First the disclaimer: I am not an expert on anything. I am a non-equity actor who just went EMC and is at the beginning of my career. However, since I have a blog about being an actor I get a lot of questions about how to get started, where to find auditions, how to stick with it, etc. All I can offer is my own experience, so take it or leave it, but if I can help anyone I’m happy to. So from time to time I’ll answer the questions. Also keep in mind that this is for actors in Chicago.
dear harmony,
I have no idea how to even get started auditioning in the real world. its so overwhelming… headshots($$$), resumes(mine is not very impressive), and material(which i don’t have), OH MY! Do you have any advice for me. i’m feeling a little lost and if anyone knows her way around when it comes to theatre, its you….
love always,
jessica
Hey Jessica! Don’t feel intimidated. I feel that way all the time. ALL the time. Seriously. I don’t think there is any actor that has it all figured out. We just pretend to from time to time. I’m certainly no expert. But of course I will share with you what I’ve learned.
1)Okay for headshots I suggest http://www.brandondahlquist.com/
or
http://www.ccosentino.com/ccosentino/Welcome.html
They’re going to be cheaper than the big dogs…but the quality is really great. Chris did my last round of shots and I’ve been admiring Brandon’s work for some time.
2)Don’t worry about not having an impressive resume. There’s nothing you can do about that. Just get out there. Start auditioning for anything and everything. Get your face out there. They will start to recognize you at auditions after a while. Make sure you’re prepared and professional at the auditions and callbacks. The biggest tip I can give you is not to give up! If it’s what you want to do then keep working at it. Take classes, read plays, see as much theater as you can…work on your craft!
3)For audition notices I go to:
http://www.performink.com (there is a fee)
http://www.chicagoplays.com (under the industry tab)
http://www.actorsequity.org (for equity auditions)
http://www.theatreinchicago.com (audition button at the bottom of the left column)
4)As far as sheet music goes, I get most of the new songs I want at the library or off the internet. Just google what song you want. It’s usually under $3. Also now that we have youtube you can look up a song and listen to how it goes before callbacks and such. Although you have to sift through all of the awful High School performances first. Monologues are trickier. I try to read a lot of plays. I look for good monologues in the plays that I feel the most connection with.
Anyway, that’s all for now. Good luck!
Love Harmony
P.S. If anyone has any questions for me feel free to email me. 
If you don’t come, Mimmy might smile at you some more.
If you don’t come, you too, will grow a uni-brow like Margita.
If you don’t come, Trinity will come after yo ass.
If you don’t come, Werner will follow you around and look at you like this all day.
If you don’t come, the show will be canceled and I’ll be left to my own devices. THIS is what happens when I’m left to my own devices. Please save me from myself.
Where are my handlers to fan me with Palm Fronds and feed me grapes?
“Can we smoke? Can the adults please smoke?!?”
ummmmm…..I categorically deny this photograph. It never happened. I’m being framed I tell you! You’ll have to speak to my publicist about this one. His name is Eric Martin and his number is 773-555-1212.
*****
A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens