Are You a Happy Actor?

As the end of pilot season nears, let's look at some of the common fantasies of being a "successful actor":

• Land a starring role on a TV show
• Turn your TV success into a successful movie career
• Win lots of acting awards
• Become a rich and famous person that is adored by the public

While some of these items might not be on your acting bucket list, many people want these dreams to come true.  Will achieving these dreams make you a happy person?  How can you tell if you're happy as an actor????

Life beyond acting - Acting is a wonderful way to spend the day but some actors become unhappy with their chosen profession because of a lack of outside interests.  If you just focus on the next audition or roles other actors have landed, you will burn yourself out on any enjoyment of your craft.  Venture outside the acting world by volunteering with a charity or playing sports.  Outside interests in Los Angeles help you "get a break" and appreciate the time you spend on acting more than ever.

Watching other actors - As an actor, watching other actors can help determine if you are happy with your chosen profession.  Do you watch another actor with envy since they got a part you really wanted? On the other hand, do you like to discuss the great work they did? The way you view other actors says a lot about your state of mind.

Time for class - What is your reaction when it's time for an acting class? Are you happy to be going to class?  Do you look forward to supporting your classmates?  If not, are you counting the minutes until class is over and dreading the whole experience? If going to acting class is a chore, it might be time to examine the level of passion you have for your acting career.

Is acting still an adventure - Think about the times your family asked you the dreaded question, "When will I see you on TV and/or a movie?"  This question is asked of almost every actor.  You can give a vague answer or share your adventures with them. Tell them funny audition stories. Describe the casting director and let them know how you stood out from others in the room. Share your Hollywood journey with your family and friends.  You are experiencing moments others can only dream about enjoying!

A thankful feeling - While you might not have landed that big part in the next Marvel movie, you did audition for the role.  That's an opportunity thousands of actors did not get to experience. Take the time to appreciate what you've experienced so far in your career. Keeping the highs and lows in perspective helps you enjoy the journey.

While it might seem obvious, it should be said that being miserable is easy but being happy is better for your daily life.

Are you happy and positive about where you're going or are you worried about what you haven't achieved yet? Are you letting the past drag you down?  

The answer to those questions might help you determine the future direction of your acting career.

This actor seems happy with his acting and comedy careers.

Do You Know Your Tax Deductions As An Actor?

Tax season is here and everyone is trying to figure out last minute deductions to save money this year. If you are not sure what deductions you can claim as an actor, here are some tips to help you save money and (maybe) get a refund this year.

• Self-employed actors can deduct expenses directly related to acting activities that are not viewed as "extravagant" when it comes to properly doing their work. In other words, the deduction must be deemed to be "ordinary and necessary" in the eyes of the IRS.
• Some actors try to deduct everyday items like makeup and a gym membership on their taxes. However, the use of these items must be clearly defined by the actor. For example, makeup for a photo session or a stage play can be deducted but makeup bought for use during a normal day cannot be deducted. A gym membership is rarely deductible because it is considered exercise and not "research" or "training".
• Clothing is also an area to be handled with caution. An outfit bought for an audition can fall into the deduction category but clothes bought to wear to lunch or the beach are not considered tax deductible. 
• Items that might count for "research purchases" include magazine subscriptions and books for the purpose of staying up to date on your profession. Movie tickets can count as research for your job as well as some (or all) of your cable, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu subscriptions.
• Fees paid to your reps or a PR firm can be marked as business expenses. However, you will need to provide statements showing your payments as well as examples of the services they provided. Also, fees paid for acting classes, private sessions and casting director workshops might be good deductions for you.
• Keep track of your mileage as you drive to auditions, agent and manager meetings, acting classes, rehearsals and acting jobs. They can be counted as business trips. In addition, out of town travel for work can include some deductions. 
• Did you mail anything related to your career last year? Fed Ex, UPS and USPS expenses that were a result of mailing resumes, headshots and other career items can fall into deduction territory.
• Resumes and headshots, along with postcards and fees charged by sites like LA Casting, can all be classified as "promotional expenses" when filling out your taxes.
• Finally, making business calls can be written off on your taxes. Plus, a new phone can be a tax deduction if you have the proper paperwork to show its business use.

