SHOW UP!

by Doug Shapiro

It’s time to talk about one of the most important concepts of marketing yourself in this entrepreneurial business of Artist You.

You have to show up.

And now it’s story time.

So, a couple of weeks ago, I’m on my way to an EPA (Equity Principal Audition) and a little nervous because I’m running later than I would like to sign up for an audition time.  I arrive at exactly the time when sign-up begins…

…and there are ten people there.

Ten?!!  Where are my fellow union actor peeps? The ones who are constantly complaining about their dead careers?

This audition was for a four-month Equity contract (meaning six months of insurance) with a new theatre company.  The director/choreographer has choreographed musical numbers for major film and TV projects.  The casting director, WHO WAS IN THE ROOM, is one of the hardest-working in town.

Where was everybody?

Apparently at this time of the year, many actors decide that they’re on holiday and are just going to wait until January to dive in again.

There’s also a belief that EPAs are required calls and that the casting director…or casting director’s intern…or casting director’s intern’s pet rabbit…that is in the room that day is not really looking for any one.

They’re wrong.

Two call-backs later I booked the gig.

(By the way, they saw nearly every non-Union member that showed up.)

Here’s the thing, Savvy Actors.  You can have breath-taking talent and craft. Be absolutely clear in your goals. Have a solid handle on exactly where you fit in the industry…

…and it does you no good if people don’t know who you are.

You, Savvy Actor, are your own marketing director.  It is your responsibility to make sure that decision-makers in the industry have a mental short-hand for you.  If they have a need for an ingénue who can kick-box, you’re responsible for making sure you’re the first person that pops into their mind.  If they need a legit baritone who can play multiple German characters, you’re responsible for making sure you’re the first person that pops into their mind.

-       You do this by making sure they receive regular updates on your activity.

-       You do this by crafting your social media updates to show forward momentum and fresh ideas in your career.  (Friends can recommend you for jobs too!)

-       You do this by making sure you have your rock-solid two-sentence statement about what you do and what you’re looking to do next, so you’re prepared to talk to anyone that may ask.

-       You do this by showing up for auditions with an outfit and material that accurately reflect your brand.

I understand how easy it is to lose focus, but there comes a time when you have to STOP the mental conversations about the holidays, needing one more class, headshots not being quite right, or deciding that the Industry is against you.

You are far too talented to let your light shine under a bushel.  And as a Savvy Actor, you have the tools to help you attain your goals.

Now, you have to start showing up.

Happy Holidays and Go Get ‘Em!

Tags: Passion, Persistence, Success