Passionate about ACTING? Investigate careers in theater,film,coaching,teaching!

If you love acting and the world of theatre and want a CAREER in the DRAMATIC ARTS, then you have FUN, but also A LOT of research ahead, as you think about the reality of making a living in this area.   
*MONEY:  It's well known that many actors who are professionals are NOT "mega-stars," and may have to supplement their acting salaries with part-time work of some type, usually in the beginning of their careers.  Get used to the possibility of this idea, especially as you realistically plan your first years in the "business of show business". SOME IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
* PEOPLE CONNECTIONS are highly important, both in hearing about opportunities that are opening up in theatre productions or films, and also in keeping yourself and colleagues "bolstered" during the lean times, and periods of possible rejections.
*EXPERIENCE in any area of performing is helpful, and hopeful, determined actors should accumulate as much onstage and backstage experience as possible.
*RESEARCH on auditions, local theatres, theatre festivals, apprenticeships, grants, coaches, courses is NECESSARY in order to find the opportunities needed for learning and performing.  Keep in mind, age limits may apply to the opportunities offered, but LOTS of organizations need volunteers, even younger ones, who are RESPONSIBLE & HARD-WORKING.  So, even if you're not 16/18/ or the required age, be willing to VOLUNTEER  to get necessary experiences under your belt.  Then, people will come to associate your name as a positive, energetic person who is truly interested in CONTRIBUTING to  the world of ACTING...and you'll have more chances of getting "the call!"

*AS YOU BEGIN THIS LESSON:

1.  Students will need to purchase or the teacher will need to provide:
 A) An expandable folder with pockets, or room enough to keep at least 6-8 file folders
B)  A 4 -subject notebook and pen, which will live in your folder
C)  8 file folders, with adhesive labels to categorize each one for its contents

2.  Watch each video in this lesson and make notes immediately....use one section of your spiral notebook for these notes, making 1 page of notes per video [Location of the performer's city/state...things you learned from watching & listening to the performer or coach,  emotional responses you had to the performer, gestures, voice, clothes chosen, etc.] Take time to write the 1 PAGE RESPONSE before watching another video.
3. Create BIOGRAPHIES OF ADMIRED ACTORS. After researching online and also in your school library, write  two  1-page reports, including the actor's real name, birthplace, early experiences in drama, stories of a "first big break" or even a setback that solidified their attitude towards their career....also any ADVICE they would give a young actor, if given.  Type the reports and print out, put in a small folder[ for assignments] inside the large CURTAINS UP folder.
4. Create FOLDERS of ACTOR'S AUDITION TOOLS: What should you have ready, AT HAND, in order to audition successfully with only a moment's notice? You'd certainly want to be prepared.  Usually, you have some lead time, but in the instance of an unexpected opportunity, be READY!
IN SEVERAL FOLDERS, collect: [you need both paper copies, and same materials on a thumb drive]
    A) copies of 2 monologues memorized, [differing characters, to show versatility]
    B) copies of song lyrics/ 2 different songs, memorized & practiced, ready to perform [w/ sheet music included for an accompanist]
    C) a list of easy vocal/body "WARM-UP" exercises to use backstage before 
         auditions
    D)  A paper copy of your RESUME: Name/ contact info/ list of all stage experiences and classes...be sure to include all music & dance experiences. Also, a list of 2 teachers, coaches, or directors as references with their contact info...(Get permission ahead of time from these people in order to share their contact info.) 
    E)  A copy of 2 quotes from 2 inspirational artists: Find writings by an actor, musician, dancer, writer, visual artist, or athlete, who has a philosophy about commitment, hard work, and inspiration that you AGREE WITH, to which you can look to for GUIDANCE when you need a reminder!  
    F)   A black/white HEADSHOT that is printed on photo paper, easily taken with a smartphone to be printed later.  Remember, NO window or light behind you, as a solid background is best, and light BEHIND YOU will darken 
          your facial features.   
4.  Create a folder of CONTACTS for: recommendations, apprenticeships, scholarships, local theatres & their upcoming seasons / local colleges or universities & their upcoming seasons...INQUIRE ABOUT volunteer opportunities for ushering, serving refreshments, backstage help, painting, carpentry, etc.  / local festivals who might help w/ staging events, face painting, etc.                    
5. Create a folder of THEATRE CLASSES  you can find online, offered within a driveable distance that might be helpful to expand your skills.
6.  Create a folder of MEMORABILIA:  Playbills, souvenir ticket stubs, etc. from movies and plays, dance concerts, etc. that have inspired you.  Make a short note on each...what inspired you when seeing this?
7.  Create a folder of area-wide EVENTS, FESTIVALS, & Film & TV: Many opportunities can be found if you research/ Spoleto USA    /  The Savannah Music Festival [Savannah, Ga.]    /    ARTISPHERE [Greenville,S.C.], SCETV, [Columbia, S.C....broadcast-oriented apprenticeships]   / The Film Commission of S.C./ Ga./ Va.

It would probably be a wonderful opportunity for several students to compare notes by participating in a "ROUNDTABLE" discussion, moderated by the teacher, to share ideas for tracking down opportunities for actors in the theater and film industry.
In addition, perhaps a monthly SHARING of films/plays seen, and therefore the actors experienced in these productions [with an emphasis on the actor's style & command of the role], could keep a good thread of discussion regarding aspirations for the future.   

The assessment will consist of:
1. Viewing  all videos, and completing the 1 page  summary of each video
2. Assembling the Curtain's Up! expandable folder, with 6-8 small folders containing the required components...labeled, organized, and  completed.