At this time of year, Los Angeles actors are faced with an interesting dilemma of what to do when the business is slow. We see it time and time again. But don’t let restlessness get the best of you! There are so many things we’ve learned that actors can do to make the most of their quiet time in prep for the January craze! Read here to learn more in “What To Do During Down Time: The Calm Before The Pilot Season Storm, Part Two.”

— Watch TV. What a great homework assignment! If you aren’t already watching TV, you best start. And I don’t just mean old Sex & The City reruns, I mean shows that are currently on and casting. You can’t book a role on a show like Trophy Wife if you don’t understand if it has a vibe like New Girl or NCIS. Get to know a variety of shows so you’ll be ready when you get an audition for each of them.

— Put something on tape. Nowadays you have no excuse to NOT have some type of footage of you acting. Most of us have smart phones that take decent quality video with the touch of a finger. Someone soon will ask to see you on film, and even if you don’t have your Oscar worthy moment opposite Daniel Day Lewis yet, you can still show the viewer a slice of your essence, your humor, your skill set by having taped sides to share.

— Create your own content. Like it or not, this is where the business is going. It may be hard to land your dream role, but it’s a lot easier when it’s one you’ve written yourself! This is one way we can keep our creative juicing flowing during the downtimes while also working towards making our own buzz. Download Celtx on your computer, a free screenwriting app, and get to it!

— Practice your special skills. Whether you are that actor with a long list of ’em or one still looking to gain a few, now is the time to hone in on those pesky little notes at the bottom of your resume. I guarantee you casting looks at them. And you bet if you have handstands listed on yours, you better be able to hold one up even in your tightest audition pants. Don’t be surprised if someone asks to see what you’ve got listed immediately. So if you haven’t spoken Italian in 10 years, either get to Ciao-ing or edit it off your rez. Keep your skills current so that they can help book you jobs and be awesome conversation starters in the audition room.

— Check something off the bucket list. At the end of the day, we have to be fulfilled people, not just actors. So if you have free time, take a moment to ask yourself what you’ve been wanting to do for while now and give yourself permission to do it! Daydreaming about parasailing or fantasizing about cooking a Moroccan feast? Plan it, learn it, just do it. Nothing is more boring than an actor who can ONLY talk business. Be a whole being and a truly inspired artist, and I guarantee you’ll sparkle when your opportunity comes.

Ever hear the phrase “a body in motion stays in motion?” Well what often happens is that this movement in our lives often leads to more opportunity in our careers. The universe reacts to your moving forward, we just have to take the first steps.

Break legs!
Megan