7 Ways To Make Your Dreams Your Reality

by David Petro

www.BroadwayBreakThru.com

There’s no business like show business like no business we know! 

Before any actor hits it big, they have to endure some incredible struggles and make major sacrifices.

You’ll need to overcome the multiple obstacles that will come your way. I moved back to New York in 2006 with no job, little money and very little prospects. In just two short years I had started David Petro Casting and was casting my first television series on Nickelodeon and co-cast my first Broadway show.

Broadway Break Thru was created during the most difficult time of my life. Through that adversity, I learned many difficult lessons, I re-created myself and I imagined this spectacular new life that would include all of you.

Sooner or later, you’ll have hesitations about your ability to succeed. People will ask you...

“What’s your back up career?” 

“You have a better chance of winning the lottery than becoming a successful actor?” 

“You want to be an performer? WHY!!?”

In your journey, you will doubt yourself.  If you don't, your feet aren't on the ground and your head is somewhere shoved in a cloud. 

Every superstar from Sutton Foster to Zac Efron to Beyonce, has felt this uncertainty at some point in their career.  The difference between those who persevere and those who quit is being prepared for what it takes to cross the success line.

Some of my favorite lessons to share while teaching, are you must find a way to preserve your spirit and to keep finding the joy that drove you to this crazy business of show.

In other words, embrace the worst that will inevitably come your way and have the resiliency to continue, believing that the best is yet to come.

Anyone can make the decision to start, but the winners are the ones strong enough to make the decision to continue.

Here are seven of my beliefs that may help you keep pursing your dream:

1. You’ll always have more opportunities.

Whether you’re 15, 30 or 50 years old, you have all your lifetime to succeed. Steve Carell become a household name when he landed the lead role on the American version of "The Office" in 2005. He was 43 at the time. Colonel Sanders franchised the first KentuckyFried Chicken in 1952, when he was 62 years old. Most importantly, I created BBT when I was 34.

2. Be patient.

Achieving long-term success takes time. It’s as simple as that. Don’t fall into the hype of the Justin Biebers and the Amanda Bynes. Look where that instant success got them.

3. Knock off the knocking yourself.

When the going gets tough, it’s natural to begin losing confidence in yourself. Know that we’re a lot stronger, mentally and physically, than we give ourselves credit for. My Aunt Sherry used to tell me all the time, “We are given exactly what we need, exactly when we need it.”

4. Experiment, experiment, experiment.

Failure is not a dead-end, it’s a new beginning. The solution is often in the struggle. Take this time to experiment, re-envision and re-define.  

5. See it to be it.

We’ve all heard the phrase “fake it until you make it”. It’s a phrase I feel was created especially for the entertainment industry. I recently heard a line is a movie that resonated with me, “A goal without a plan is a dream”. Have a goal, make a plan and live your dream.  

6. Only compare yourself to yourself.

The only person you need to be better than is you, yesterday.  No one else.

7. Embrace the lowest moments.

Know that when things are at their worst, there will always be light at the end of that cold dark tunnel. SPOILER ALERT: here come the cliché, but true inspirational phrases:

“It’s always darkest before the dawn.” ~Proverb

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt 

“Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.” ~Zoey Sayward

Click here to learn more about David Petro. 

Learn more about Broadway Break Thru by clicking here.

DISNEY Casting Guru JUDY TAYLOR Gives TOP 5 TIPS for Open Call Auditions!

by Editor Tracy Bobbitt in THE BUZZ

www.BroadwayBreakThru.com 

Dallas News recently asked Judy Taylor, Senior Vice President, Casting and Talent Relations for Disney Channel, what her top tips were for the open call auditions Disney is hosting around the country. This is what she had to say:

Be Yourself

“We cast our Disney Channel series and movies to be reflective of our diverse audience, so just be yourself and let your unique personality shine.”

Make the Script Your Own

“Put your own unique stamp on the character and the words you are saying. The easiest way to make something your own is to relate the dialogue in the scene to your own personal experiences. You don’t need to emulate another actor, just be yourself. Bring your own personality to the script. For example, if you talk to your family or friends in a certain way, try that with your lines. Really think about what you are saying and how you feel saying it.”

