Like it or not, 2014 is upon us! It is time to make some promises to ourselves in this coming new year. Vows that will serve us both as performers and people. If you are ready to commit to a fabulous year together, here we present to you, our “Promises To Keep In 2014, Part One.”

I vow to update my marketing materials ahead of time.
Set yourself up for success by preparing for what you want! Have your headshots retouched and printed, your resume and reel updated and ready to go. If you wait until the night before when you get the call for your big audition, it will be too late. Show the universe you are ready right here and now!

I vow to be willing to invest where it counts.
Most actors don’t have money to spare, and it’s part of our job to spend smartly. But we also have to be willing to invest our funds where it counts! Seminars with the specific casting directors your agent wants you to meet, classes with the director you dream of working with, quality headshots with your favorite photographer… These are the areas we cannot afford to skimp on. So sacrifice your morning lattes and invest in your future.

I vow to look up the team before I audition.
Knowing that the director loves working with comic improvisers will tell you a lot before you walk into the room. Seeing their pictures also makes them more human and lessens the intimidation factor. Knowledge is powerful and you’ll be head and shoulders above the competition if you take the time to do your homework beforehand. This is where your IMDb Pro membership really comes in handy!

I vow to understand the genre.
You can’t book the lead in that horror film if you are mistakenly playing it as a comedic sitcom. Even if you don’t have the full script, do some detective work to find out. Track down the original breakdown for solid info. Looking up the team that’s working on it (see above) will certainly help you figure things out too. Don’t go in there blindly. If all else fails, ask about the tone before you begin. Better to start your sides headed in the right direction.

I vow to take direction fully.
I know you rehearsed it brilliantly in your living room with your roommate. I know it’s hard to let go of what you had originally planned. But it is our job as actors to stay present in the moment. We must be willing to abandon any preconceived notions about the character once we are on our feet. Usually we do get to do it “our” way the first time. But when the director gives you a note, take it fully! Let go of what you had in mind and do what he/she is asking you to see. Don’t refuse the gift of a note by being stubborn and stuck.

I vow to leave my day at the door.
Nothing says amateur like a disheveled actor complaining about the commute before they begin their sides. Oy! These are people you want to hire you. They have to like you and want to work with you. Complainers go nowhere fast. Take a breath. Leaving whatever happened in your day behind you will help you come in with a fresh energy and be able to tackle whatever is thrown at you in the audition with fresh zeal!

Check back for more vows to keep later this week. Until then…

Break legs!
Megan