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Kito Robinson forwarded this on -- a young actress had written to her through the website, looking for advice and I thought Kito's response was right-on -- beyond the good things she says about the studio...

AG

My name is **** and I'm a local KC actress/ tv
personality. I was browsing through the ATS website and I
came accross your resume and whatnot - it seems like your
really starting to make a career out of acting and I was
just wondering if you could give me any pointers... what
steps do you reccomend taking and have you worked with any
agencies that you would reccomend? Also, I'm thingking
about taking classes at ATS... what is your opinion on the
classes offered?

Any info you could give me would help.

ATS has a great program and Andy is an awesome coach. He's very encouraging, and gives good feedback and scenes to challenge you. Andy always had suggested readings too. My favorite is "Audition" by Michael Scherlaf (spelling is wrong) [Shurtleff]. I remember being in Andy's class and realizing that I wanted to act as a career (I was a lawyer taking classes to help with my court appearances).

Andy probably can give you more info about local agents. Do your own research too. Research. But at some point you'll want to send your target list of agents and casting directors your headshot and resume. Cover letters should be brief and about the casting directors' casting work (see www.imdb.com for research) and that you want a general meeting and for them to consider you for (specific) upcoming projects, or if to an agent that you want to meet them so you can introduce yourself.

I'm just at the beginning of something. Back in April I joined The Actors' Network (www.actors-network.com). The Actors' Network helps actors understand the business side of acting and how to market oneself, and empower oneself through education. Before (a year) I was super frustrated because it seemed like I was doing everything else that 90% of the other actors do, for example (1) online submission at Actors Access, LA Casting, or Nowcasting (those are the 3 main self-submission websites and you can sign-up for free and post free photos on 2 out of 3), (2) complain about traffic, opportunities, ... I always found something, and (3) wonder how to get on TV/movies.

In the first year I was in L.A. I did a lot of indy films, student films, and local/live theatre. I was doing a lot of work, but not for any money. It's what I thought I needed to do to get credibility and understand the business. I don't know if I was right, I just know that's what I felt I needed to do. Well, now I'm ready for the next level. My focus is on being a working actor (getting paid for my work).

Now, I'm working on the business of acting, which primarily includes networking. My goal is to meet 25 legitimate casting directors and 25 agents in 6 months. The Actors Network has a couple of casting directors or agents come in each week and in general it seems: picture gets you in the door, personality gets you the agent or casting director to want to work with you, and good acting skills get you the job.

Number one thing is that you have a good headshot. Research photographers (Jeff Nicholson is from KC Metro area and spends time there; he took my latest shots www.KitoRobinson.com). Number two thing is build relationships. Number three is this industry is like that tortoise and the hare racing story. Do your research.

Things that are helping me:
- There's a lot of information and opportunities out there. Take your time. Rome wasn't built in a day.
- www.actors-network.com
- An agent gets 10% of what I earn, therefore I have to do 90% of the work.
- Don't take 'it' personal.
- Let my personality sparkle through without the layers of fear or desperation.
- Think of my acting career as a business - marketing, networking, keeping good receipts, etc.
- I'm always in acting class.
- I see class as a workshop to stretch and learn about myself, to try new things, be ridiculous, be me.
- Understand my "type" (how people see me without saying a word, or just saying hi my name is).
- Stick to it. This career takes time and most give up within 1-3 years (some of those focus become agents, managers, casting directors, etc.).
- Learn to save money and cut back expenses.
- Read a lot of books on acting business, acting technique -- take it for for what it's worth, nothing more.
- Research - tools may include Backstage West, imdb.com or imdbpro, online submission websites, etc.
- Have other interests too.

I hope that helps. Best wishes with your career. Keep me posted and let me know when you're in L.A. Have fun!

Take care,
Kito
P.S. Research!