NotaPushyMum.Com

Hi Guys,

I'm a young actor with a playing age of 16-20 - and the last 8 months have been terrible audition-wise. I have an agent (who I know works hard for me), and about 6 months ago, invested in some great new headshots and put a decent showreel together. I'm also on Spotlight, a member of Equity, train constantly (courses/workshops/groups etc) and am also incredibly proactive - seatching CastingCallPro, Mandy, Twitter, Facebook, ScreenTerrier, CastIt etc on a daily bases for suitable roles.

However, the only things that I'm being seen for seem to be low-paid TIE type work, and local touring panto's. I have done small amounts of this type of work in the past, with the majority of my work being short films, music videos and a couple of supporting roles in independent features - but TIE honestly isn't work that I want to be doing again and again. I've always had a focus on more 'serious' roles - be it in theatre, film or TV, but I am just not being seen for this type of work.

I was just wondering if anyone here has had similar experience? I'm determined to make 2014 a good year, and am willing to make any changes necessary. Has anyone here hit a brick wall in the past like I have, but have then gone on to make changes which have altered things in a positive way?

Many thanks for your time!

Oh I feel the frustration I really do!
I hope PG will be along with some advice - she is in the bizz and very knowledgeable!
You seem positive and pro-active, all the things you should be doing....

Thanks riverdancefan! I guess it just gets frustrating when you feel that there's nothing more you can do - but I knew full well that there's no garuntees in this industry, so it's to be expected! Fingers crossed

I agree with riverdancefan that you seem to be doing all the right things and are being proactive. I understand why you want to look beyond TIE and touring panto.

What does your agent think about your prospects? Have you chatted to them about your career in general?

One problem that occurs to me is that you are in competition with drama school trained actors (the young looking ones). They may have better contacts, better agents and are better known to Casting Directors through showcases and drama school productions.

Have you thought about further training?

Are you still in education? Are you available to act full-time? How do you support yourself when not acting? Do you live in London?

Have you asked your agent about corporate and role play work? Do they have any contacts for this kind of thing? If you look young, there might be some openings for training videos or role play within Govt depts etc.

I don't think you are alone by any means in having had a difficult year. I know many, many actors who have only had castings for commercials this year - this includes some actors who have quite good CVs and reasonable agents.

You could have a chat to your agent to see whether he/she thinks a profit share show in a really good London Fringe venue might be worth considering - some CDs (or their assistants) do occasionally go to these. Also, ask your agent to look out for some of the paid student films - there are a few on Spotlight every now and again. It's only minimum wage usually, but the paid ones tend to be more useful in terms of experience and material in my experience (and if the material isn't that great at least you are not out of pocket).

Being seen for TV and paid Film work is really, really tough - unless your agent is one of the big players. I think you need to focus on getting yourself known to CDs - and theatre can be a good route for this.