Come Prepared for the Wait

“We anticipate a large turnout for the open auditions and, for that reason, we want kids and parents to come prepared to wait in line. Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated, and have a selection of healthy snacks like fruit and nuts to keep your energy up. I also recommend bringing books, your favorite magazines or games to keep yourself entertained while you wait for your time.”

Dress Comfortably

“Dress comfortably in something that makes you feel good and reflects who you are. The more you feel like yourself, the more we are able to see your true personality. Dressing comfortably also allows you to move freely during your audition and concentrate on doing your best. We want you focused on the character you are portraying, not worrying about your shoes or attire being uncomfortable.”

 

Have Fun and Enjoy the Process

“This is my number one tip! We want everyone at the open call to have fun and enjoy the audition process. This is your moment to shine and be seen by a professional casting director. From arrival until the time you are seen, make the most of your experience. Look at this audition as an opportunity to be in a room with individuals who share a similar passion and drive. As casting directors, we love what we do and we want you to enjoy the experience just as much. Anyone who comes out to this open call has already succeeded – you made the effort to participate in something you really love and shared with us your unique talent.”

Hear how Zac Efron, Selena Gomez and Ashley Tidale became Disney stars straight from the source.

Registration for the BBT Summer Intensives are now open. Click here for more info or go to www.BroadwayBreakThru.com

Five Benefits of Pre-College Summer Programs

by Rosemary Cochrane 

 www.BroadwayBreakThru.com

Pre-college summer programs allow high school students to get a taste of college life, preview their dream schools, and give a boost to their college applications. It may be tempting to spend the entire summer at the beach or by the pool (and you certainly should do a little of that!), but why not use some of your free time to learn something new and make yourself a more attractive candidate for admission? In case you need convincing, here are just a few of the benefits of spending some of your summer on a college campus.

1. The gift of time

 

“All anybody wants is more time,” I remember hearing on an old episode of Grey's Anatomy. I remember thinking how applicable that is to so much in life. For any big event or big life change, we always want more time—enough time to be ready, enough time to feel prepared, enough time to check everything off the (never-ending) to-do list.

But the thing is, whatever amount of time you have is never enough. Will you feel ready the first day you walk into your first college class? Not necessarily, but it doesn’t mean that you aren’t as ready as you can be.

Pre-college summer programs can create an environment for you to make the most of the time that you do have. They give you a chance to prepare for the first semester while you are already there—in ways you could never do at home. It gives you the ability to adjust to life away from home in a new and somewhat foreign environment. You’ll have time to ask your questions and time to get to know what college life actually means.

In many pre-college summer programs, the program is shorter than a regular semester. This, too, will give you a unique experience—more time to explore and participate in other activities.

2. The gift of space

 

Summer programs allow you to get a taste of campus life in an environment that isn’t yet crowded with students. Regardless of the size of the school you have chosen, the campus won’t be busy yet with everyone back for the start of the regular school year.

So you’ll have space—space to ride your bike, space to find the best sandwich shops on campus (with shorter lines!), space in the classroom to get used to college-level courses. This space, complemented by smaller class sizes, means a better chance to have your voice heard, to get to know professors, and for them to get to know you.

3. The gift of attention

 

Smaller class sizes also mean more attention can be devoted to each individual student. If you attend a large university, when the regular semester begins, you may find yourself one in the sea of a 500-student class, an environment where it can be difficult to receive one-on-one attention.

In a summer program, you will be in a much smaller class and your instructors can provide more support. This will not only help you in your individual courses, but it will help you build skills you can utilize as you prepare for your first college classes. College-level courses can be a new world for some students, and a pre-college summer program gives you the chance to learn and understand what classes will be like and the work you will need to put in to succeed.

Many summer programs, too, have dedicated staff, who will help you with courses, campus resources, career advice, and counseling. Don’t be afraid to ask and to learn about all of the services that are available to you.

4. A chance to learn the lay of the land

 

Whether you are heading to a large school or a small school (or somewhere in between), figuring out the lay of the land is important. The sooner you can do that, the more comfortable you will feel navigating your way to and from classes, back to your dorm room, and to any other events or places you want to go.

Attending a pre-college summer program at the school you hope to attend (or one similar to it) allows you to map out a real college campus before most people are back, so it’s much less overwhelming. There is less pressure and you can take your time. You can try different routes. You can find hidden places for reading and where the best underground coffee shop is. You can find where your classes will be in advance—and then, if you get in and choose to attend, you can share your new found expertise with other students and friends you meet freshman year.

