Agent: An agent is really only necessary in the big markets (NY, LA, Miami, Chicago,
etc.), but here in Boston there are about 5 reputable agencies that represent kids. An agent gets you in the door to
auditions. They do not book you jobs but find and get you auditions. They also deal with the contract, working hours, logistics,
once you book the job (and charge 10% comission). To get an agent see "step 2". REMEMBER YOU SHOULD NOT PAY TO BE REPRESENTED
BY AN AGENT. You only pay an agent when you book a job
Casting Director (CD): A CD is hired by the client to find the actors. Normally,
a CD will go through agents to find the actors, but luckily, in Boston, you can submit a picture and your basic info to
the CDs and many of them will get in touch with you they think you fit the bill for a part and your submission looks
professional. Usually you audition intitially in front of the CD and a camera. The CD will send the favorites to the producer,
etc and then you may be called for a callback.
Callback: That is a good thing. It means they like you. Whoever "they" are like
you. It's a good idea to dress and look the same as your initial audition. If they called you back and do not give you any
direction, do everything the same as the audition. They called you back because, A) they want to see a replica
of your audition or B) they like your look, but want to see how you work with some directions and thoughts.
Sides: For an audition, you might be ask to read the "sides". Don't panic! This
is merely the script you will be asked to read at the audition. If you get it in advance, it is a good idea to memorize it
or know it well.
SAG: SAG stands for "Screen Actors Guild". SAG is an actors union that gives
special protection to its actors. There are special jobs that are Union, which means you must be in the Union or join to do
the job. (The one exeption to this rule being background work or "extra" work. In this case, you can work as an extra on SAG
films even if you are non-SAG) To join SAG you must be invited or make a certain amount of money in the industry.
It also costs quite a lot of money to keep up the mebmership. Although there are many advantages to being part of the Union,
here in Boston is just isn't necessary until you find yourself booking a lot.
Comp Cards: These are primarily needed when going out for print work. It's basically
a 5 x 7 that has 3 or 4 different pictures showing you in different outfits or poses.
Freelancing: Here in Boston you can get jobs without an agent. This is called freelancing.
You are your own agent...plus you don't charge 10% comission! This means that you submit yourself to casting directors and
hope to be called. Many people in Boston freelance and at most auditions you will always find kids who are both with and without
agents. An agent just may make the job a little easier.
Slate: When you begin your audition, you may be asked to "Slate" for the camera.
This means you must say your name, loud and clear (with personality) and say how old you are. This is their first glimpse
of you...say it proud!
Example: "Hi! My name is X X and I am 14 years old!"
Sometimes you will be asked to give a profile, or turn to one side.
Monologue: A monologue is a somewhat long speach. It
can be taken from a play, original, or written yourself. (Although theater auditions tend to like to see works from plays.)
The monologues usually are between a little under 1minute to 3 minutes. You are usually not asked to read one, but it's always
good to have one memorized up your sleeve.
Pilot season: You might begin to hear this term as you learn
more. This is a time in the winter where actors and actresses make the move out to LA to audition there for a few months.
This time is when many pilots are being cast. What is a Pilot? Before the O.C. was able to go onto air there was an episode
made to see if networks would want the show. Many Pilots do not become TV shows, but if you are lucky to be cast in one, it
is possible that you will be the next Hilary Duff. She auditioned for the pilot along with other girls, got cast, Disney
liked it and wanted to take it on. It became a hit TV show and look where she is now!
Breakdown (BD): A breakdown is a character list and description of the characters that the casting
directors are looking to cast. Breakdowns are known to change over time. At first, a breakdown may say: Girl 12-14, brown
hair, tall, It may suddenly change to: Boy 17, blond hair, short. It's a little annoying like that...but it happens.
