Business of Acting Blog Posts

Actress in a kitchen filming a commercial, camera recording in the middle right.
Jun 16, 2025

Commercial Actors Should Never Neglect the Easy Stuff For Self Tape Requests

Let’s be honest. It’s a self tape world. Self tapes have been in the mix for film and television auditions for years now. Commercially, we are still relatively new at this. I think it’s anyone’s guess the frequency actors will… Read More

Casting director sitting at her desk jotting down notes and smiling. Wardrobe hanger is in the background.
Jun 2, 2025

The Casting Pecking Order

When a show is being cast, most casting directors have a system for going through the roles. If you’re a new actor looking to break into the business, it might be helpful to understand just how far in advance things… Read More

An acting teacher training his students in a room with black cutrains.
May 7, 2025

The Importance of Acting Training and Education

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you no longer need actor training. Even if you have some natural talent and a decent resume, it is important to keep in mind that refining your skills helps push your… Read More

Happy African woman in a red and white flannel shirt smiling.
Feb 10, 2025

7 Headshot Looks to Include in Your Repertoire

Headshots are a vital part of an actor’s hiring process. Although you’ll end up using one or two essential headshots for most projects, sometimes it’s good to have other, more specific looks to fill out your profile and submit for… Read More

Happy interracial couple moving. Asian man pushing his Spanish girlfriend in a moving box.
Jan 6, 2025

3 Things You Need to Move to NYC or LA Without Financial Stress as an Actor

New York City and Los Angeles are the hot spots for actors to live, because of access to live auditions, being a local hire where things are being made and being surrounded by a large community of other artists. These… Read More

Asian woman in a sun hat and denim jacket withdrawing money from an ATM.
Nov 18, 2024

3 Steps to Create Income That Allows You to Be a Full-Time Artist

Being a full-time artist has nothing to do with how much money you are making from your art. Being a full-time artist means that you are able to dedicate all of the time and resources that you desire to your… Read More

Two friends overlooking New York City from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Sep 30, 2024

8 Best Cities for New Actors to Call Home

After graduating from a drama program, the next logical move is, well, to move. However, choosing where to live as an actor is an age-old query. For decades, the masses have pointed to two locations if you wanted to be… Read More

An independent film crew and actors shooting a movie outside.
Oct 24, 2023

The Insider’s Guide to Indie Film Casting for Aspiring Actors

Getting cast for a role can be a challenging endeavor, especially for early-career actors. Independent films can provide great opportunities—and great roles—for actors who are just starting out and for those who are looking to add great footage to their… Read More

Camera view of a movie being filmed, actor in frame for a dramatic scene.
Aug 28, 2023

The Practical Guide for Every Film Actor’s Journey

Breaking into the film industry is a dream shared by countless aspiring actors, but it’s a path known to be as competitive as it is alluring. The world of acting is an intricate web of auditions, networking and creative pursuits… Read More

A female voice actor reading a script on a table from her home studio.
Aug 14, 2023

How to Build a DIY Voiceover Studio on a Budget 

For beginning actors, a home voiceover setup is a crucial tool. Many voiceover jobs require actors to record and submit their own vocals, especially for freelancers.    People often ask, “How much should I spend on recording equipment for my… Read More

Young woman smiling and drinking tea in an office.
Jul 24, 2023

Understanding and Mastering the Business Side of Acting

As an aspiring performer, have you ever found yourself so engrossed in the world of acting that you forget about the business side of things? We’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: understanding the business side of acting is… Read More

Meisner Instructor Jim Jarrett on Setbacks and Insecurities
Nov 2, 2022

Meisner Instructor Jim Jarrett on Setbacks and Insecurities

That which hinders your task is your task.” — Sanford Meisner Setbacks are part of acting and, indeed, a part of life. Just as there are times for advancement and celebration, there are moments of pause and reflection. Acting instructor… Read More

Jan 31, 2022

6 Tips for Demo Reels

Most performers — drama school graduates and seasoned acting veterans alike — have demo reels to promote themselves to industry professionals. Reels showcase your unique personality, look, and brand. They also document your best on-camera performances to date and display… Read More

An actress breaking her industry standard bad habits thanks to acting coach Brian Patacca
Jun 25, 2021

Career Coach Brian Patacca: Break Your Industry Standard Habits

Career coach Brian Patacca goes against the grain on many of the things actors are told to do from the very beginning, but his reasoning makes complete sense. Thankfully, he’s sharing all of his advice in his new podcast called… Read More

Feb 12, 2021

Dear SAG-AFTRA Actors, It Is Time To Get Educated

If you’re a SAG-AFTRA actor auditioning and working in television and film, here’s a situation you may find yourself in: It is expected of you to read and know all the terms of the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Contract, but there isn’t… Read More