5. A chance to meet new people

 

Not only will you learn the layout of your campus during your time spent in your summer program, you will also meet new people, many of whom may share similar interests with you—and you can help each other to make the most of your summer experience, study hard, enjoy the opportunities laid out for you, and prepare for the coming fall semester together.

Please click here for more information regarding the BBT & Roosevelt Pre-College Summer Intensive. Register by December 20, 2014 and save $100. 

What Does A Talent Agent, Talent Manager & Casting Director Do?

What Does A Talent Agent, Talent Manager & Casting Director Do?

by David Petro
www.BroadwayBreakThru.com

  
TALENT AGENT:

Obtaining a talent agent is one of the most important steps in a performer’s career. A talent agent works for a talent agency where they use their contacts to arrange auditions for the actors represented by the agency. Actors need a talent agent to survive. A talent agent is able to provide an actor with auditions they would not otherwise know about. Without the appropriate industry auditions, an actor’s career will go nowhere. Securing auditions for the performer is the main job of the talent agent.

Agents spend most of the day on the phones, looking through the “breakdowns” (a daily listing of all the acting roles the studios/casting directors are seeking) and submitting pictures to casting directors, hoping to get you in on an audition. If an agent works hard for you, they may be able to get frequent auditions for you. This is a good thing because the more acting auditions you go on, the better chance you’ll have of getting a part. Agents also negotiate contracts and how much money you get if you do get an acting role. However, most of the days are spent trying to get you the audition.  

An actor should never pay a talent agent up front for auditions or representation. A legitimate talent agent should receive a 10 to 15% commission only from the work they find the actor. A talent agent should never receive any percentage above fifteen percent.

TALENT MANAGER:

A talent manager’s focus is more on managing an actor’s career than with arranging auditions. Talent managers keep in close touch with talent agents to ensure a shared vision for the actor, but a manager stays mostly on the management end of the actor’s career. Sometimes a talent manager may set up an audition for an actor, but that is not their focus. A talent manager will not guarantee auditions for an actor. A talent manager handles public relations, business matters, and helps to make a career plan and keeps the actor on a path toward success. Most actors cannot juggle the acting demands as their fame and careers grow, interviews, and appearances that come with a prominent career. That is where a talent manager comes in.

Talent managers invest a great deal of time and energy into an actor’s potential,
and into a long-term career for their clients, long before the actor has a track record of booking consistently. They typically work with their clients over a period of a number of years. They tend to genuinely care about their clients, almost like a family, and protect their clients from the harmful situations that may be encountered in the dog-eat-dog world of show business. A personal manager is the one who believes in and keeps fighting for a client when all others have given up. The following are some things that many talent managers may also do:

• Prepare talent for meetings with potential talent agencies.
• Arrange introductions to agents
• Help talent decide on a talent agency for representation.
• Advise talent on acting classes and coaching.
• Help talent choose a good photographer and pick out headshots.
• Promote talent to industry professionals to try to help talent get auditions.
• Prepare resume or advise talent on preparation of a resume.
• Help make any and all decisions related to talent’s career. 
• Answer questions on anything related to a career in show business.

Typically a talent manger receives 15-20%. The differences between a talent agent and a talent manager vary, but their responsibilities are geared toward the same goal… advancing an actor’s career and getting the actor more acting jobs so the actors makes more money. A good manager will help shape the direction an actor goes so as to generate the most revenue. 

The bottom line is that when an actor succeeds and gets paid, everybody gets paid. Both talent agents and talent managers will work hard to make that happen. 
 
CASTING DIRECTORS:

A casting director is a middleman/middlewoman who finds the actors needed to fill roles in movies, TV shows, theatrical productions, commercials or even corporate and music videos. A casting director works for the creative team, not the actor or performer. The studio, producers, director and writers are on one side, and the actors and talent agents on the other -- with the casting director in the middle. "

A casting director's responsibilities extend beyond contacting actors or agents and holding auditions. Casting directors assemble casts that may include hundreds of actors, negotiate deals with the actors' agents and manage the contracts once the actors have signed.

