(From the book “101 Tips for Actors”)
Tip #91: AEA
Do you know what the letters AEA stand for?
If you do, then the chances are pretty good you’re either a member or that you do a lot of theatre. If you don’t, then you need to know that AEA stands for: Actors’ Equity Association, the governing union for theatre actors.
So many actors today just want to do film, with the hope of becoming a huge star. Television is usually their second choice, but only if they can work on the bigger name shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Army Wives and the like. Unfortunately, many times the idea of doing theatre isn’t even on their radar.
Our agency always looked at the resumes of theatre-trained actors before we looked at those without theatre training or experience. Why? Because theatre trained actors are usually better actors. They’re more disciplined; they understand the craft of acting better, and often times they are more committed to their careers.
In fact, one of our agency’s Tony® Award-winning clients has no interest in doing film or television, even though she’s as cute as a button, is in the most desirable twenty-something age bracket, and has networks and studios pursuing her, wanting to make her a star.
The great part about this young woman’s story is that when she first started out, she was cast as the Understudy to the lead actress in a musical that was premiering in Orange County, California. The week before the show opened, the lead actress was sick one day and this young lady went on in her place. The rest, as they say, is history: the producers fell in love with our client and fired the other actress. After that, the show went to Broadway, and not only did our client receive her first Tony® nomination (against other well-seasoned theatre veterans), she also won!
So if you’re an actor who wants a place to practice your craft, and connect with other actors who are also committed to practicing their craft, then theatre is a great way to accomplish that goal. You’ll meet other actors, make connections, and, sometimes, you may even replace the show’s lead and win a Tony® Award!
BREAKDOWN: Do theatre. Not only will it strengthen you as an actor, it will also make you more appealing to agents and managers.
Copyright © Sharon Moist. All Rights Reserved.
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Sharon Moist, also known as The Industry Coach®, is a highly sought-after professional career coach, whose clients include Hollywood Power Brokers and A-List Celebrities. After 5 years as a Hollywood Agent, Sharon left the agency to open her own coaching company. For more information, or to work with Sharon directly, you can visit her website at: http://www.TheIndustryCoach.com
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