Acting News: Discover the Type of Actor you are in Hollywood

I spend a lot of time with actors. I live with an actor and there is always some sort of discussion about acting happening anywhere you go in Los Angeles.

After spending a lot of time around actors, I've come to the realization there are two types of actors:

1. The actors who work hard and prepare for auditions. They understand they can't book every part and they try to learn from each audition. 
2. The actors who always seem to be looking for a reason why they didn't book a part or get called in for a second, third or fourth audition.

Not sure what type of actor you are? Here are some reasons you might be your own worst enemy when it comes to your career:

• All actors are unique and bring a certain set of skills to the table. However, some actors don't remember this fact.  They get inside their own head and try to be a certain "type" that is currently hot with the public.  You need to remember the audition room is going to be filled with actors who resemble like a certain "type". The key is to stand out from the crowd.
• Always have a headshot and resume with you in a bag, vehicle or briefcase. In fact, have two or three in your car at all times. You need to be prepared in case you get an audition for that afternoon in Glendale but you are currently all the way out in Long Beach. Plus, you probably won't have time to stop by home and pick up a headshot and resume. ALWAYS have spare extra headshots (and extra audition clothes) in your car!
• There is no need to obsess about things that are beyond your control. You can't control how young or how old the production office is casting the project. You can't control if you were the first person picked for the part or the "backup choice" because the first person for the project wasn't available. Just focus on doing the best job possible.  Whether you are the first choice or the last choice for the part, count yourself fortunate to be a working actor.
• The casting director doesn't care if you "didn't have time to read the sides".  All the casting director wants to know is if you can play the part as envisioned by the director and producers. Show confidence instead of giving excuses.
• Don't complain about the acting business being unfair.  It is actually not unfair at all. It is a business with the same amount of uncertainty and lack of stability as any other business in the world. The only thing that makes it "unfair" is you trying to make excuses about it not being fair.
• Don't stress over any lines that you messed up during the audition.  Did you roll with the bungled lines and keep going without calling too much attention to it?  Don't obsess while you are in the audition room and don't obsess about it after the audition.  Congratulate yourself on being called in for the audition because there are many actors that did not get that opportunity.

The biggest obstacle to your success might be staying out of your own way. The definition of "success" is different for everyone. Determine your ultimate acting goal and focus on making that goal a reality. By focusing on the positive parts of your acting journey, there is less of a chance you will end up getting in your own way.