Savvy LA Resource Center
HOW TO USE THE RESOURCE CENTER
Here is our list of Savvy resources in LA that we LOVE. These are NOT advertisers, but the real scoop on highly respected people in our community. You are your own business, and it is of the utmost importance to have a team of people around you that you trust.
Response Key: JB = Jodie Bentley, KU = Kevin Urban, DS = Doug Shapiro
Click on a panel to expand it.
Audition Coaches
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Steve Eastin
Official Website |
JB: Steve has one the most impressive classes I have seen in LA. His approach is both as an actor and teacher from what Steve calls "choiceless awareness". It is exactly what this "type A" Virgo needs! His own IMDB profile as well as those of his students is proof enough for me! I recently audited and took his class. Ummm.....it was AWESOME! If you're in LA run and audit his class NOW, seriously. |
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Tim Phillips
Official Website |
JB: I LOVE me some Tim Phillips! I met Tim on one of his trips to NYC and have been studying with him ever since. His lecture "Sherlock Holmesing the Text" is brilliant. His insight on breaking down a script is top notch. He works with some A-list actors and it is no surprise. Need to master your auditions? Then get yourself to Tim! |
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Jack Plotnick
Official Website |
JB: Jack Plotnick just rocks! He is an amazing teacher who helps you stop acting and get out of your way! He is also a FABULOUS actor and his IMDB page is a mile long. I HIGHLY recommend taking his workshop - I have twice! Jack's FREE online book, "New Thoughts For Actors" is just brilliant. His affirmations and philosophy have helped me a lot over the years! Click HERE to read it! |
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Caryn West
Official Website |
JB: Caryn is a renowned Film/TV audition teacher and coach. She is the only teacher selected on both coasts as one of "THE BEST AUDITION COACHES" BACK STAGE West and East 2009 polls. She is a person of great integrity who REALLY cares about her actors and their success. Caryn also gets you on tape for your auditions and edits and uploads your audition. She went to the DIRECTING WORKSHOP WITH WOMEN at AFI and now teaches at the undergrad level at USC’s SCHOOL OF THE CINEMATIC ARTS film school, so she’s pretty handy around a camera. Out of any acting coach I know, Caryn has the best reputation that has followed her for her entire career. Go study with her! |
Blogs and Podcasts
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Leslie Becker |
JB: We share a lot of Leslie's philosophy and principles, and her podcast is wonderful and full of useful information for the working actor. It is a paid subscription podcast. |
| KU: Jeff’s blog is a great resource for musical theatre performers. Jeff is both a brilliant actor/singer (Damn Yankees, How To Succeed) and songwriter. Each episode showcases a performer singing one of Jeff’s songs. Before they sing, they dish on the Musical Theatre Industry. Talent ranges from up and coming to current Broadway Talent. It’s also a great place to hear new songs to add to your audition book. I highly recommend his blog. You can join the Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook Podcast on iTunes. | |
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Broadway Blogspot
Official Website |
JB: A Theatrical Resource website that gives viewers an inside look at what really goes on onstage and behind-the-scenes on Broadway! The site features 3 ongoing video series: "Broadway Backstage" Series- featuring backstage tours of Broadway’s legit theatres and interviews with the creative, dedicated professionals who work behind-the-scenes. "The Glamorous Life" Series- an inside look at what it’s like to audition for and pursue a musical theatre career in NYC. Attend auditions, get advice from working actors, casting directors, agents, musical directors, etc. It's everything they never taught you in school! "Broadway Encore" Series- special videos featuring charitable organizations working with Broadway shows, celebrity interviews, personal backstage stories, etc. A great resource for NYC actors! |
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Jim Caruso's Cast Party
Official Website |
JB: Not only is Cast Party an open mic at Birdland every Monday night, Jim also does a podcast which is GREAT! You can download it on itunes for free. But also check out the Cast Party website and go on Monday nights, it is always a treat! |
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Daily Actor
Official Website |
JB: Daily Actor features acting news, columns and interviews with some of the best film, TV and Broadway actors working today. Edited by Lance Carter, he brings a working actors perspective to a website has been mentioned in the New York Times and Backstage! This blog rocks and we HIGHLY recommend checking it out! |
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JB: Darbi Worley is the creator of this podcast and she is truly a dynamic and talented individual. Her podcast is a must for actors. Much like us, you get tips and information but from those professionals on the other side of the table. Tune in!
