We all are quite familiar with the audition scene. And it makes sense that, when looking for work, our minds automatically lead us to those long lines, hours of waiting, and brief moments in the room to show off all of our best talents and personality traits. But what if there were another way to book work that didn’t involve just putting yourself out there only to not hear any feedback and just go out to do it again the next day? Would you want to try it? Of course you would.
This alternate route isn’t any magic trick. You don’t need any special equipment. It’s just a matter of putting what you want out into the world. In other words, let people know what opportunities you want. Want to star in contemporary plays? Are you an awesome comedic actor with a face for commercials? Maybe you do character voices and would love to get in to animation. Whatever your dream and skill set, put it out into the world and see what comes back to you.
Of course it’s lovely to be humble. It’s certainly important to be a great listener and not spend all of your time talking about yourself. But sending out a well-thought out e-mail once to a strategic group of friends/relatives/colleagues may prove well worth the small discomfort of asking for what you need. You just never know when you friend’s brother’s cousin is looking for someone to add narration to her company’s website. That could be you! Maybe that guy you just did a show with has been offered a comedic walk-on part for a major web series, but he’s not available. Great news! He just remembered that super-funny-actor-you is looking to book more comedic screen work. He sends the business your way. Who knows where opportunities will come from, but if you never put it out there they are unlikely to come at all.
One caveat: you can definitely take this too far. You don’t want to be that person who never shuts up about her vast array of talents. Undoubtedly, those friends/relatives/colleagues you are hoping will send work your way, will not do so if they can’t stand to be around you and your ego. So always be gracious (send a thank you to those who help you get work!), kind, and only share this information sparingly and when it is absolutely appropriate.
Now get out there, and make things happen!