Dear Toni,
My name is Crystal Smith and I am a twenty-one year old student at UCLA’S School of Film and Television. I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. I was raised bi-coastally between Charlotte and Los Angeles. I am an actress and a writer and am currently in the process of completing my first feature length dramatic script. What is the best way for an ethnic actress to sign with a talent agency and break into dramatic acting?
Thank you,
Crystal Smith
Dear Crystal,
I tell my students from USC and UCLA all the time that whether they know it or not they are the next stars. You are in one of the top schools in the Nation and many agents are on the watch for clients like yourself. Remember that you are special. You are trained and have been selected from many applicants just to get in to these school programs. Begin to treat acting the same way you would treat starting a new business. Let the agents know that you are educated not only as an actor but as a businessperson as well. Talk to some of your teachers at UCLA and ask them for their help in introducing you to industry leaders. Your teachers are professionals already working in the business and would probably be more than happy and proud to introduce you to their colleagues. Look at the television shows you are right for and write the head of casting, or the producers. Ask if you can come on the set to watch. Let them know you are from UCLA. You will be surprised to find how well received you will be and that people want to help a woman with moxy. Most of all remember that you are special. Act that way and people will respond positively to you and respect you. If you are confident, then the professionals will feel confident about taking you into their agency. A good agency for you might be Cunningham, Escott and Dipene.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Toni Attell
Toni Attell is a hypnotherapist and acting coach. For people interested in her acting classes please call (818) 787-8685. For hypnotherapy go to www.hypnosis4you.net.