Casting directors is involved in pre-production and has the following responsibilities:

•   Meets with the producers, the director and possibly the writer to understand the project.
• Meets with the production accountant for information about the casting budget, the money that'll be used to pay the actors.
• Reads the script and make notes about all the speaking parts 
•  Creates a list of possible actors, in preferred order, for the most important parts first.
• Contacts the actors or their agents to determine their availability.
• Provides the list to the producers and director to make their decision Lead actors may not be asked to audition.
• Prepares lists of actors and production schedule for supporting and more minor actors.
• Makes appointments for auditions or readings with the available actors. 
•  Provides information about available parts to talent agencies and lists opportunities with Breakdown Services, a company that maintains a daily list of acting opportunities.
• Conducts the auditions
• Makes recommendations, based on auditions, for each speaking part The director and producers make the final selections.
• Negotiates contracts with the actors' agents, keeping an eye on the casting budget
• Issues casting calls for minor acting parts and conducts those auditions
• Acts as a liaison between the director and the actors, once contracts are signed
• Finds replacements, as needed, during production for actors who can't fulfill their contracts.

Work with the entertainment industry top Talent Agents, Talent Managers & Casting Directors
only at Broadway Break Thru! 

Tenacity

by David Petro
www.BroadwayBreakThru.com 
 

"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity." ~ Louis Pasteur

Launching a web start up in today's economy is extremely difficult. Almost as difficult as breaking into the entertainment industry. Both are over populated, filled with no talent hacks, offer false promises and much talent gets lost in the crowd.

I recall my performing days, running from auditions to classes to my job. Navigating through the actor rejection maze seemed insurmountable most days. Often dreams of my "big break" kept my head in the clouds long enough to blur my vision. When my feet came crashing to the New York concrete, I realized I need something much stronger than day dreams. I needed will power, a strong support system and tenacity.

Dictionary.com's definition of tenacity is: pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate. Adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous. Holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough. At one point in my life I have been called all these words. Rarely, in a positive context.

Day dreams do not keep me beating down closed investors' doors, striving to motivate my team, searching for new partners and sharing a concept in which I whole-heartedly believe. Nor did they drive me to a successful career as an actor, Casting Director or Executive Director of Broadway Break Thru. My persistent, stubborn, obstinate, viscous, glutinous, cohesive and tough creed propel me beyond my goals. As an aspiring "everything" I challenge you to be even more relentless. Keeping in mind that "NO" isn't even a four letter word.

How To Audition For A High School Play Or Musical

How To Audition For A High School Play Or Musical 
by Eric Theigs 
www.stageoflife.com
www.BroadwayBreakThru.com 

Today's blog post comes from Eric Thiegs, Founder and CEO of www.StageofLife.com. 
Thank you for your contribution and for sharing your wisdom and experience.

I'm a 37-year-old director of a high school musical theatre program, and I have some audition tips for you young actors looking to perform in your fall or spring theater productions.

But first, I have to set this up for you.

I love what I do. Seriously...directing at the high school level is probably one of the things, after my wife and daughters of course, that makes the biggest and most inspirational impact on my life year in and year out.

And no, I'm not a professional director or actor.

--I acted in an AFTRA commerical once.
--I did two regional runs with the touring company of an Off-Broadway show.
--I made some major call backs during my 20's (one very close for a national TV show).

But guess what...it wasn't in my stars to be the star, and I'm okay with that.

I've found that my role is to help young talent find their inner voice and hopefully give them a little encouragement to pursue acting and the arts after high school. I know enough to have passion about my job and hopefully fill the role of a mentor here and there but I fully expect my kids to find professionally trained acting instructors in college who will take them to the next level.

But all of that aside, fall approaches and I have a new round of talent ready to audition.

This year, I want to pass along some auditioning tips.

This audition advice comes from witnessing over 1000 students audition for me over the last nine years for roles in South Pacific, Footloose, Once Upon a Mattress, Bye Bye Birdie, Beaty & the Beast, Wizard of Oz, High School Musical, Little Shop of Horrors and this year...Les Miserables.

It by no means is a comprehensive list of audition wisdom but it's definitely the top areas that need improvement by young thespians. Take a look and please add comments for other tips, suggestions, etc. that you've experience during the audition process:

Eight Audition Tips for the High School Actor

1. Memorization is Key. If you are asked to deliver a monologue or sing a song from memory, you better make sure you know both inside and out. No cheat sheets or crib notes. If you forget a line, don't panic. Just keep going and think on your feet. You need to show the director that you can perform under pressure and keep your cool.

