The power of knowing about resources and putting them to their fullest use…

In October, Strategy for Actors had a workshop called “Tools for Actors” where Blair Hickey and Brian Wald, the founders, came to speak about their stellar company CastingAbout.com. CastingAbout has recently partnered with Breakdown Services/Actors Access as the premier data base of daily updated information about every scripted feature and television show being cast in Los Angles. I quickly became a member and couldn’t wait to use my new resource!

Sure enough, two weeks later I was called for an audition to be a Vulkan host for a Star Trek DVD special features release. Knowing very little about this subculture, I went out and rented a Star Trek movie to make a true Trekie transformation. I then went to CastingAbout to research the casting director I was to meet. I was able to see everything that she had cast in the past including a great comedic series that had been on IFC. Although the show was on hiatus due to the writers strike last year, I was able to go to shows website and watched a few clips. It was hilarious!

Then came the audition… I was confident because I knew I would have something to say to the casting director if the opportunity presented itself. Now, instead of being a needy, ignorant actor going in blind to an audition, I was an educated colleague of the CD who could intelligently speak about the business.

As I introduced myself in the audition, I asked her if there were any rumors that the show on IFC would come back. This opened up an entire conversation, where I got to show more of myself in the audition and create relationship between us. While I was waiting for my audition, there were 5 people ahead of me who came out pretty quickly, about 5-8 minutes apart. The CD kept me in there for 20 minutes, had me do an extra take, and even had her assistant go next door to get a hair tie to get me more Vulkan-like.

Although I didn’t book the role, I had a great audition with a working CD. I feel confident that when I follow-up and cross paths with her in the future, she will remember our exchange. Even more importantly, all my preparation made for a pleasurable, relaxed audition where I was able to be myself and show my best work. Isn’t that what we strive for as actors?

This whole experience made me look for more resources I’ve under-utilized. I challenge you to look at the times in your life when you have utilized the resources around you to their fullest, and the results that showed up. Everything we need to succeed is right in front of us and it is our responsibility to grab it and run!