversation.

Led by well-known TV personality and former Much Music VJ, Erica Ehm, “Talk Back – A Film Artist Salon” takes place at the crux of the Toronto scene, The Drake Hotel.

Directors Michael Dowse (Its All Gone Pete Tong), Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.), Velcrow Ripper (ScaredSacred) and David Ostry (Milo 55160) will share their filmmaking stories and their celluloid journeys in an intimate setting. But that’s not all. Audience members will have an opportunity to get even more up close & personal in a private reception to be held afterwards. Seats are limited to ensure a most memorable affair!

In the gist of the popular Bravo! TV Series Inside the Actors Studio, Talk Back is a groundbreaking new series of live, filmed events that lets the audience closer into the minds of our featured guests.
"Talk Back" - Any closer than this and you’d be in the picture!
Sunday March 12th, 3:30 to 5:00 PM at The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queens Street West
Tickets are $15 for FWC members and $20 for non-members. Seats are limited. To reserve your tickets by visa call 416-203-1804.For more information visit: http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/109.html

Support the Canadian and Television Industry

Hey Actors,

My friend Siu Ta had the wonderful privilege to work on the critical acclaimed Canadian tv series This is Wonderland. As you've probably heard, it has been cancelled by the CBC. If you haven't done so already, please sign the petition and show your support for the show. Thanks a bunch!

http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVETIW/petition.html

CASTING NOTICE

CASTING NOTICE FOR SHORT FILM-APB
shoot date of April 1st

Cast needed:
1) Female reporter. Mid-to-late 20's-attractive
2) COLEMAN-male police detective, 40's-cynical, seen it all, done it all type
3) HARRIS-female police detective, 20's, street savy, but still hopeful
4) Katerina-18 yrs or older, but able to play a 16 yr old, a Lolita type of look, attractive & vulnerable
5) Jan-father of above girl, able to portray an East European diplomat type, approx. 50 yrs
6) Female translator/assistant, late 20's, early 30's, would be translator, assistant to the character of Jan

NOTE-ability of Katerina, Jan, & female translator to speak a East European accent would be a bonus-such as Czech or Polish

7) Cameraperson actor-could be male or female-20's to 40's
These positions will not be paid, however, all cast will receive a copy of the finished short film, & they would be part of a creative process

Please respond with photo & resume to:
http://ca.f880.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=APB014@yahoo.ca
Date of posting: March 6/06

ACTING MYTHS

"Reprinted from ACTOR'S TOOL KIT, the email course just for subscribers of Show Biz How-To -- The Free Actor's Monthly. Get your own free subscription by going to: showbizhowto.com
Copyright © 2006 Bob Fraser Productions All Rights Reserved"

THE SEVEN ACTING MYTHS
by Bob Fraser

Myth #1 - YOU HAVE TO START YOUNG
This commonly held belief is far from the truth. Although starting young will certainly give you more time to perfect your craft, many stars have started "late."
Phyllis Diller started her career at age 38 after raising a family and spending almost twenty years as a newspaper writer.
Richard Farnsworth was over fifty before he began his acting career. When he won an Academy Award nomination for his role in Comes a Horseman, it came as a surprise to many in the industry that this 'newcomer' had been around since the '30's - as a stuntman.
There are literally hundreds of these examples. No matter how old you are, if you love it - TRY.

Myth #2 - IF YOU HAVE TALENT ... YOU WILL MAKE IT
Although it's important to have some talent, any reasonable observer can point to dozens of successful actors who might be considered 'talent challenged.' In fact, depending on talent alone is a strategy for disaster. There are many other skills (mostly business skills) that lead to success as an actor. If you're talented, great. But don't depend on your gifts for success. It's mostly hard work.

Myth #3 - AN ACTOR MUST BE OUTGOING
Not at all. In fact, I'd say that the opposite is closer to the truth. Most of the stars you watch and enjoy are basically shy people. It is under the cover of a role that actors seem to be demonstrative. If you are shy or retiring, you are like most successful actors. Don't sweat it.

Myth #4 - ACTING CLASS WILL RUIN YOUR NATURALNESS Wow, this one is really off base. In fact, without some training it is unlikely you will get to the top ranks of the acting profession. Agents look for training. Casting directors look for it.
And it goes without saying that education has rarely hurt anybody.

Myth #5 - HAVING AN AGENT GUARANTEES YOU WILL WORK There is no doubt that having a salesman for your acting business is beneficial - but signing with a good agent rarely happens before you have already achieved some level of success.
Actors who think an agent will automatically get them to the top, rarely get there. Agents are not magicians - they are salespeople who develop leads for your acting business.
Period.

Myth #6 - YOU CAN BECOME AN OVERNIGHT SUCCESS
This almost never happens. In fact, a brief study of the careers of very successful actors will convince you that the average time it takes to get into the ranks of regularly employed actors is about 9 years.
Like becoming any sort of professional (doctor, lawyer, architect) this is a business that takes time to accomplish.
That's why they call it 'paying your dues.'

Myth #7 - ACTORS MAKE THE BIG BUCKS
No. This is totally wrong.
Sure some do ... and their salaries are publicized to the skies. But the reality is that the large majority of actors make very small paychecks and they don't make them very often. Go to SAG's website and see the statistics. Just making a decent living as an actor is a huge challenge.
Bottom line: Don't go into acting for the money. If you want to act, do it. And do it for money as often as possible.
But don't kid yourself ... this is hard work and the pay is nothing to write home about - unless you have the tenacity, business skills, and work ethic to get to the very top.
I hope you do.

Here's some good advice from the cadets at West Point:
RISK more than others think is safe.
CARE more than others think is wise.
DREAM more than others think is practical.
EXPECT more than others think is possible.

CASTING - new television series

CASTING
WANTED: FAMILIES NEEDING CONFLICT RESOLUTION!
Have you ever wanted to be on:
Dr. Phil
Oprah
Supernanny
or Reality Television?

Here's your big chance!

The In-Laws is a new television series for Life Network. Every family has a story, and lots of opinions! The In-Laws is for families that need some guidance to restore the peace. Participating families will get the guidance to take the "diss" out of dysfunction. In a safe and respectful environment, our highly acclaimed expert will give both sides an opportunity to articulate their point of view and learn how to resolve issues before things spiral out of control. And if things are really ugly, bring it on, we can handle it, no situation is too tough for our expert. Television audiences will thank you as they learn from your experience.

Examples of stories we'd love to hear about:
- Is someone stepping over the line and on your feet?
- Is a living situation literally "cramping" your style?
- Are cultural or religious differences causing tension?
- Are you always put in the middle of arguments?
- Did your wedding cause a rift that hasn't healed?
- Are your parenting styles causing a wedge?
- Has tragedy pitted family members against each other?
- Has communication broken down?
- Is something from your childhood coming between your family?
- Do you have something important to tell your in-law?
- Has a bad divorce caused major problems?

All stories are welcome! A few will be selected.
We are currently casting, don't pass up this incredible opportunity. Refer a family that appears on the series and we'll say thanks with a cash bonus!

To learn more, please contact Meredith or Elizabeth at inlaws@mediahqs.net

Date of posting: March 1, 2006

Acting Magazine

Acting Magazine- Hey actors, I've been juggling alot of things lately but when I have a moment I'll update you on the ACTRA conference.

But in the meantime, check out this website http://www.actingmagazine.com/ has lots of great ACTING information there.

Also, I notice there seems to be alot of non-union auditions in Toronto. Too bad you can't work on both sides of the street. Oh well, working to get my SAG card... more on that later.