Actors For Actors

This is your page.  Every month we'll feature a new question asked by an Actor in Los Angeles that talks about what's really going on in the business.  We'll answer it - or at least hopefully point you in the right direction.  If you have a question - ask it...

 This month's question is from Hollywood:

Dear Actor's Life,

I'm 26 years old and I've just moved to Los Angeles and I want to be an actor. All my friends and family say that I should be an actor. So, after college, I moved here, and I moved in with a friend - and i don't even know where to begin. I got a pretty good job waiting tables at a restaurant, but I don't feel like I have any real map. I don't know where to go.. What should I do first. Should I get headshots? Should I join a theater company? There's so many which one should I join? Any advice?

Signed,

I need a map in Hollywood.


Dear Mapmaker....

First of all, welcome to Los Angeles - we're sure you'll do great. It's up to you to make your own map - and create the success that you want to create. You've really tackled the toughest part of the move to LA - which is finding a place, and finding a job. Now, you just need to start your career. The only advice we'll give you is to suggest two things. The first is start to explore what your colleagues are doing. Chances are at your work there are some other actors. Find out what they're doing - which theater companies they belong to - and maybe go see some theater at those theaters. The second is to seek out a good coach or school. A really good coach will not only keep you fresh on your craft - but will also help you with developing your marketing and your business plan. And last, start networking. Start talking and hanging out with your peers. Make friends. Have fun. After all, you're an actor because you want to do it the rest of your life.

Signed,

The Actor's Life