Moving to the Next Level

So you're feeling stuck, doing the same projects over and over again. That is a hard place to be, but I have some answers for you! The key is FORCING yourself to the next level by REFUSING to do the low level work and holding out for the bigger opportunities. That's how people really do become successful. It might take 6 months to a year of waiting, but it WILL happen if you keep putting yourself in the right place.

1. I'm having trouble getting on Broadway or landing a recurring TV role.
   1. Want to get on Broadway fast? Here's a strategy to try - go perform in a show that's currently on Broadway, but in a tiny venue somewhere. Maybe even do it for free. Play a very specific role. Next, after you've done that show, go and audition for the same play but at a larger venue somewhere else. Tell the casting director in your cover letter that you'd love to play the same character and bring your own unique twist to it, and bring something new to their production. They will more likely want you in it since you've already played the character before. Keep doing this with larger and larger production houses until you get to Broadway level, and since you're so experienced in the character by that point, you'll have a much higher chance of landing the role. This approach might take about 2 years but it's worth it! Arbender Robinson, as explained in his interview with me, used this exact approach to land his first Broadway show without an agent. We'll talk about landing a recurring role soon.
2. I'm stuck at a plateau doing the same types of work over and over again.
   1. That's because you don't have a clear goal for what you want next. What do you really want next? The reason you're stuck is likely because you haven't thought about that. Here's the quickest process: Figure out exactly what you want, figure out about 10 things you can do to get there quickly (or research ideas online), narrow it down to the 3-4 top things, and then schedule those on repeat in your calendar until you get there. Don't waste your time doing other things.
3. I don't have a clear sense of direction in terms of where I'm going as an actor.
   1. See my answer to Question 2.
4. I can only find info for new actors online... I'm a veteran actor and don't know how to take my career to the next level and start getting larger roles.
   1. See my answer to Question 2.
5. I need to perform in projects of more substance.
   1. I don't mean to sound harsh, but stop auditioning for all those low level, crappy projects! Find projects of substance. How, you ask? Find award-winning up-and-coming young directors and ask to take them for coffee to learn from them. Then keep in touch and next time they're doing a unique, great project, you can reach out to them and see if they'll let you audition. Since they know you, you'll likely get the part (or at least get to audition). Within a few years, you'll have some AMAZING opportunities coming your way.
6. I need to move on to bigger things, but I'm afraid to leave those who've helped me in the past behind.
   1. You're worried about leaving your agent of many years because she has helped you for a long time. But you've outgrown her. Well, you're doing her a disservice by sticking around and not having a direct conversation with her and telling her the truth. She wants to see you succeed and if she can't help you with those larger roles, allow her to open up a slot on her roster for someone who's perfect for her, since you're just wasting her time at this point! Move on and realize that you're hurting HER by sticking with her and keeping her from being able to work with someone else who wants the stuff she's involved with.
7. I'm worried I'll never land a recurring role.
   1. Only go on auditions for recurring roles, or tell your agent you're no longer willing to take single line or single day projects. You need to step it up; you can't wait for your agent to do so. They just want to get you into whatever they can, and sometimes it's easier to get you in for quick things than for them to hold out for a recurring role. You taking a certain quick role means you might miss an audition for a better, recurring role! Remember though - have a secondary source of income to support you because you're likely not going to book something for at least 6 months. But once you do, it's life changing.
8. I'd love to win a major award.
   1. You can't do that until you start getting bigger roles, and YOU need to be the one to stop taking the small stuff. That's literally the only thing holding you back - your belief that you're not good enough or not ready. That's why it's so important for a secondary income stream, especially once you have a great resume, reel, agent, etc. At that point, you keep raising the stakes, raising your day rate, and continue networking. But don't forget... network with DIRECTORS, not just casting directors. Casting directors can't make the final decision.
9. I don’t want to be stuck doing background work and one-liners for the rest of my life.
   1. You won't if you stop believing that's your destiny. And if you stop taking those jobs.
10. I’ve done everything I was supposed to. I spent YEARS of my life training, acting for free, and putting my reel & resume together, I spent thousands of dollars on headshots and re-designing my website, why do I feel stuck?
    1. Because you're not clear on WHAT YOU WANT. See question 2.
11. Sure, it would be amazing to have a recurring role, but if you’re not already well-connected, that’ll take YEARS. I’ll be 80 by the time that happens.
    1. Yeah if you keep believing that, it will. See answer for question 7. In general it will only take a year or two, depending on how much experience you have on your resume and whether you have an agent.
12. I’m not doing enough or investing enough in my acting career.
    1. OK, so email me and let's do 1-1 consulting (if I have a slot available) and we'll get you there. Let's just have a free consultation call first to see if we're even a right fit for one another. I only take certain clients since I guarantee outcomes and refund people if we don't achieve them. I put a lot on the line for you and can only work with people who are serious!