#59: There You Are
Thursday 9/19/24
I’ve been thinking a lot of about how crazy the business is lately. I’ve had more coachings than ever with actors about to go into their first audition season in NYC. It can be crazy but very exciting. It will be challenging and will make you question your sanity DAILY. But there are ways to ensure a clear(ish lol) mental state and a successful season. But you need to put in the work starting today. I made you a checklist! It’s not all that much to do each month - i know you have a life!
MONTHLY CHECKLIST
OCTOBER
Edit resume - change SOMETHING - font/size/remove credits, etc
Print 100 headshots and resumes (cut and staple 25 at a time)
If you add a credit in the meantime, re-do or leave it off for now
Schedule auditions, even at local community theatres, so you can try all your material in your book - this is a great, free way to experiment!
Select 4-5 cuts to put on tape (new cuts or revivals of older tapes!)
Take a tour! Go explore all the floors at Pearl (both locations), Ripley Grier (the main 2), Open Jar, and AEA (they may not let you walk around but you can at least check on the Sky Lobby on the 4th floor). Open Jar is the only one that will ask you where you are headed - i think it’s ok to say “hey i’m new to NYC and preparing for audition season. Can I take a walk about, see the self tape room if unused, and check out the space? Happy to go alone or if someone wants to show me around a bit!” At RG and Pearl if you just walk with purpose past the desks, they won’t bug you.
If you aren’t a strong dancer, or are just OK - take 1 dance class a week
NOVEMBER
Record your new videos from week 1
While you have your filming set up, also record a lot of slates. “Hi I’m Julie Galorenzo and I’m 5’5””, “Hi I’m Julie Galorenzo, I live in Montclair NJ and am 5’5”, do the same with different permutations also adding in union status and “yes i’m available for callbacks” or “no i’m not available for callbacks”. Record 10-15 of these so you can always send a video you already have can add the slate while maintaining the same “look”.
Reach out to 10 AGENTS and CASTING DIRECTORS. Yes, 10 each. I want you to follow their submission instructions exactly and don’t say too much. If you need help with this, let me know.
Talk to your job NOW. Look, there are limited auditions at night or weekends. See if they are willing to schedule you on Saturdays and Sundays from January - April. You may have to suck this up for a while! Avoid daytime hours when possible. Try to work nights starting at 7pm and weekends! If you don’t have a job and will be getting one, set your availability NOW to weekends and weekdays after 7. I worked retail and this was great because we’d close at 9, but would get out at 1am!
If you aren’t a strong dancer, or are just OK - take 1 dance class a week
DECEMBER
Work with a coach on your main 3-4 pieces. Get a new POV. With zoom, you can find someone anywhere at a price that works for you
Gather and prep outfits
1 general season audition outfit - a “go to”
A pop/rock audition outfit
1 casual look for every day use - a top and jeans/polo & jeans etc
Pack a go bag of your essentials like light makeup, dry shampoo, disposable toothbrushes, some mints/cough drops, small pack of tissues, etc
1 elevated outfit for classic shows or bigger opportunities
Find all dance shoes - ballet, jazz, characters, tap
1 contemp MT (think & Juliet) dance audition outfit
1 classic MT (think oklahoma) dance audition outfit
Gather rights/leotards/active wear
If you aren’t a strong dancer, or are just OK - take 1 dance class a week
JANUARY
Clean up all casting sites and your website
Invest in 1 new reel on Actors Access (use the 1 minute option and make a reel with 3-4 short clips in it to maximize the time)
Get a journal - or use an online format/template - to log all details of each audition you attend
If you aren’t a strong dancer, or are just OK - take 1 dance class a week
AND YOU ARE OFF!
Success in the acting industry requires dedication, persistence, and continuous improvement. So, embrace this checklist as a guide to navigate your journey and make strides toward achieving your acting goals.
Dreams Don’t Die
Julie