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As the school year drew to a close, I knew I wanted to make this summer count for my acting career. Besides submitting myself for roles as usual, I decided to find an internship where I could learn more about the business of acting, to work as much as I could at Act Now (a networking company where casting directors teach classes) and to add to my list of “special skills” that suit me for particular roles.
I acted in at least five projects, two of which were with The Greenhouse (www.greenhouseproductions.com), a film co-op I joined a few months ago. I am excited to see the finished projects when we screen them October 7, and more importantly, I am eager to grow with these fine folks—our already good productions look to become better and better. Early in the summer, I also acted in “Stupid Laws,” to air on cable in Great Britain. Also, my friend Yong asked me to star in a short he wrote; it was unique to me because we shot the film quite out of order, and I will get to see whether my acting is coherent—will I seem too excited early on and then subdued in later scenes? And finally, last week I played a Nazi soldier for a History Channel type pilot. We shot it on a green screen, which was a first for me.
When looking for an internship, I applied at Rough Diamond Management and Productions, where one of my best friends interned last summer. My internship there has been unique because the whole office consists of two executives and two interns (including me). Therefore, my activities have been manifold: I helped organize two casting sessions, from calling in actors to taping the auditions; I helped come up with a list of well known actors for a future film project; I read through several scripts to give my opinion on their value; my boss invited me to several parties, where I have met interesting civilians and industry people. And throughout all this, I have gotten to ask many questions of my two bosses; I have genuinely enjoyed the experience.
At Act Now (www.actnownetwork.com), I met or acted for several casting directors that were new to me. One casts The Young and the Restless, another is on the directing team there, another casts CSI, two cast independent films and another casts Terminator: the Sara Connor Chronicles. In one workshop, we prepared monologues and performed them for prospective theatrical agents. I aim to keep in touch on some level with most of these individuals, whether as a friend, as a business contact or both.
Two special skills new to my repertoire include beginning violin and a Northern British accent. I got a great deal on a violin, and my roommate’s friend offered to teach me lessons for $15 a week. When I picked up the violin, I felt like Harry Potter when he picked up the right wand—electric. I aim to continue in this mostly because I enjoy it, but also because proficient violin skills might qualify me for a part in future.
I superficially studied a Northern British accent early in the summer, but when I got called in for an audition, I kicked preparation into high gear. Over the course of a weekend, I spent about 25 hours learning the part, going over an accent tape, talking with people in the accent and watching a film that featured the Northern British accent. I did not get the role, but I moved toward authenticity in this accent.
Quite importantly for me, I became eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild this summer. Like so many other steps in acting, this does not make one’s career by any means, but SAG-eligibility is essential to be called in for most television programs.
My perspective on my acting career changes constantly. At 8am, I might be hopefully optimistic. At 2pm I might be smiling madly about new contacts. At 7pm my mood might be waning, and at 10pm I might be doubtful about my acting skills.
My overall trend, though, is to be pleased with recent growth as an actor and thankfulness for recent opportunities.