I hope the examples listed above help you save some money. As always, consult with a tax professional when using the above deduction examples. To quote the JP Morgan website:

"This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult with your own tax, legal and accounting team before engaging in any transaction."

Take the money you save on your taxes and invest it in your career with new headshots or taking an acting class.

This actor is finishing his taxes this weekend.

Have You Taken Care Of Your "Pilot Season Essentials"?

Even though streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu provide new content throughout the year, pilot season is still a big deal in Hollywood. Actors flock to Los Angeles every January to try and book a role in a pilot on one of the major networks.

Even if you think you are completely prepared for pilot season, there is still a checklist of items to help you make the most of your pilot season experience:

Have Your "Essentials" In Place - Whether you already live in Los Angeles, or you are making the move here for pilot season, there are a number of "essentials" you need to have in place. They include:

1. A place to live - Rent prices increase during pilot season because of the number of people looking for housing. Don't think you'll arrive in Los Angeles and easily find an affordable place to live. Have your housing set-up in advance of your arrival.
2. Money - Los Angeles is not a cheap city when it comes to housing, gas and daily needs like food and clothing. Make sure you have some savings set aside in case of an emergency.
3. Face Time with your Agent and Manager - If you have an agent and/or manager in place, stop in and see them before pilot season casting calls begin. You want to be top of mind when they are submitting talent to casting directors. There are thousands of actors trying to land parts in pilots. Make sure your team knows you are ready to work by taking the first step to discuss your pilot season goals.
4. Online Presence - Social media is certainly an important part of your online presence but it is not the only way to showcase yourself, and your acting abilities, online. Is your current acting reel online? Is your IMDb page updated? Do you have your own website with clips, credits and a bio telling people more about you? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, what are you waiting for???

Have Reliable Transportation - Make sure your vehicle is in good shape because you'll be spending a lot of time on the 405, 101. 134 and other number filled roads. It is a good idea to have an extra set of audition clothes, headshots and resumes in your car. An emergency supply can save you a lot of stress if you don't have time to run home to prepare for a last minute audition.

Acting Lessons - Regular classes with an acting coach will keep your performing skills up to date. Even if you don't want to take a regular acting class, be prepared to do private coaching sessions before a big audition. A private session can help you get "off book" as quickly as possible. Knowing your lines, and not having to constantly look at the script, allows you to connect with the casting director and/or your scene partner during an audition. Would you rather showcase your acting ability or your reading skills?

Relax and Stop Worrying - Worrying too much about booking a role during pilot season can impact your acting performance thanks to the pressure you are feeling. Don't get in your own way and ruin your chances during an audition. The casting director will want to get a natural performance out of you and that won't happen if you are filled with worry.

Pilot season is here and you will want to make the most of your opportunities. Once you have the "pilot season essentials" covered, you can focus on acting and landing your dream role

This actor is looking forward to a busy pilot season.

Revisiting The Secret Origin Of This Blog

If there's one thing I don't really "get" on social media, it is "Way Back Wednesday", "Throwback Thursday" and "Flashback Friday".

Don't get me wrong. I find it amusing to see old photos featuring bad haircuts and questionable fashion choices. I understand that people want to look back on their younger days. However, I rarely feel the need to post old items on my accounts. I am much more interested in where I am going instead of where I have been in the past.

Having said that, I've spent a lot of time in the last 48 hours talking about the journey that led us to Hollywood.  We've been working on a project spotlighting the three of us and part of the process has been interviews done separately and together. Sorry to be vague but I don't want to give too much away until the time is right.

The interviews inspired me to look back at some of the oldest posts on this blog. These old posts reminded me that the name of my blog was nothing more than a joke that happened to stick in the minds of friends and people that found my posts online.