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GigSmacked
Official Website |
JB: GigSmacked.com is the premiere straight from the hip performer's blog by American actor/writer/gig-doctor Kahlil Ashanti www.kahlilashanti.com and Vancouver talent manager Justin Sudds www.slfa.com. Kahlil and Justin have collaborated on several projects taking actors and live performers from obscurity to international financial success and GigSmacked.com is your free peek at how they did it. Their purpose is to eliminate the sharp learning curve actors and performers from all genres experience when they realize that this is a business first. Their secondary goal is to encourage performers to empower themselves with knowledge and responsibility for their own careers and stop waiting for the phone to ring. We think they're awesome! |
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Susan Grace
Official Website |
JB: Grace Notes is an AMAZING theater blog! Published every week, Monday-Friday, to a world-wide audience of theatre professionals, GRACE NOTES provides its readers the most comprehensive, concise and up-to-date theatre information around. GRACE NOTES is available by blog, Twitter and Facebook. Since its inception in 1999, GRACE NOTES has continued to expand its reader base on an almost daily basis, with avid readers from Los Angeles to Broadway to London and everywhere in between. Bookmark this site - it will be your go-to-source for info on the theatrical scene! |
Career Coaches
JB: I met these folks back in 2004 and they helped me in so many ways that I can't even put it into words. I was at a funk in my career, not sure why things weren't working, went to their free seminar, and immediately signed up for their 3 day course. That was one of the best decisions I ever made, and they were the starting point for all the success that has poured into my life since. They understand the challenges actors face because they are both actors! They really help you understand the inner games we play. The tools you walk away with and the discoveries you make about yourself are incredible! You owe it to yourself, your peace of mind, and your sanity, to take their seminar. They do private coaching as well and I coach privately with Michelle on and off, when I need a refresher. DS: I couldn't agree more! |
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| JB: Had a great conversation with Kent the last time I was in LA. Though I have never worked with him he sure seems to know what he is doing! He has great tools and ideas from getting the right agent and manager, to creating effective marketing tools, to coaching you through your photo shoot! Kent also coaches audition technique for on camera. He will show you how to make strong choices and create a unique charactor that is natural and believable and sharpen your improv skills! He will also give you valuable insight to finding "survival jobs" within the industry as well as hands on training finding and working the best casting sites in town. | |
| JB: I recently had coffee with Bobby and was VERY impressed with this NYC actor turned LA Actor, director, producer, writer, marketing coach! Bobby was the commercial agent at Howard Talent West, and a theatrical and commercial assistant at ACME Talent & Literary (in both New York and Los Angeles) so Bobby has a TON of agency experience to draw upon. Bobby has been doing private marketing coaching for years and more recently teaching condensed courses for AFTRA Los Angeles. He also wrote a short book called Super Marketing For Actors. Click HERE to read it!! Once I make the move to LA, I am calling Bobby! |
Casting Director Workshops
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GoGoActing Workshops
Official Website |
JB: In LA you have a lot of options to choose from in terms of doing casting director workshops. In our last trip to LA we encountered GoGo Acting Workshop and we love what they are doing! Run by BETH GEIGER and SUZANNE GUTIERREZ, working actors themselves, it is a place where actors can network with integrity, learn more about auditioning and not be just another face in the crowd. GoGo Acting Workshops is friendly, intimate (22 actors or less) and always educational. Check out GoGo Acting Workshops and see why they are different than other workshops. Savvy Clients get $5 Off!! |
Classes - Film/TV
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Steve Eastin
Official Website |
JB: Steve has one the most impressive classes I have seen in LA. His approach is both as an actor and teacher from what Steve calls "choiceless awareness". It is exactly what this "type A" Virgo needs! His own IMDB profile as well as those of his students is proof enough for me! I recently audited and took his class. Ummm.....it was AWESOME! If you're in LA run and audit his class NOW, seriously. |
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Tim Phillips
Official Website |
JB: I LOVE me some Tim Phillips! I met Tim on one of his trips to NYC and have been studying with him ever since. His lecture "Sherlock Holmesing the Text" is brilliant. His insight on breaking down a script is top notch. He works with some A-list actors and it is no surprise. Need to master your auditions? Then get yourself to Tim! |
Demo Reels
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Encore Demos
Official Website |
JB: At Encore Demos they know that time is precious and that Agents, Casting Directors or even the common viewer no longer has the attention span to watch a 3 minute demo anymore (the previous Industry standard). They specialize in tightening up existing footage to showcase the actor or companies in the first few seconds of viewing the reel. They will take the footage you have and categorize it so your audience will never see a dull moment. They believe, and we couldn't agree more ... leave them wanting more! Your demo reel should be a teaser and a trailer to your product... you! No bells and whistles. Just you. Sounds Brand Savvy to me!! Take a look at their sample demos.
