Stories from BackStage - Advice Columns

  1. What Does A Union Rep Do?

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Feb 9, 2012

    "Business representatives are vital employees at the guild who interpret, administer, and enforce all the contracts that the guild has with thousands of producers." - Karen Borell, SAG Full Story »

  2. Don't Start, Tipping the Scales

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Feb 9, 2012

    Dear Michael: I'm a 44-year-old male, and I was just wondering if it's possible to start an acting career at this stage in the game. I don't have any experience in the acting industry and don't have a lot of money to spend on starting a new career (i.e., acting lessons, headshots, etc.). I know that I will have to do these things eventually, but how can I start out small without having to invest too much money or time up-front? Am I wasting my time trying to pursue a new career, or is it still possible? Just Wondering, Glen… Full Story »


  3. A Quick Quiz To Determine If You Are a Dance Insider

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Feb 9, 2012

    Like any rarefied field, dance has its own particular jargon. So in their efforts to describe or sound more knowledgeable about the subject, people are apt to rattle off terms like "plie" and "grand jete" or to sprinkle their conversation with words such as "kinesthetically" or "Fosse-esque." However, it's not in the employment of specialized terminology but rather in the use of the tiny, ordinary words that one's level of dance expertise is often more accurately revealed. Over the years, I've encountered five common language discrepancies that almost always distinguish the dance world insider from the layman. Which are you?… Full Story »

  4. Pricey Program, Hostage to Housing

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Feb 2, 2012

    Dear Jackie: Last year I auditioned for a New York acting conservatory program that was on an audition tour. The feedback I received was that I am very talented, but because I did not have a strong enough resume they were not going to accept me into their main program. What they decided to do instead was accept me into their summer program, so I could see if acting was something I really wanted to pursue. I was not able to attend because I could not afford it, which I felt horrible about, but it was out-of-control expensive. And I… Full Story »


  5. Why Auditions for a New TV Series are Different From All Others

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Jan 26, 2012

    So here we are at the start of pilot season once again, which is likely to run through March, according to my sources. I've cherry-picked some of the most useful pointers for you: 1. You might get a pre-read-that is, a read in the casting director's office-and if so, that's helpful. You can find out lots about the show from the casting director. It might turn into a cold read if you're given a different character to read, in which case you might have 10 minutes outside in the hall to prepare (decide whom you're talking to, and why, and… Full Story »


  6. Agrippina Vaganova and Janet Collins Play Starring Roles in New Dance Books

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Jan 26, 2012

    Two outstanding women from ballet's past have been contrastingly honored in two new books that serious balletomanes will want to investigate. Compellingly written history requires significant amounts of interpretation and more than just the tidbits of context that Pawlick proffers. When she inserts her own ideas, albeit sparingly, her perspective and clarifications provide valuable framework for her interviewees' opinions. A tightly focused, slim slice of ballet history, the book presents a streamlined synopsis of the early development of ballet in Russia, an enlightening look at Soviet ballet training during the 20th century, and an interesting summary of the events of… Full Story »

  7. Developing Talent Part 2: The Adventure Begins

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Jan 23, 2012

    Last week I explained why it's important for talent agencies to sign new, young actors and develop them to the point where they're ready to start working. Now I'd like to take you through the entire process, using one of my actual clients. For the sake of discretion, we'll call her Holly. Just over a year ago, I received a call from one of my clients, an established character actor you'd recognize from his work on a hundred TV shows. He's the guy who always plays the police captain who orders the hero to stop breaking the rules. I've got… Full Story »


  8. Marcia Shulman on Casting Vampire Slayers, Angels, and Grouchy Doctors

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Jan 21, 2012

    In her capacity as the executive casting consultant for Fox Broadcasting Company, Marcia Shulman, who is based in New York City, advises the network on key casting decisions and is responsible for expanding talent discovery capabilities both in and outside the U.S. She previously served as executive vice president, casting for Fox in Los Angeles, where she oversaw casting for several shows, including "House," "Glee," "Bones," "Fringe," and "24." Previously, Shulman spent 10 years in New York as a movie and television casting director. During that time, she was active in the burgeoning independent film arena. The first movie she… Full Story »


  9. Paying Payroll Taxes

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Jan 20, 2012

    A report came out last year from the Tax Policy Center estimating that 46 percent of American households will pay no federal income tax this year. I explained in last week's column that low-income earners and families with multiple exemptions and credits often have no income tax due. But if we aren't paying income tax, then why is so much money withheld from our paychecks? The answer is payroll taxes. Income tax, whether federal, state, or city, is based on your taxable (or net) income. That's the amount that remains after your deductions and exemptions have been subtracted from your… Full Story »

  10. Baby Blues

    BackStage - Advice Columns &bull Jan 19, 2012

    Dear Jackie: I have had a very difficult time finding work as an actress and thought I should join a call-in service to help me find background work. One of the companies I found liked my pictures and invited me to join them. It will cost $75 per month, and work is not guaranteed. Then a few days later I found out I'm pregnant. My husband is nervous but thrilled. It will be our first. Should I just give up acting altogether and find a different career that pays a regular salary? What will happen to my dream? Should I… Full Story »

Authenticating User
Loading Global Loud3r Profile