Secret Origin of a Dadager:

When Zach and I were getting ready to move to Los Angeles, I did research about managers and agents to try and get a better idea about the business in general. I kept running across stories about fathers who were also the managers of their kids. The fathers of Michael Jackson, Lindsay Lohan and Beyonce kept appearing in search results as examples of fathers who were way too controlling and overbearing. As a joke, I decided to call myself a "Dadager" and the nickname stuck as time passed.

What started as a way to keep friends and family updated on Zach's career has turned into an outlet for insights into the business of acting. I've been contacted by many readers who want more information about certain show business topics and those who just want to say "thanks" for the info.

Looking at my old posts made me realize how little I knew about these topics when we arrived in Los Angeles:

• Casting directors
• Auditions
• Headshots
• Comedy clubs
• Acting classes
• LA traffic
• Callbacks
• Set life
• Pilot season
• Episodic season
• Stage Parents
• Improv at Second City and other venues
• Casting workshops
• Running lines before an audition

I am still amazed at the new info I learn on a weekly basis.

I really appreciate the support and feedback over the years. Your readership has meant a lot to me as my family has navigated the Hollywood machine for the last 5 years.

Plus, looking back at my old blog entries has taught me that a little "Flashback Friday" isn't a bad thing sometimes.

This actor makes each day an adventure in Hollywood.

Are You Prepared For Pilot Season?

Are you ready for pilot season?

Even if you think you're ready for pilot season, and answered "yes" to the above question, here is a checklist of the items to take care of before pilot season begins.

• Don't Be Unprepared - Know your lines and be off book as quickly as possible. Being able to perform your lines without having to constantly look at the script allows you to connect with the casting director or your scene partner, Would you rather showcase your acting ability or your skills at reading off the printed page?
• Stop Worrying - Worrying too much about booking a role during pilot season can put too much pressure on you and have a negative impact on your performance. It is an important time of the year in the acting world but not important enough to psych yourself out and ruin your chances during an audition. Relax and be yourself so the casting director is able to get a natural performance out of you.
• Have Your "Essentials" In Place - The competition during pilot season is fierce so you need to have some essential items in place before you get to Los Angeles, Even if you already live here, it's still important to have your "acting essentials" in place. These essential items include:

1. A place to live - Rent prices greatly increase during pilot season because so many people are looking for housing. Landlords know they can charge the higher rates because of the number of people in town for 4-5 months. Don't think you'll get to Hollywood and be able to easily find an affordable place to live. Have your housing set-up in advance of your arrival.
2. Money - Los Angeles is not a cheap city and it is expensive to live here for months on end as well as on a daily basis. Make sure you have some savings set aside just in case.
3. Agent and/or Manager - There are hundreds of actors submitted for parts in TV shows. If you don't have an agent or a manager, it will be tough to get your headshot or demo reel to the right people in the casting department. I'm not saying it can't be done but it will be harder for you to make it in the door to read for a role. If you do have an agent and/or a manager, stop in and see them because you want to be top of mind when they are submitting talent to casting directors,
4. Headshots - Please have headshots that match your current look. Don't be "that person" who is at least 10 years older than their last set of headshots.
5. Online Presence - I'm not simply talking about social media even though that is important, I'm talking about ways to showcase yourself and your acting abilities online. Is your current acting reel on the Internet? Is your IMDb page updated? Do you have your own website with clips, credits and a bio telling people more about you? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, what are you waiting for???

• Acting Lessons - Regular classes with an acting coach will keep your skills in good shape. Even if you don't want to take a regular acting class, be prepared to do private coaching sessions before a big audition.
• Have Reliable Transportation - Make sure your vehicle is in good shape because you'll be spending a lot of time on the 405, 101. 134, etc. Be sure and leave a set of audition clothes and extra headshots and resumes in your car. It's always best to have an emergency supply on hand in case you don't have time to run home before a last minute audition.

The start of pilot season is just around the corner. I hope your acting wishes all come true and, even if you don't land your dream role, you have a good time chasing your dream of being a working actor. 

