It’s the start of the holiday season. Everyone is busy
trying to beat the rush and get the best deal so let me be quick and to the point...
An agent or manager works for the actor and only gets paid
once the actor is employed in a show. They take ten to fifteen percent off the
top of an actor’s salary.
At no time should a performer ever pay upfront for
representation. Period.
Any agent, manager, casting director or the like, who asks for money upfront for anything is scamming
you. Walk away.
I’m surprised this still happens, but it does. Actors are in
such a rush to make it big, to get the next great gig that some will do
anything to get a leg up on their “competition”. Or perhaps some are so
inexperienced and green or far removed from the center of the show Business
world that they don’t know any better.
Now you do.
The simple fact of the matter is you are the only one you’re
in competition with. You are the only one who can help you on your journey to
be an employed actor. Anyone who proclaims a short cut is selling you a load of
crap, and is probably, literally, selling it to you.
Save your money.
Being a “working actor” (one who is actively pursuing
performing as a career) as opposed to an “employed actor” (one who has a job
performing) is about going to auditions, taking classes, networking, and taking
care of yourself mentally, spiritually and physically.
Being a working actor is about maintaining a healthy balance
of Life outside of the Business of show.
So get a Life. Take care of yourself. Take care of your money. You’ll
need it for all the legit classes, lessons and seminars...
...and rent...
...and food.
So while you're standing in line this holiday season, wishing it would move faster, remember: Don't hand over your hard earned money to agents, managers, casting directors and the like who make unrealistic career promises. If you’re a “working actor” the opportunity to do what you love will present itself in time. You can’t buy it and you certainly can't rush it.
...“All you have to do is wait.”
