WAITING ON THE COUCH FOR AUDITIONS Many actors believe that auditions should always be coming to them if they have an agent. An agent can pitch an actor based on whatever they have accomplished for their resumes and portfolios. If you have no training and barely any film experience it’s very unlikely that casting directors will bring you. Why would they? So what do you do? Binge and watch Netflix on TV wishing that could be you on your favorite show…NO. Don’t do that. Start creating your own content while your training. Here are 10 steps to create your own content. 1) Create a blog and talk about the work you have been doing. It’s nice for casting directors and producers to look you up and see that you are a working actor. Do it once a week. Get an agenda and make a specific date to write it. That way you can stick out your writing schedule. 2) Think of something creative to do once a day. You are a creative person. It is what fuels your soul. Learn a new song. Write a poem. Memorize a new scene.  Just do something.  Don’t eat a bag of chips. 3) Waiting for that epic scene for your reel but still didn’t get that role? Write one or get a writer to write you one. Film it. 4) Join some sort of actors group. Improv and community theatre. Heck, even create your own. Get a group of friends together and study scenes. 5) Do Karaoke. It’s fun. Even if you can’t sing.  You could always rap. Gangster Paradise is my jam. 6) Go to film festivals. It’s a good place to meet producers and directors. 7) Do student films. They are future producers and directors. You can apply on casting workbook. Student films through legit schools use proper equipment and can be good for your reel. 8) Get involved with voice acting. Look for local podcasts or community radio to get involved in.  9) Attend the monologue slams. Perform or support local actors. 10) Keep working.  Just some steps to keep you on your toes. Lisa Meuser  Talent Agent.

1. Train. Take a workshop, study a scene with a friend, work on a new accent, or develop a special skill. Do something new weekly. Develop your craft. Training is endless. The actors that train are the actors that book jobs. Keep a journal and keep track of your development.   
2. Surround yourself by positive people. Acting is hard career but if it’s your passion you need to surround yourself by people that support your path and not push you away from it.          
3. Healthy body. Healthy mind. Keep active. You may have to do a running scene someday.
4. Discuss how you can improve your portfolio with your talent agent. Don’t be afraid to communicate with her/him they want you to succeed! Really listen to their advise and follow through on it. If they request you to change your head shot and you don’t and complain you are not getting auditions….usually it’s because you need to change your head shot.  
5.  Don’t regret auditions.  Always do your self tapes. You never know who is watching. They are not optional auditions. 
6. Go to a local event where you can meet film producers and casting directors. Always good to be seen.
7. Watch and study the shows that you audition for. Understand the directors style and what they want to see in the room. 

I love being a talent agent!!!  It gives me a chance to give hard working actors opportunities that they may not get on their own. Being at the Talent Inc conference I was very fortunate to see actors showcasing themselves to get an agent and to reconnect with some brilliant casting directors. Anyone that has the guts to do that is very brave. I am proud of everyone that was at the conference whether they got picked up by an agent, got a job from a casting director, or know what they have to work on. A key part of being an actor is managing rejection. It’s about staying professional, not taking rejection personally, and moving on  quickly to prepare for you next opportunity.

‘It’s been mythologized now but it started with about 600 auditions without success,’ he said about his long slog to stardom. ‘Most smart people would have quit when it takes that long.’  Mark Ruffalo 

Actually, when I was younger and considering acting I went to a talent showcase. My uncles Mike and Chuck were very supportive of this. Stayed at their place in Toronto. I was actually picked up by an agency and already part of the acting union. but it was that showcase that made me realize that I didn’t want to be an actor. I wanted to be the guys sitting at the table recruiting talent. I wanted to create a positive atmosphere for actors so we can support them accordingly and encourage them.   Anyone that has the guts to showcase their talent in front of 300 people is very brave. I am proud of everyone that was at the conference whether they got picked up by an agent, got a job from a casting director, or know what they have to work on.  The important thing is you showed up!

One of my highlights about being at showcase is when Kendra Ricard by accidentally knocked on my room thinking that I was one of the parents from the show. I told her who I was and she said, ” Oh I know who The Meus is. I did my research.”  She honestly won my heart right there.  It’s very important to do your research in anything you do whether it is looking for a talent agent or for a part you’re auditioning for. Know what the director is looking for.  I’m really excited to be working with her and her brother.

At Talent Inc. we signed these three hidden gems from Ottawa! Where have you been hiding? Triple threats! They sing, act and dance together. Watch out world for the G-Mekki’s ! I’m overly excited to work with these guys. 

One story really touched my heart another hidden gem in Ottawa. Apollonia is one of the bravest actresses I know and I know that she will be doing great things. Team Meus  looks forward to working with her!!