This actor is hoping to have a busy and successful pilot season.

What Are Actors Thankful For All Through The Year?

It's the time of year when everyone has a chance to relax and reflect on the good things in life. Actors are no different and they certainly have a long list of items to be thankful for on a daily basis. Here are seven things actors are thankful for as they chase their Hollywood dreams.

1. Other Actors - A fellow actor can be a writing partner, someone to share a scene with, a sounding board or a collaborator on a future project. It's nice to have someone who understands the challenges fellow actors go through at auditions as well as on set and in acting classes.
2. Social Media - In the past, time spent interacting with other actors was mostly limited to time spent on set or in acting classes. Social media allows actors to stay connected with each other frequently and in real time. Social media helps actors maintain connections and exchange tips and casting notices that can lead to paid roles in the future. Actors can also connect and interact with their fans on a much more intimate level leading to a more passionate fanbase. 
3. Community - This is certainly connected to the two points listed above. I see many of the same kids, and their parents, at auditions. While everybody certainly wants to book the role, it is sometimes nice to see the same faces and touch base with them for a few minutes even in a competitive setting. 
4. Good Headshots - What do I mean by good headshots? I mean the kind of headshot that makes actors feel confident they are presenting a photo that accurately represents them. I've seen many headshots that people feel the need to apologize for as well as headshots that have to be at least 10 years old. There are many great headshot photographers in Los Angeles but, if the photo subject is not comfortable or confident in front of the camera, there is not a lot the photographer can do to make an actor come alive at the photo shoot. 
5. Callbacks - While a callback doesn't guarantee booking a part, it is a great feeling to be asked to read for the casting director again. A callback occurs after the first round of auditions and it means the actor has been selected for another shot at the part over hundreds of people who initially read for the casting director. It is certainly an ego boost and helps an actor enter the room with renewed confidence. 
6. Agents and Managers - It is hard to get noticed in Hollywood. There are thousands of actors trying to book parts and get the attention of casting directors, producers and other creative types in the industry. Having an agent and a manger helps an actor focus on the art of acting while they focus on pitching their clients for parts in upcoming movies and television shows. It is true they take a cut of the paycheck when a part is booked but the actor probably wouldn't have been seen for the part without a great team pitching him or her on a daily basis.
7. The Amazing Life Experience - Actors do not have it easy because they are often examined, criticized and turned down for parts. This happens on a daily basis and the final results are often out of their control. However, each moment is a learning experience. I know many actors who are very confident because of the experiences of dealing with the expectations of those in the entertainment industry. Actors who have the drive to keep going no matter the odds against them learn many lessons that will serve them well later in life.

I'm thankful that I get to share the daily journey of my favorite actor.

What Skills Does An Actor Need In Order To Succeed?

Acting is certainly an art but it's also a business you need to learn how to navigate. It takes a combination of luck, business skills, talent and common sense to make your way through the business of being an actor. When it comes to finding success in Hollywood, what skills does an actor need on a daily basis?

• Read the sides - Zach and I were reminded of this simple skill just a few days ago. He auditioned for a sitcom and the role was for a kid who thinks he is a punk rocker. The sides specifically said not to dress as a punk rocker but to have the attitude associated with that type of person. Zach got to the audition and the first thing he saw was a room full of kids dressed like punk rockers. Zach instantly stood out from the crowd because he read the sides and followed the instructions.
• Read the room - This simple piece of advice means paying attention while waiting for your turn to audition. Are the auditions going fast or slow? Can you hear the people in the room? If so, are they happy or cranky or asking lots of questions? Reading the room before you enter for your audition means you will have a better idea of what to expect when it is your turn to read for the casting director.
• Don't be late - You wouldn't want to be late for work or a business meeting. Since that is the case, why would you be late for your audition?  The times for audition appointments are scheduled to get the number of actors they want to see through the room on time. Don't be "that guy" and be late for your audition. You will definitely make an impression on the casting director but it might not be the type of impression you want to make that day.
• Don't make excuses - Stayed out too late and didn't get up in time to learn your lines? While you might get a little bit of sympathy, the majority of the cast and crew don't care. There are plenty of actors ready and willing to take your place so don't make excuses for not knowing your lines. Be professional and ready to perform!
• Don't improvise your lines - Want to find the easiest way to offend a writer as well as the director? Make up your own lines in a scene. The script you get each morning on set is the final product and it's not your job to improve or change the dialogue.
• Get out there and work it - "Working it" can be anything from attending a play to working on your own script to taking an acting class to networking at a casting workshop. There are many avenues available for you to be seen and meet others in the industry. You have to make the effort to get out there and give your career the boost it needs to rise above every other person in Hollywood who wants to be a working actor.

