Dear Toni,

I have been working as an actor in regional and Community Theater for almost ten years. I have acted in over 115 productions and would like to broaden into film, television, and voice-over work. I am looking for direction on how to make a transition from stage work to other mediums, as well as how to best apply my experience as a positive asset despite my lack of film experience.
  
Thank you,
Ryan Williams

Dear Ryan:

You have paid your dues.  I have noticed that actors sometimes get put into categories. Just a few of these categories range from day players to guest stars, comics to character actors.  They also include stage actors or screen actors. It is easy for actors to unconsciously put themselves into some of these categories or the business automatically labels them. Ryan, it sounds like you have done the right training to take the next step and parlay your work to screen.  Screen acting is not the same as stage acting.  You have to remember that with stage acting the actor is communicating with a live audience, so the actor immediately feels the energy that is passed back and forth between the actor and the audience.  With film and television it is more like an electrical current between the actor and the camera unless it is a three-camera comedy that is being taped in front of a live audience.  With your background I would suggest you start sending your picture and resume to sitcoms, because they are shot in front of live audiences. Soap operas would be another venue you might submit to -- they need the type of repertory acting you do, because it fits perfectly into their format.  With all your experience you should be a great candidate.

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