A List of Supplies You Require for an Actor’s Job

I used to always summarize by saying, "Persevere."But "perseverance" isn't in my summary any more. After all, you have to know what you're persevering at, and you've got to have the right materials. So, in summary: Picture, Resume, Equity-Waiver Theatre, Cassette, Agent, Producer, and Casting Director. - Buddy Bregman, Producer-Director

Here's a list of supplies you'll need during your first year. You must frame a complete budget with dollar amounts for every item mentioned. We've divided your supplies into three categories:

1. The Musts: Obviously, items you can't function without.
   
   
   
   
2. Other Items: You can survive without them, but they can help a lot.
   
   
3. Chicken Soup: You can spend an entire career without ever having any of these items. But, if you've got the money, like chicken soup, they can't hurt.
   

Take a look at your budget, toss in your personal expenses and you'll have a pretty good idea not only of where to start, but of what you're going to have to/want to do and earn at least for the next year.

A point that bears repeating: Figure you'll earn your first money as an actor about one year after the date you get your SAG card (unless you're fantastically lucky). Don't quit your job and declare that you are "now an actor." Keep (or get) that job; acquire the items you'll need; learn some basics about the business; and save your money.

THE MUSTS:

• Telephone
  
  
• Headshot session
  
  
• Headshot printing (500 theatrical, 500 commercial)
  
  
• Resumes (typing, printing 500)
  
  
• Union(s) initiation
  
  
• Union dues
  
  
• Postage
  
  
• Envelopes (good-looking manila, some regular)
  
  
• Academy Players Directory listing
  
  
• Answering device
  
  
• Good stationery
  
  
• Thank-you notes
  
  
• SAG agency list
  
  
• Datebook
  
  
• Theatre, showcases, classes
  

OTHER ITEMS:

• Composite session
  
  
• Composite printing
  
  
• Card file & notebook
  
  
• Directories
  
  
• Working Actors Guide
  
  
• Trade subscriptions
  
  
• Postcards
  
  
• Typewriter
  
  
• Labels (blank or pre-addressed)
  
  
• Videocassette (including air-check, stock, editing)
  
  
• Passport
  

CHICKEN SOUP:

• Desk
  
  
• Computer
  
  
• VCR
  
  
• Video camera