Diary Of A Working Actor

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:07:50 GMT

After work (early day today) I went in search of the latest issue of Backstage West but could not find the new issue at the Newsstand near my job. Bookstores do not carry this particular paper so I will try once more tomorrow and then go to Samuel French again and ask them when they get it in. A bit of a drive but worth it.
I tried a used bookstore for a few moments (nothing bought), and them went to the DMV and spent the rest of the day filling out forms and getting my license and registration done.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:06:39 GMT

More job. Also made an online appointment with the DMV. I highly recommend this.
Set up the last of the have-to's today (post office and last of banking) and started this journal. The first few dates were typed in WordPad and then copied over.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:06:08 GMT

I continue to work and figure out my way around town. I am living with a friend in the Burbank area while I wait for a few paychecks to prove my income. This proof will allow me to rent an apartment. I eat out very rarely and keep my spirits up in a few ways. I try to find one place a day (so far) that I enjoy going to (a comic book shop or used bookstore) I don't but per say but the feeling makes me feel like I'm welcome here. There are places here just like at home that I can go to for comfort and meditation. Me places.
The other thing I do is communicate with friends back home. I miss them all very much and talking to them and hearing their encouraging words helps me to move onward. I came out here all by myself and aside from the nice friend-of-a-friend who graciously let me use her spare room. I don't know anyone yet.
But I make new friends well and fast.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:05:43 GMT

I've located the Samuel French Theatre bookshop in Studio City. This is a terrific place for an actor to purchase anything from scripts (not only S.F. but all major script publishers), to everything under the sun regarding theatre, film, acting, actor bios, costuming, makeup and auditioning. They also have a great magazine section and carry the trade paper I've decided to start with called "Backstage West" (NY bound actors search for "Backstage" in NYC) this was a tip in "Act Now!" And it rings true. It is full of several pages of auditions for stage, screen, TV, commercials, voice overs, and ads all over for headshot photographers, demo reel editors, and workshops. I picked up the latest copy to get an idea how it is set up and will get a new copy every week it comes out on the day it comes out,
BTW they have an online site you can use as well. www.backstage.com
I have not subscribed yet.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:05:01 GMT

I got a job. I am working a temp/seasonal job for a furniture store in a mall in Burbank. This has good hours and decent pay and allows me time to still submit my stuff for auditions.
Now, a few may be asking can we comment here. I have decided to allow comments and questions. I may not get around to answering all but I'll let them in. Please keep comments and questions tactful and friendly in nature or I will delete them. This is meant to be a place to learn what-it's-like in the real acting world, not a judgment call. I will make mistakes along the way and will learn from them. That's life. Feel free to friend me but I will say now I won't friend anyone back. I have another journal that is personal for friends. This is for the general public and acting hopefuls. That is also while I remain sort of vague as to my personal info.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:04:43 GMT

Still looking for job. I figured I'd list what I came armed with other than years of experience and a carload of stuff (and it's just what I could squeeze into a car). I brought two books as my starting guides as it were. First “The Newcomers Handbook for Moving To and Living in Los Angeles". This is full of great and detailed info about, well, everything. Areas of town, maps, shopping areas, cultural happenings, etc. A must have for moving here.
Second "Act Now!" by P. Jazwinski. This straight forward book also has tons of info on becoming a working actor. From agents, headshots, casting directors, auditions, etc, etc. I have read it cover to cover multiple times and the information contained within appears to be legitimate and thorough. I'll reference it a lot.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:04:22 GMT

Continue pounding pavement for job. On a short side note for those scared of CRIME (insert scary organ music), HIGH GAS PRICES (insert thunder crash) or TONS OF TRAFFIC (insert sound of multiple road rage). I have yet to find problems with any. I came from a bit of a small town but we bordered on a major metro area and we had our share of shootings and traffic just like the rest of the country. But, the fuel is (right now) not through the roof and aside from a traffic jam due to a car wreck I seem to get around here pretty well.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:04:00 GMT

The other thing I have to do is find a job. No, not an acting job (that comes later) but a rent paying job. So I do what I would do back home should I find myself un-employed. Pound the pavement until my feet hurt and apply for all I'm qualified for.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:03:30 GMT

So these first few days I will be setting up things like rent, the dreaded DMV, mailing address and just finding my way around town. I won't go into too much about that aside from the basics. This journal is focused on starting an acting career, not standing in line to register your car. Incidentally, you can read a book (or two while waiting in said line)

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 03:59:08 GMT

First The Introductions. I am a thirty-one year old male who has just arrived in L.A. to try for an acting career. I have had around 20+ years actually practicing and learning my craft but my home state had little growth oppurtunity. So I came here. I am starting this journal as not only a reference log for my own future amusement but a reference guide to what it's REALLY like out there in a major market. Of course for every hopeful it will be different. Experience, looks, talent, luck, finances, perseverance and other factors far too numerous to mention will play a role in each individuals career. But I believe that any dream, from becoming an actor, graduating from college, marrying the right person, to once and for all fixing the toaster are all possible. We shall see if I hold on to that belief.