JUST THE FACTS: IS THIS BUSINESS FOR YOU?
The performing arts industry is a very exciting, glamorous and lucrative business. Yet over the years, I have seen many false starts. Aspiring models, actors and singers invest precious time and major money, and then never follow
through because they didn't realize what was involved. You should understand the requirements before you begin.
This is a business. Never forget that.companies spend big bucks for every advertisement, event, TV show and film. Models, actors and singers are hired to make money for th.company, and are paid well for their work. You need to be professional at all times. Good organizational skills are necessary to keep track of the dates, times and locations of go-sees, auditions and bookings. Ambitious talent are the ones who are successful. The hopefuls that never make it are the ones that don't take it seriously.
Urban Legends. You don't need a college education. Despite the jokes, most people in the industry are very intelligent. Who wants to work with some dingbat that can't follow directions?
It's easy money. Modeling, acting and singing truly is hard work. But fun. Definitely fun.
You will get discovered at the mall. Maybe, but probably not. Talent agencies have people lining up at their door. They don't need to wander the streets looking for you. If you are approached in a mall, or anywhere for that matter, beware. It may be a scam.
You will get rich overnight. Like any other line of work, you have to start at the bottom and learn the ropes just like everyone else. It takes time to get established. I recently read this quote, "It took me 10 years to become an overnight success."
Don't sell yourself short. You need to be able to sell yourself to the client, producer or casting director before you can book a job. You must appear confident at the audition to do this. If you are calm, in control and make eye contact, you may convince them you can do the job. If you rush, fidget and look at the floor, you will lose the job. A smile and a firm handshake can go a long way.
Attitude is everything. Attitude and personality are your most important qualities. You have a short time to make a good impression. Models, actors and singers need to present a positive attitude and likeable personality at the audition. People want to work with people they like. Leave your ego at home. If you are upbeat, the casting director will be left with a positive feeling about you.
I'm rubber, you're glue. The performing arts industry is extremely image conscious. You may be told to change your hair and makeup, or the way you dress. There is rejection in this business. A lot of it. You will be rejected by modeling agencies, talent agencies and rejected by casting directors. Models, actors and singers need strength of character to deal.
Home alone. Sometimes models, actors and singers
travel away from their family and friends for a job, or move to a big city to pursue a full time career. Some potential supermodels live and work in different cities such as Milan and Paris to build their career. It can be exciting and glamorous, but you have to b.comfortable being alone.
Just say SNo. You must have the willpower to stay away from drinking, drugs and partying. A talent agency or modeling agency will drop you if it becomes known that you indulge in these activities. Supermodel Kate Moss was fired by Burberry, H & M and Chanel following allegations of her drug use. If it can happen to her, it can happen to you. Remember what happened to actor Robert Downey Jr. and singer Whitney Houston?
Knowledge is power. It al.comes down to your self-confidence. The dictionary defines confidence as SA feeling of assurance, especially of self-assurance. It's the sense of certainty that you are capable of doing something exceptionally well. Learn everything you can about the performing arts business. Confidenc.comes from knowing what to expect and what to do.
Whether you are Black, Asian, Latina, Caucasian, or any other ethnicbook.com and
TracyWhiteside.com.
