This is where we find out about you. There is another part of this site that tells about me. You have some idea what you would like to accomplish in show business but you can't afford to do it all right now. There are wardrobe considerations, acting classes, karate instruction, not to mention just eating and having a place to stay. Let's learn who you are and what you need.
You have your 8X10 headshot and you just got off the bus. You are in Hollywood. You will get a cheap apartment until you have your first starring role. You have enough money to get by for a month if necessary. Now what?
Los Angeles apartment rentals are costly. A room in a downtown L.A. hotel would be expensive and potentially dangerous. There would be no parking for your car at most downtown low cost hotels. An apartment would cost $750 per month for a very cheap studio in an area where you might have driveway parking. Sharing a three bedroom apartment or house with two others might cost $600 per person if you are lucky. You have to be careful when you pick roommates because if one person doesn't have his share you might be out of a home.
During my twenty-five years in the business I have known three movie extras who have lived in vans on the street. I knew one guy who lived in a park. He slept near a pay phone. Casting had his number and they occasionally called him to work as a homeless type. I am not trying to discourage you. Before you come to L.A. buy a copy of the L.A. Times Sunday edition and check apartment rental rates. Be prepared.
It is possible to start your career in your hometown. You certainly can make as much playing music for the lodges in Indianapolis as you can make in Los Angeles. You can do theatre in your hometown and develop your acting skills before you step onto a Hollywood sound stage. When you arrive in L.A. to begin your career at least have a full resume (even if it is mostly exaggerations). Be able to go on an audition and sound like you are at home on the stage. Learn about the unions. Start typing your resume.
Hone your skills. They will get you in the door. If you are a musician, have some photos with your instrument. Have a wardrobe that is more than just casual.
Wanna play piano? Click Here.
A phone where you can be reached, a car, a big wardrobe and maybe even some talent won't hurt. On the next page I will discuss attitude and personality. What I will say might surprise you.
If you have read any books about show business you probably know a little about auditions. If you are called in to read for a part for TV or a movie or a commercial you will be asked to "slate." That just means say your name and maybe your agency. Then they will videotape your profiles and maybe ask you some questions and maybe just read your cue and you act out your lines. If they have an interest, you will get a "callback." If they call you a third time it is probably to give you the part. Bring some extra coins for the parking meters especially in Santa Monica. Sign the log when you go into the casting agency and grab the "sides" (script pages). Fill out the "size card."
My advice is to never put down your Social Security number until you are hired. Use your Screen Actors Guild number or just put down any old number if they ask for your S.S.# at the audition.