You are on your own.  I know it's discouraging but that is the fact.  You have a dream and very few people care -- so what can you do?  The following paragraphs are written to help you help others see that your talented.  They list out very plainly what you have to do to succeed in the entertainment industry.  Whether you want to act, sing, model dance, or just perform -- most of the basics below will help you.

First - Do you have talent?  Talent comes in many forms.  Actors don't have to sing, Singers don't have to act and most Models just have to look good.  Obviously if you can do more than one the better off you are.  Get training!  Actors DO have to know how to Act, Singers DO need to know how to sing and Models really DO need to know how to model!  If you can't afford to attend a reputable training academy go to your local Community or Junior college.  Theatre classes are great for most of the basics.  Take the Talent Assessment for Free!

Second - Get known!  Self promotion is the only way a novice performer is going to get signed.   Self promotion can certainly include friends and family helping you, but much of the leg work and expense is going to have to come from you!  The goal is not to get work right away, the goal is to get representation.  Plan on sending out pictures and letters to prospective Agents, Managers and Casting Directors.  Be persistent!  The more pictures you send the more likely they will remember your face when a role is available.  Learn how easy it is to send out pictures of yourself with Talent Post Cards, click here.

Third - Be available!  Move to where the work is or at least always include a way for Agents, Managers and Casting Directors to get more information about you easily such as a web site or online portfolio.  Performers generally need to be either in New York of Los Angeles, (or smaller markets such as Chicago, Miami, Vancouver, B.C.).  Do not move until you have representation.  Either a Manager or preferably an Agent.  Most actors start out as Extras, Extras are generally only employed regularly in major production centers such as Los Angeles or New York.  If you have to fly in for every audition, you will get very discouraged and very broke very quickly!  Learn how Online Portfolios work for you, click here.

Fourth - Be Nice to Your Parents!  If you are under 18 years old, you must work with your parent to succeed as a performer.  Your parent or guardian must review and sign contracts as you cannot until you are 18.  If you are 18 and older you should still be nice to your parents!

Copyright 2001 by Talent Exchange.