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Dialects & Speech Coach
| JB: Claudette Roche, was voted the Readers’ Choice winner for favorite L.A. vocal/dialect coach for BACKSTAGE and was named by HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE as one of the Top 5 Voice Coaches in Hollywood! She is an award winning actress and a veteran of stage and screen. Claudette has a Neutral or Standard American accent but at the drop of a hat, she can access her original Cockney then jump to upper class London, Irish, Scottish, French, Southern US, Chinese, Jamaican and Russian, just to mention a few. And she can teach you to do the same! | |
| JB: If you're looking for a speech makeover then Elocution Solution is for you. They correct articulation problems, reduce an accent and improve voice quality. Whether you are an actor, business executive, lecturer, educator, or student your voice is a powerful tool for auditions/performances, presentations, negotiations, teaching, interviews, and interpersonal relationships. Elocution sessions will work on making your voice and articulation clear, expressive, energetic and confident. And Harriet and Ann are great ladies too with AMAZING bios and teaching credits! |
Headshot Photographers
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David Noles
Official Website |
JB: David is an amazing photographer. And I don't say that lightly. He shoots people on both coasts though he just made NYC his home after years in LA. I am so excited about what he is doing with photography, how we understands Brand and capturing the unique essence of each person. David doesn't have cookie cutter backdrops or poses that he forces you into. He makes you shine and your authentic self come through. I CAN'T WAIT to do my next photo shoot with David!! Plus he's a cool guy! |
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Ken Weingart
Official Website |
JB: My husband just had pictures taken with Ken wile we were in LA. He got the BEST pictures he has ever gotten from a photographer! ken has a great outside the box approach to really help capture your true essence. He actually shoots on both coasts but why get your pics done in NYC when you can go to Santa Monica! Definitely check out his stuff! Also Ken is totally open to discounts for for those who are financially struggling but still desire to work with an A level photographer. Now that's awesome! |
Image Consultant
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Jill Kirsh - Color Expert
Official Website |
JB: I ADORE Jill Kirsh!! She is simply amazing and did my colors. Oh my gosh - I had been wearing the wrong shade of green and didn't even know it!! J
ill's unique approach to image consulting won her the nickname of “Hollywood’s Guru of Hue.” Jill has consulted with thousands of women (and men!) around the world including Red Carpet celebrities, Grammy winning musicians, actors, news anchors and business leaders. She has an awesome makeup line that ROCKS! I never leave the house without my Jill Kirsh swatch book and never go to an on camera audition without my Jill Kirsh makeup kit. Can you tell I like Jill?
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Marketing Tools
Actors Access Official Website |
JB: If you are not Actors Access you need to stop reading this resource page, click the link to the left and SIGN UP! It is free, and it is a part of Breakdown Services, and every actor needs to be on it. Breakdown Services is where the agents get their "breakdowns" from everyday. Some of these casting notices are made public to actors via Actors Access, and you can submit yourself electronically for the projects you are right for, for a fee of $2.00. Considering what we pay on headshots, postage, envelops, resume paper, etc, that's a good deal. If you want an even better deal read below about Showfax. Also, if and when you have an agent, you can add them to your profile so they can submit you electronically for projects as well. |
| JB: We HIGHLY recommend CastingAbout as the premiere way to stay up to date on all the current industry projects! Tey are a division of Breakdown Services and they publish casting contact information for theatrical projects being cast in Los Angeles and New York. Their information is updated daily, and includes each project's production status, full casting staff, and current mailing address. As a research and marketing tool, members use CastingAbout to search for specific casting directors, associates or assistants; locate current and past projects for each casting office; check the up-to-date casting status of each show, movie or play; even create and print custom mailing labels addressed to specifically chosen casting personnel. Now that's Savvy! | |
Casting Networks Official Website |
JB: I had a commercial agent of mine set up an account for me on Casting Networks. At first I loved this site and it was completely free, but then they started charging $5 a month for submissions and $5 a month to add unlimited photos. Now, these are not bad prices by any means, but $5 here, $10 here, it adds up! This coming from someone telling you need to take all these classes and sign up for all these services, I know, I know. But I will say though, that you do need to pick and choose priorities for your money, again you are running a business. Now that my NYCastings is canceled I am going to sign up for the $5 a month with Casting Networks and report my new experience at a later date! |
MailChimp Official Website |
JB: This is hands down the best newsletter software I have found. Intuitive, easy to use, and much more affordable than it's competitors. Staying in touch with your fan base has never been easier and never looked more professional. |