This actor can work a room as well as a crowd at a comedy show.

I Always Get Interesting Feedback About My Blog

It's always a pleasant surprise when someone mentions this blog to me . I enjoy writing it but I never give who actually reads it much thought. I do hashtags when I post a link to a new entry. I also do search descriptions so search engines can easily find me. Having said that, I still don't often think about who reads the blog and where they are located. It surprises me where people are located that read it and who contacts me about the topics I discuss.

Taking a look at the current stats, the countries where people have viewed entries today include the United States, United Arab Emirates, France, Bulgaria, China, United Kingdom, Moldova, Macedonia, Portugal and Turkmenistan. 

The majority of those viewers found me through Google. Some of the other ways people found me include Instagram, Facebook and going directly to the blog itself. I won't bore you with too many details about the most viewed pages but most of them have to do with casting tips and acting advice.

I've had many people reach out to me after reading the blog. Some just want to say they enjoy reading it, others want advice and a few people are a bit crazy with their requests.

Here are my favorite crazy interactions I've had thanks to my Dadager blog:

• The person who emailed me asking if I could set-up a meeting for him to pitch his idea for a "Star Trek" reboot to Paramount. His version had Spock as a woman, McCoy as a little person and Kirk as a blind person. The idea behind the reboot was to "spotlight struggles faced by all people that are not white and male and perfectly made." 
• A random lady wanted to open an acting studio with me. She has no acting experience, lives in Iowa and wants me to run it because I "have the connections and also live here." She wanted to be partners but still live in Iowa. She would promote it on her FB page and tell all her friends about it.
• I often write about Zach's agent and manager. However, there was one gentleman who wanted to know if Zach was interested in leaving his current team and coming over to his management firm. Zach had no intention of joining him but I was curious what type of agent/manager tries to get clients through random emails. When I asked him about his company,I found out he had been in business three days. He was also his only client but was hoping I could let him "sponsor" my blog for free if Zach joined up with him. "The more mentions you give me, the more we can try and build relationships with casting directors." (No thank you.)
• There have been people that want to buy the rights to my life story. Unfortunately, most of these people want the movie/TV show to change for their vision which includes:

1. Replacing me with a female Dadager (I'm serious about that)
2. Me as a widower who tries not to mix casting business with pleasure 
3. Zach as a spunky child orphan hiding that fact from adults in Hollywood

• The guy who was convinced that I was stealing his life for my blog and threatened to bring legal action if I didn't stop using his stories for my blog. He lives in Senoia, Georgia so I'm not sure how I'm living his life.
• I heard from a woman who asked me to read her script and give her feedback. I politely declined by saying I didn't really have time to give her notes. She replied with "If you don't want to know my solution for how to avoid being enslaved when the animals rise up and overthrow mankind, it's your loss of freedom."
• The guy who wanted me to turn my blog into a book. He wasn't a publisher or an literary agent. He just thought it was a good idea and wanted me to give him a cut of the profits for suggesting it to me.

While I have received other emails, notes, videos and odd photos from readers of my blog, there are some that are better left in the "don't respond and the crazy people will go away" file. If I ever disappear for an extended length of time, check the email from my blog because the likely suspect is probably somewhere in my inbox.

