Here's the single most important sentence in this article - our best advice: Don't need the work. If you need the work, you won't get the work.
It's surprising. Time and again, when you boil down all the stories about how actors get jobs, it's due to an absence of desperation; a lack of need; a sense that the job just wasn't all that important at the time.
We know. You understand the concept, but... how can you honestly pretend you don't need something when you do?
By honestly not needing it. And (using a slightly cleaned-up version of Mr. Shear's advice), that starts by...
HAVING "SCREW YOU" MONEY
The industry wants people who can handle pressure. An actor who needs the job to pay his rent has pressures on him that have nothing to do with the "shoot." (Theatrical agent Maxine Arnold calls this kind of an actor a "desperate-ado.") He blows takes and readings - not because he's bad, but because that job is too important to him.
You can't make intelligent decisions when you're hungry. To advance, for example sooner or later, you're going to have to turn down a two-or three-line "day player" part. Keep doing these and you may wake up one morning to discover that's how the industry views you - as a "day player." (Careers, it's said, are made by how many times an actor says no.) But how can you turn down a part if that's all that stands between you and eviction?
Work, beg, or "glumb" it from your parents - but don't need the money.
HAVE OTHER INTERESTS
After an informal survey of working actors, we learned that when they got work it was often because the job or audition "got in the way" of something else, usually having nothing to do with acting.
When they auditioned, their minds were partly on that "something else," and they were more relaxed and didn't try as hard. The producer or director saw actors who weren't desperate and hired them, little knowing it was concern over a plot point in a screenplay they were writing or a nagging problem with a sick begonia that kept the actors from being nervous.
We aren't saying don't pursue a career. Sure, make those calls, visit studios, send out photos and resumes, etc. But remember too that life isn't just film running through a camera, and there's a difference between dedication and obsession. "Frankly, the reason I don't handle a lot of actors is because they're too self-involved," says entertainment attorney Michael C. Donaldson. "There's a great line in the movie To Be Or Not To Be where one character says to the other, 'Enough about me. Let's talk about you. How did you like my last scene?' There's a lot of truth to that. But not so much with successful actors. Successful actors, like successful people everywhere, are involved in the world around them." Or as personal manager Roz Tillman says, "I can't stress enough getting together the basics. I mean the basics of your life. Getting it all together. Don't be a flaky artist."
Have an avocation. Do something that brings in an extra few bucks on the side. Learn a freelance trade that makes you your boss for life. Have a hobby. Smell the begonias.
HAVE COURAGE
"Dare to be hated."- Bette Davis, in a TV interview
We've been to gatherings of actors where the atmosphere was that of a group of desperate, whipped puppies, yapping about their "masters" (producers, etc.).
Well, join the kennel or learn to keep your self-respect.
This industry too has its share of petty, bullying bureaucrats who enjoy "doing a number" on actors. You owe it to yourself not to let them push you around. Someone rude to you? Don't sit there and take it because you're "only an actor" and need the work.
Now, we're not talking about walking around with a chip on your shoulder - then you're the bully. Just don't allow yourself to be somebody's doormat. If you do you'll get frustrated, hurt and angry - exactly the kind of actor who doesn't work.
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
"Most actors don't know their product." Mac St. Johns, Publicist . . . And, even more important, understand that you are a product. "You have to define your personality," says theatrical casting director Paul Bengston. "Not, 'I want to be a pirate or a cowboy,' but what you are. What are you selling?"
Know your strong and weak points. Remember, no actor is right for every part. If you look like "Auntie Em," don't try to sell yourself as the next "Dorothy," and then complain about what a rotten business this is when nobody buys.
It's not easy, but try not to take rejections personally. If you were selling a Mercedes, but your customer was in the market for a Cadillac, we doubt you'd take that as a personal affront.
When you don't get that part or agent, it simply means that they weren't in the market for a Mercedes that week.
NON-WORKING ACTORS
"Earlier, I heard you say not to hang around with non-working actors. I'd like to hug you for saying that." - Fran O'Bryan, Commercial Agent
Welcome to Negative City. Population: thousands. Points of interest: none. (After all, it can't be done.)
"If you want to be an unemployed actor for the rest of your life I can tell you exactly how to do it: Spend all of your time with unemployed actors talking about how unhappy you are being an unemployed actor," says entertainment attorney Michael C. Donaldson.
The greatest spur in the butt is to be around people who can do and are doing. They'll inspire you to do more. After all, they're living proof that things can be done.
What do you learn from people who are failing? How to fail. They're magnificent at finding all the ways things can't be done. Worse, stated or not, they don't want you to succeed. They'll commiserate you into doing nothing.
Birds of a feather . . . need together.
NOW YOU KNOW IT
"Know your craft."- Ralph Senensky, Director
There's no way around it. Some dues will have to be paid.
You're going to have to study hard and work at your craft. You're going to have to go through the pain of doing badly before you do well. Make your mistakes before becoming a pro, because, sooner or later, you'll be asked to show what you can do. If you need knowledge and experience, a little voice inside you will scream, "Dear God, I'm not ready for this."
Know you're ready - know it in your gut.