Tune Up Your Tools

by Jodie Bentley

Summer is fast approaching. Whether you're heading off to do a show or going on vacation or, yes, even staying in the city, now is the time to begin the reevaluation of your tools of the trade. It's funny, even when you're out of school you realize that the world essentially functions on a school schedule. Even for actors. The new season starts in September, so let's be ready and begin now.

When we are in the midst of the day-to-day, we may think that one headshot isn't working, or our reel needs editing, or our resume needs reformatting, or our audition tracking needs upgrading (or creating if it doesn't exist!), but we put it off. Life intrudes. Believe me, I understand, I live through it too. But if these tools represent the absolute embodiment of who you are as performer, and should reflect you as you change and grow, don't they deserve a little attention?

This is the perfect time to be a savvy business person and process the strengths and weaknesses of our marketing tools.

Here's a list of tools as well as some tips and questions to consider.

Headshots - A headshot should be a natural looking photo of you on your best day, of course. But what about type? An ugly word to some, but not everybody should be wearing tank tops or button down shirts.
Resumes - Are you a leading lady, but still have a lot of sidekick credits on your resume? Is your resume a representation of the real you?
Video Demo Reel - Do you have a reel? Do you need a reel? Do you have enough footage to create one?
Audio Demo Reel (Singers) - Do you have an audio reel? When might you need one?
Voice Over Reel - Do you have too many spots on your reel or not enough? Do you need a voice over coach?
Press Kit for Interviews - If you want to make an excellent first impression in agent interviews, a press kit is the way to go. What should it contain to nail that interview?
Postcards - Should your postcard photo be the same as your main headshot? Are you using postcards properly? Do you have a postcard system? (This system is one of the most effective marketing tools you can use, believe me.) Come to our free Marketing & Mailings Demo on the 28th if this area is lacking for you.
Business Cards -Are you using business cards properly? Our free Marketing & Mailings Demo on the 28th covers this, too.
Website - I am an advocate for actor websites. Is yours designed to promote you most effectively?
Bio - I include this here because you should always have one or two ready to go. Don't waste your time writing a bio while you are in rehearsals; get ahead of the game.
Cover Letters - Is your cover letter too business-y? Does it embrace your personality? Is it designed for maximum effect?
Chorus Call sheet - Ever go to an Equity chorus call where they make you write your credits on a little colorful card? Plan ahead to wow them even here, have something printed.
Submission websites - Are you registered on submission sites? Is all your info up to date? Do you track your submissions?

Three very important questions to ask yourself about each and every tool:

Are you proud of it?
Does it truly showcase who you are and what you do?
Does it market you properly, cater to your strengths and show where you fit in this industry?

How do you do this efficiently, effectively and make smart business decisions? We always say erase the go-it-alone mentality. Don't lock yourself in your apartment and try to get it done all by yourself.

Take a class. There is no better way to understand and embrace your marketing than by taking a class with someone you trust, where you know you will get individual feedback and time. The Savvy Actor has two classes in June that we are very excited about and are filling up fast. You can read the sidebar or check out Classes & Seminars on our website.

If a class is not financially viable, create a mastermind group of four actors you trust and respect and walk through all these tools and questions together and support one another with honest and open feedback. If all of you are a different type in the business, even better.

No matter how you approach it, don't try to accomplish everything at once. Create action steps to transform and tweak each tool. By September you will be ahead of the game and ready to jump back into the "acting school year" with focus, ease, and confidence. Now that's how to get savvy.