I always welcome email from this actor.

Are You Ready For Episodic Season?

Zach has been busy the last few weeks getting ready for his shows during the Burbank Comedy Festival which begins tonight. Even with writing new material for three stand-up sets, he has also been busy with auditions. He had an audition last week for a meaty part in a popular TV show. More auditions are coming in for TV shows as episodic season is underway in Hollywood.

Not sure what episodic season is all about? No worries!

Here's the rundown on one of the busiest times in the TV production cycle:

Episodic season begins when the majority of TV series go into production for the upcoming season. The major roles in shows were cast earlier in the year during pilot season.  This is the time of year when casting directors look for actors to fill large guest star roles as well as smaller roles in upcoming episodes.

One of the best things about casting for episodes of TV is that the process for casting and filming moves at a quicker pace than movies. TV shows work on a tighter schedule and the work has to be accomplished within a certain amount of time before the next episode gets underway.

Even though a good amount of work is available during episodic season, there are not as many actors that relocate here for an extended period of time. My theory is that actors come here for pilot season because they hope to land a role that has the possibility of being a long-term acting job. While there are good roles available during this time of year, the roles are rarely long-term which might be one of the reasons less actors relocate here for episodic season.

As an actor, you need to make a checklist so you have everything in order for episodic season. Here are 6 key items for your checklist:

1. Make sure your latest headshot, acting reel and resume are easily available via your social media profiles.
2. Have plenty of headshots ready. Keep a few extra with you in your car!
3. Touch base with any contacts you have in casting offices as well as any producers, directors or production people you know on shows. It never hurts to reconnect with your network of contacts.
4. Take an acting class to keep your skills up to date. (I previously discussed how to find the right acting class.) Let your acting coach know what you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses and work on refining your skills.
5. Have a flexible work schedule, You never know when a last minute audition or callback will come your way. You don't want to be stuck at work and miss your opportunity.
6. Answer the phone! There are few things that frustrate your agent or manager more than not being able to get in touch with you. If you're in a location where you can't answer the phone, send them a text or an email. Make sure they know you got their message and will be at the audition on time.

The above list might seem simple but you would be surprised how many actors don't take care of the basics. Being professional and taking care of the basics can make the difference in your success in Hollywood.

This Actor Has Three Shows This Week During The Burbank Comedy Festival.

Why Do You Need An Acting Coach?

One of the first steps to success as an actor is finding the right acting coach for you. Finding an acting coach that you trust and feel comfortable with can lead to a lifelong relationship. I've met many acting coaches who still do sessions with well-known actors because those actors who have achieved success still count on the direction and feedback of their coaches to help them with auditions and scenes in jobs they've already booked.

An acting coach does much more than simply recite lines and say "good" or "bad" to their acting clients. Here are some of the reasons every actor can benefit from having an acting coach:

• An acting coach who spends any amount of time with their clients will begin to learn their strengths and weaknesses. Once the coach is tuned into the skills of the actor, he or she can help the actor fine-tune their skills by working on areas that are lacking while making sure their strengths are kept in fine shape.
• Acting coaches help actors absorb the material to the point that it becomes second nature and natural. Strong character choices come from the actor feeling confident about the material they are performing.
• One of the best skills an acting coach can possess is making the actor feel at ease. Actors that trust their coach are more comfortable being open and vulnerable in front of an audience as small as one person and as large as the crowd for a Broadway play. Inspiring confidence and getting rid of any nerves before an audition or show are some of the best skills possessed by an acting coach.
• Acting coaches will go over every aspect of a scene. There is more to a scene that the lines spoken by the actors. What's the motivation of the character? What kind of clothing does the character wear? Is there specific body language that the character would project? What is the relationship of the character to others in the scene? What is the location of the scene and does that have an impact on the way the scene should be played?
• A good acting coach focuses on the individual actor and does not simply lump them in with a larger group. Even if there are actors working together in a scene, the coach is paying attention to each person and assessing their performance. There is rarely a "you guys did this or that" summary after a scene is over. The coach addresses each actor personally and gives detailed notes about the individual performances. 
• Are you feeling like you need some new audition material? Have you outgrown your "go to scene" or feel like it needs some freshening? Your acting coach can help determine if your standard audition scene can be revived with a few tweaks or if you need some new material that plays to your acting strengths. Once you have the correct material, the coach will help find "spaces in the scene" that showcase your skills.

