There's that old saying in business:

It's not what you know...it's who you know.

 And the similar saying for the entertainment industry:

It's not about talent, it's about connections.

This whole idea is frustrating. What do you mean it's not about talent? And are you trying to tell me that all of my training and schooling has gone to waste? That instead, I should have been spending my time in the classy bar of the Beverly Hills Hotel schmoozing with anyone who pulls out a script sized stack of paper from their bag?

I'm not a fan, but alas, one has got to do what one has got to do.

So, how does this networking thing work? Here are some steps:

1. Make a list of important people who can help your career.
2. Find out where these people work or hang out.
3. Follow them to one of these places you have discovered in step 2.
4. Ask them a series of obnoxious questions until they agree to take your demo reel or screenplay.

Congrats. You are a stalker.

I like to do character drawings as a form of character research. This is my character drawing for the play The Music Man.


This is obviously for the character Tommy. Character drawings can really help to make your characters rich with life. I didn't even know that the character Tommy had a collection of large metal bear traps until I made this drawing. His collection is never mentioned in the text of the play, so that just demonstrates the importance of character drawings in revealing the accuracy of your character representation. Since it is never mentioned in the dialogue, I (the actor) must convey the impact of bear traps on Tommy's life through facial expressions and body movements.

I'd suggest you make character drawings for every part you play in the future.

Let me tell you, fellow thespians...if you are just moving out to the big city of Hollywood to pursue your dream of becoming a professional film/television actor, I can't recommend reading this post enough.


Meeting new people can be tough, no matter what. But when you are an actor, meeting people is crucially important. Your ability to book jobs is directly related to your ability to befriend people, and that is why I am giving you this long lost, super top secret method for making friends.

Sing show tunes.

Laura Bell Bundy in Legally Blonde

Yep, tis true oh perspicacious one. When meeting new people, SING SHOW TUNES. Anything from Rent will do. You really don't have to worry about tying the theme of the song into the theme of the meeting or conversation. Just sing the first one that comes to mind, and belt it as if your life depended on it. Because it does.

People love show tunes, and especially love hearing show tunes when they aren't expecting to. You see, it's almost like finding that extra candy you dropped in the seat at the movie theater. It's like a bonus...something you had forgotten about, but have been lucky enough to revive.

Don't underestimate the showtunes. Sing them loud and often.

There comes a time when being a performer just isn't creative enough. WE NEED MORE! That's why I recommend writing. Writing is a fantastic way to express yourself; your feelings and beliefs come alive on the page (or screen). Why not put that writing to good use by writing a BRAND NEW PLAY?!?

But writing plays is hard. It takes years to master, so what's the point of starting now if the play we write is only going to be crappy?

Well my friends, I have come up with a groundbreaking new way to create 100% original plays with very little effort or skill on your part. Here are the steps:

1. Think of your favorite play or musical.
2. Think of your second favorite play or musical.
3. Combine the two plays into one.

I know what you are thinking. That is SO easy, it can't possibly be true that incredible plays can be developed in this way. It is true. How do you think my musical "Catside Story"  came to be?

Photo Courtesy of Catside Story

I hope I have inspired you to create and be creative. One day, you too will be able to write "Catside Story"

Just keep at it.