Things You'll Need:
- Headshots
- Resume
- Postcards
- Demo reel
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Step 1
Compile a list of casting directors in your area who cast projects that are right for you. For example, if you wish to get more television auditions, research who is casting which shows. Make a list of those casting directors, complete with their mailing addresses and the specific projects they cast. Entertainment bookstores such as Samuel French put out monthly books that list the casting directors who work in your area. You can also look up casting directors' addresses on IMDBpro, though you will need to have a paid subscription to do so.
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Step 2
Add any other industry contacts--directors, producers, choreographers or executives that you know-- to your list. Stay in touch with every industry contact you have.
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Step 3
Mail your headshot and resume to every person on your target list. Include a brief note, explaining that you feel you are right for the projects he casts and would love the opportunity to audition for him. It's a good idea to do this mass headshot mailing every year.
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Step 4
Send out a mass postcard mailing whenever you have a notable success in your acting career. If you book a role on anything, it's important that you promote your accomplishment. It's also a good idea to send out a postcard update if you change representation, join a new acting union or start new acting training. Basically, promote anything positive that happens in your career. If warranted, aim to send out a postcard update every eight to 10 weeks.
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Step 5
Put together a demo reel. An acting demo reel should be about two to three minutes and include clips of you performing on camera. Only include your best work on it. Once you have it completed, have several copies made and then mail them to your target list.
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Step 6
Participate in acting showcases. An acting showcase generally consists of about 20 actors performing short scenes. These two-person scenes are usually performed back-to-back, making for a showcase that is between an hour or two long. Industry guests such as agents, managers and casting directors are invited to these showcases. Each person who comes receives a binder with all the actors' headshots and resumes in it so they can then contact anyone in whom they are interested.
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Step 7
Get an agent or manager if you don't have representation. Acting representation can literally open doors for you. Many casting directors only release breakdowns to agents and managers, so you never even have the chance to submit yourself on those projects. Send out a mass mailing to all agents and managers in your area, requesting a meeting. If you have a demo reel, include that in your mailing.
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Step 8
Look into casting director workshops. These workshops involve meeting a particular casting director and then performing a scene for her. If she likes you, she may call you in to audition for the projects she casts. You do have to pay to participate in these workshops, but they have been shown to help generate auditions for actors.