The best acting coaches are the folks that used to be actors or are still working actors. They know the daily challenges and anxieties faced by those trying to make a living as a working actor. Isn't it better to have someone on your side who understands what you are trying to accomplish with your life? They also understand that acting is about individual choices and don't try and impose their idea of line readings on you. They might suggest a certain character outlook but they leave the final decision up to the actor. The coach is there to encourage and aid the journey of finding the essence of the character. Sometimes the best choices are the natural choices made by the actor. A good acting coach helps the scene play as "real" and not come across as forced and unnatural.

Unfortunately, you often get what you pay for when it comes to acting coaches. Be sure and do proper research before spending the money on acting classes and a specific coach. Choosing the wrong coach not only hurts your growth as an actor but it can also damage your bank account since you won't be getting a good return on your investment.

This actor has been blessed with some very good acting coaches during his career.

Where Are You Going To Live During Pilot Season?

The craziness of pilot season is just starting in Hollywood. When actors make their way to California, they are always concerned about having their resume and headshot and management in order. Many of them don't give enough thought to where they are going to live once they get to Los Angeles. Rentals are at a premium during pilot season because landlords and homeowners know they can make a killing renting out apartments and spare rooms.

Pilot season also creates a big demand for hotel and motel rooms. Besides the actors coming to Los Angeles for pilot season, there's also a big demand for rooms thanks to the number of awards ceremonies at this time of year. You can certainly find an apartment for rent but be prepared to pay a higher price since most apartments that offer short-term leases have already been booked. The remaining few can make big money since there is such a demand for places to live.

How do you go about finding a place? Two of the most popular online sites are Craigslist and Airbnb. Although you can narrow your search some by location on Craigslist, Airbnb is more focused as it gives you a checklist of items to search for in an apartment or rental property. There is also a very helpful online site from Westside Rentals that allows landlords to list properties that have opened in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. There is also the option of taking over an existing rental by subleasing it from a person who is moving before their lease is over.

If the actor coming to Hollywood is a child actor with a parent who is employed in the corporate world, there is always corporate housing rentals. This would require some coordination with the company that employs the parent but it is certainly worth checking into as a housing option.

The other thing to worry about when finding a place to live is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. There are dozens of casting locations that host auditions on a regular basis. A good number of them are in the Hollywood, DTLA and San Fernando Valley area. While you might find a rental place that has a cheaper price in Orange County or Simi Valley, the amount of time spent in traffic getting to an audition might make the idea of living further out not worth it in the long run. Many auditions are last minute so being in Long Beach doesn't make it easy to get to Burbank in 30-minutes to an hour for a time sensitive audition window.

Here's a few numbers to give you an idea of how crowded the acting field is in Los Angeles. Just taking the amount of adults out of the equation (since Zach is still in the teen category), the California Department of Labor issues around 50,000 entertainment work permits every six months. (The work permits for minors must be renewed every six months.)  The vast majority of these work permits are for minors working in the Los Angeles area. Add in the large number of adult actors also in Los Angeles for pilot season (much less year round residents) and you'll have a good idea of how many people are searching for housing in Los Angeles.

I'm not trying to scare you off from being a part of pilot season. I just want you to be prepared for the competition for housing that goes along with the competition for booking roles and the increase in traffic from the new (temporary) residents.

If you do decide to join us in California for the next few months, enjoy your stay in Los Angeles!

This actor makes the San Fernando Valley his home.

Audition Preparation Tips And Tricks

Zach has been having a good January so far with two big auditions coming his way. All auditions are good but some require more preparation than others. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing to enter the audition room.