2. Don't Just Stand There. I can't tell you the number of times I've sat through an audition where the person simply stood in one spot with her hands behind jer back. You have to "act." Use the stage. Use your body. An actor controls both his voice and his body so make sure you are not just standing there with hands behind back, or worse, in your pockets.

3. Look at the Director. It's interesting when an audition starts and I find a young actor suddenly start looking off stage right or stage left as they roll into their monologue, as if they are delivering the monologue to an invisible person next to them. It's interesting because the young actor has no idea that the purpose of the audition is so that I can see them...the invisible person does not care believe it or not. So don't use your profile in the audition - deliver it full on to the director in the audience.

4. Project. Well...this one is a no brainer but again, there are been some fairly talented people I've seen come through auditions but with little to no projection. This is theater people, push and project your voice into the theater. Fill the auditorium. It's going to be hard to place you in a show if I can't hear you. And no...this does not imply that you need to yell during the audition. Project from your diaphram and use a normal speaking style based on the monologue you're presenting, but make sure the person sitting in the last row can year you.

5. Personality. There's something called the "X" factor or often the "It" factor. Some kids have it. Others don't. But if you don't, that's okay, you'll still make the show if you've got some half decent acting or singing chops. But when you only have one shot at making a positive first impression during the casting process, the thing that you have to remember is this...show a little personality during the audition. Be yourself. If the director asks you how your day is going, don't just say, "fine" and then stand. That's your opportunity to show off a little bit. Give the director a taste of the real you.

6. Smile. Nothing kills an audition for me than a student walking onto the stage with a flat line mouth. It's okay. I'm not going to bite. Have a little fun with the audition and smile...it'll definitely help with the nerves.

7. Breath. When you feel like your nerves are going to get the best of you, just take a big deep breath, let it out slow and smile at the end. Seriously.

8. Don't Take It Personally. You have to walk into that audition with the attitude that you've already been cast, and be prepared to not take it personally if you don't make the cut. If you can do those two things, all of the pressure on having to perform in the audition will start to dissolve and you can focus on the experience itself without wondering about the afters and what-ifs. Stay in the moment and don't take the process personally. If you do...you're not cut out to be an actor.

Eric Theigs
http://www.stageoflife.com/?tabid=72&g=posts&t=282

How to Write an Acting Cover Letter

by David Petro

www.BroadwayBreakThru.com

 As I discussed in my very first blog post "Agent Advice", one of the leading questions I am asked is about obtaining an agent. One of the essential elements when submitting your materials to an agent or manager is your acting cover letter.  Like all first impressions, your cover letter will set the tone for your future relationship with your agent. Here are the key elements for cover letters for acting agents and talent management companies.

1. Make sure your letter is typed but signed by hand.
2. Your name and contact information should appear at the top of your acting cover letter, along with the date.
3. Your letter should be addressed to a particular acting agent or acting manager within the agency or talent management company you're writing to. Do your research ahead of time and find out the name of the person you should submit to. If you're looking for acting representation in theater, film and television, ask for the name of the acting agent in charge of the adult theatrical division. If there is more then one, pick one. You don't have to include the agent's name in your salutation, but avoid using the impersonal phrase "To Whom It May Concern".
4. If you were referred by a casting director or a client of the acting agent or manager, mention that right away in your acting cover letter (and note it on the envelope too). If you are submitting your headshot and resume to this particular acting agency or manager because they are looking for your type or a special skill you possess, also mention that right away.
5. Briefly mention that you are looking for representation.
6. Give a quick highlight of your most impressive credits. If you can be seen on stage or on screen in the near future, make sure to mention that (along with an RSVP number for complimentary tickets). If you're starting an acting career and don't have any credits yet, give the most impressive recent highlights of your career, whether it's an important callback, audition, actor showcase you appeared in, or even a workshop you took with a casting director.
7. Wrap up your letter on a positive note, repeating your contact information.

Too many actors have a pleading tone when they write their first agent acting cover letter. When you're writing to an agent, remember you're the one who has a product to offer. The agent will make a commission on the roles you get, so avoid any begging and write with the confidence that you have a great product to sell. 

Mainly keep it short, to the point and positive. 

Everyone at Broadway Break Thru wishes you much success and happiness with your new agent and making your dreams your reality!