There are basically two types of actors who read my
stuff, study my computer-based course and come to my
seminars: Working pros who are looking for ways to
improve their acting income, and newer performers
who are anxious to start making money at this.

I think I attract those types of actors because they
know that my entire focus is on the money-making part
of being an actor.

The success part.

The show BUSINESS part.

As my pal, Charlie Holliday, loves to say, "They don't
call it show art!"

And I do my best to provide good information for actors
who want to make money in show business.

But the fact of the matter is, I know the truth – and
the truth is that the only actors who are really going
to succeed in our business, are the ones who understand
(probably before I begin one of my rants) that they must
take effective action in order to see the fruition of
their dreams.

In other words, not to put too fine a point on things ...

YOU HAVE TO WORK AT IT!

I'm sorry for yelling, but that is a good piece of
information.

What brought on the yelling?

Well, as you have probably gathered, I am a well-known
recluse. I like being at home with my family, my bird
(Boyd), my books, and my computers. But in the last
month or so, I've been going out to see a few plays
and participate in a couple of 'panels' – at various
actors' gatherings.

I don't know why I get invited to these things, as I
am clearly anti-social and pretty much the working
definition of a hermit – but I do get invited and I go,
with my adorable wife, who comes along to gently remind
me to be nice.

Anyway, as a result of my recent forays into the real
world, I have run into quite a few actors.

Now, while it is sorta nice to be recognized (if you
could call it that) – "Oh you're that guy who writes
on Now Casting. What's his name?" – the problem is
that I meet far too many actors who sadden me.

There are a lot of actors out there who seem to be
fully invested in the belief that there is a one-step
method to show business success.

"Can you introduce me to an agent who can help me?
I'll thank you when I get my Oscar," is the most
common conversational gambit.

I try to point out that there is no golden ticket to
get "in" – and that it's a waste of time to keep looking
for one. But people don't listen.

Frankly, it's frustrating to see our school system
turning out so many educated people who still to believe
in magic, wizards, lucky charms... and, just possibly,
enchanted beans.

This adult belief in a magical solution is probably the
main stumbling block for those actors who are having a
hard time of things. Especially those who continue to
insist that their careers will 'happen' – somehow – as
long as they believe it will and continue to intone that
plaintive (but clearly magical) incantation ... "I want
to be a working actor, I want to be a working actor."

Not to mention those poor unfortunates who go to endless
parties and spew out the all too common – "I'm an actor
... do you know any casting directors who will give me
work? I know I can be a star, if someone would just
give me a chance" – elevator speech.

Don't they know that while they are in that 'mode,' they
are just about as interesting as an Amway salesman at an
orgy?

The part that saddens is that I am certain that these
actors – the sort who believe that there must be a
secret passageway that leads directly to the red
carpet ... and all they have to do is find someone to
give them the key – are going to suffer a lot of
frustration and disappointment, for a very long time.

AND they are leaving themselves wide-open to the early
onset of bitterness – which is a kind of mental cancer.
Take my word for it – eventually bitterness metastasizes
into regret, grief, anger and depression.

My prescription? Throw away your magic beans!

JUST. WORK. HARDER.

It's not a good plan to lollygag around Hollywood, acting
for free in Equity Waiver and student films – for years on
end – hoping that the Wonderful Director of Oz will appear
one day, in a sparkle of pixie dust, and discover you.

Spend a lot more time looking for a paycheck for your
performing and a lot less time schmoozing with adults who
believe in magical chants, secret handshakes, bewitching
potions, enchanted headshots or Staples' Magic Button.

Please, oh please – do not continue to believe in fairy
tales – because if you do … you will not live happily
ever after.

Which brings us to talent.

Oh, that word!

Shakespeare said, "Talent will out!" But what he did not
add was "Talent will be well paid, respected and successful."
(Because Willie was a sharp cookie and knew better.)

Talent is a gift – and if you put it to use, it may pay
the bills.

The critical phrase is ... "IF you put it to use."

Jennifer Hudson is on everyone's mind these days. Meteoric
is a word they use. Has she got talent? Yes, by the
truckload. But everyone is turning her bio into a Cinderella
story, a fairy tale ... "first she lost on American Idol
and all looked hopeless … but then she got a lucky break
and went on to win the Oscar."

The erroneous conclusion being drawn from Jennifer's story
(and others like hers) is that her talent was 'discovered'
and well rewarded … and that ours will be discovered and
rewarded too.

But did you know that about three years ago Jennifer was
working on a Disney cruise ship – in a big heavy costume
with five-inch heels and tons of make-up – belting out
Disney ditties for a paycheck?

The point is this: If a tremendously talented future
Oscar winner can 'go on the road,' working on a cruise
ship to earn money with her talent ... oh, never mind
– I'm sure you get the point.

Listen, after you throw away your magic beans, your next
move is to stop wasting your time looking for a one step
solution – and start looking for acting work that pays.

ANY acting work that pays.

That's the first step.

That's putting your talent to use.

Go on the road if you have to.

GO.

GO. TO. WORK. FOR. MONEY.

And please don't invite me to anything – I'm staying home
this month.