| JB: All this information you can find on our mailings page, but I had to include it here because before I shared it with all of you I was just a customer using the service. I can't say it enough, if you want to to simplify your mailings, be more creative, actually send your thank you cards, and get better results, you have to use our cards and postcard service. It will change the way you market yourself and how you feel about your mailings. Most importantly it will save you time and money! Sign up for your free gift account and try it out. | |
ShowFax Official Website |
JB: Showfax is also a part of Breakdown Services. It is where all the audition sides are posted for all the auditions on Actors Access, for pilots, musical theatre, theatre, TV, Film, etc. Here's the deal, signup for a 1 year subscription to Showfax for $68.00, then you can access all the sides you want for FREE, and all your submissions on Actors Access are no longer $2.00, but FREE. Doing this is a must- especially if you are in theatre. If there are long running shows you know you are right for and will be auditioning for--go download the sides and see what the audition material is and practice! It is time to be proactive with your business and Showfax is a great tool. |
Organizational Books
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Getting Things Done |
JB: My husband first introduced me to this book, and my first thought was , "Well, I already get a lot of things done, and I am a naturally organized person, I don't need that!". My goodness was I wrong!! This is the BEST organizational book out there to be more productive, organized, and less stressed. As actors, it is indispensable to be organized and maximize your time. Read this, it will change your life. |
Personal Development Tools
| JB: This company has created a meditation CD called Holosync. I was introduced to Holosync by Robert & Michelle Colt who you can read about under Career Coaches. I would try to meditate on and off for years, but I could never fully release into the process until this CD. It helped me focus, not get stressed or frustrated, and even aided me in my creative processes for what it stimulates in your brain. The whole science behind what they did REALLY makes sense. The founder of the company even wrote a book called "Thresholds of the Mind" which is a very interesting read. Read about it on their website and you can request a free demo of the program. | |
| JB: I have a few CD's from this company and always listen when I need them. One thing as actors or as people we need to realize, is it is okay to ask for help and get the help we need. I was stuck in my middle class mentality--I wanted abundance in my career, my relationships, money, but it never seemed to happen. These CD's helped me shed some of that. They combine neuro-linguistic programming with accelerated learning strategies and have some very powerful CD's that will help change your life for the better. Now I am a happily married homeowner waiting for 4 checks from commercial work I booked to come in the mail! I am not saying it is all because of their CD's, but when you have a goal in your life and you want to achieve it, won't you do anything to get it? | |
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Subliminal Power
Official Website |
JB: This is a software program you can download directly on your computer, and it is so much fun! Everyday we are bombarded by subliminal message to buy products, eat at certain places, drink Coke, drink Pepsi, and they work. This software flashes subliminal message on your computer and comes preprogrammed for many different needs, i.e. losing weight, self esteem booster, release your past. You can click on the category you want or you can create your own messages to flash. How nice to be told everyday subconsciously--"You are a Broadway star", "You are grounded and carefree at auditions", "You always book jobs easily."! |
Unions
| JB: We both have been union members for awhile now. And since this is purely an information category, I will take a moment to say get involved in your union. It is so easy to sit aside and complain. Be proactive, get on a committee, and let's make some changes for the better. | |
| JB: I won't preach again, but I will say make sure you take part in AFTRA's Open Door. Some members forget about it or don't utilize it, but it is a great thing they provide for their union members. Once a year, they hold an appointment lottery to sign up and meet casting director and agents. It can be very beneficial and it is FREE! | |
| JB: One great thing about SAG is it's iactor, where you can upload your headshot, resume, and audio/video clips for FREE on their online casting database. Every union should have this. SAG also has seminars, workshops, and panels with casting directors for their members for FREE! |
Websites
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There are so many resources to include so here is a list of other websites that we find helpful. Check them out! |
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audacity.sourceforge.net--Free digital editing software for mp3's. |
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www.backstage.com -- Up to date news, reviews, casting notices and more! An excellent go to source for actors at all levels. |
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www.broadwaystars.com-- A great resource, it consolidates the news from all the other websites! |
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www.broadway.com--Tickets and Broadway news. |
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