1. One of the first audition steps is determining how much prep you need for the audition. The prep work goes beyond learning the lines. Is the casting director someone you've met before? If so, there is a level of familiarity that can serve you well. Since the casting director already has an idea of what you are capable of, it takes the "getting to know each other" vibe out of the audition. Also, is this audition for a commercial or for a major movie? If it's for a commercial, you are probably okay running the lines with friends and family. If it is for a series lead or a major movie role, you might be better served scheduling a private lesson with a trusted acting coach.
2. Learn the lines! This is simple advice but not many people follow it. There are a good number of actors who feel that being spontaneous and "in the moment" translates to a good audition. Casting directors don't want to see you improvise during an audition. They want to know that you are off book (know your lines) and making a connection with them and the material. Being able to perform the scene from memory helps open up the actor to being natural in the scene.
3. Don't just know your lines. Be familiar with the lines of the other characters because it will give you insight into how others in the script see your character.  Knowing what is going on with everyone in the scene gives you a better idea of the motivations behind your character and his or her behavior in the script.
4. Find your level of confidence before entering the casting office. Whether you already know the casting director or you are meeting him for the first time in the room, you are being judged the moment you step in the room. Body language and overall attitude are just as important as your acting skills. Don't mistake attitude for intensity. Smile and act like you want to be there!
5. Don't make the audition a life or death situation. Much like a job interview, there are many factors that are out of your control when it comes to landing a part. Being prepared and showing your best take on the role are the two main things you can do once you enter the room. Once you walk out the door, it is out of your control. Do your best and don't dwell on the audition when you leave the room.

All actors have different methods of preparing for an audition. Find the method that works for you and give it everything you have when you enter the room. Break a leg!

This Actor Did A Private To Prepare For An Audition This Week.

Holiday Survival Tips For Actors

The holidays can be tough on actors trying to make it in Hollywood. The good majority of them are far away from their families and have to spend a majority of the holiday season away from home. While it's not fun to be far away from family and friends, the holiday season offers opportunities for action as well as reflection.

1. Watch and Learn - Even though you might not be home for all of the holidays, you still need to get out and do some shopping before you make it home to your family. Use the time to watch people and study their expressions and body language while you're taking care of holiday shopping. Consider it a free acting class.
2. Get Ready to Face The Questions - Every actor in Hollywood experiences the same questions from family members. "What have you worked on lately?" "Have you met (insert name of famous person)?" "Why haven't I seen you on TV?" "Can you get me tickets to see a taping of Ellen?" Unfortunately, almost everyone outside of the acting world defines success as being on a hit TV show or landing a part in a successful movie. Be ready to answer these questions in a way that highlights what you've done lately and acknowledges the victories you've achieved in the past year.
3. Reconnect With Contacts - Use the holidays as an excuse to send notes to casting directors, agents and other industry folks you've met but haven't talked to lately,  It's always good to get on their radars since pilot season starts not long after the holidays.
4. Update Your Branding - The holidays are when the industry shuts down at the end of the year and everyone takes a well deserved break. Take advantage of the time off to update your social media and make sure that the image you present is consistent across all social media platforms.
5. Get In Touch With Your Feelings - The holidays can bring up a flood of emotions (good and bad). Don't be afraid to look inside yourself and assess where your career is at the end of 2015. If you're happy with your career path then stay on the course you are following. If you're unhappy with the way your career is unfolding, take the necessary steps to get back on track. It's up to you to enter 2016 feeling that you're making the right choices for your acting career.

One important item that I didn't mention in the list above? 

Take some time to enjoy yourself!!! 

You might not have any actual family in town but that doesn't mean you don't have family to spend time with during the holidays. The friends you've made in the acting community are more than just "friends". The acting community is a family that supports each other and wants to see each other succeed. Take advantage of the free time you have during the holidays and connect with your acting family.

This Actor Loves The Holidays As Well As Holiday Fun With His Friends.