He Booked It: How To Get From Jacksonville Acting Student to Working in L.A. for E! News

Five months ago, Leighton Maxon entered our Intro to Acting Class at our Jacksonville, Florida, Studio. He had no prior experience or training, however, what he did have (and still does have) is an unwavering dedication to learning, growing, challenging himself, working diligently, and becoming a skilled craftsman. Acting, like any trade, is hard work, and it’s not for everyone. It’s much more than just memorizing lines and expressing emotions; it’s learning how to do those things in the harshest environments. Film sets and backstage are not friendly; they’re emotionally stressful, distracting, and volatile. Directors screaming, crew staring at you, people are upset, tired, and unfriendly, there are last-minute changes to scripts, directions, other actors being replaced, etc., on top of the pressure to perform and expectant audiences staring right at you.

Making it in this business is both being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and having the skills to win. You have to be both lucky and good. We have no control over our luck, what films are being made, whether or not we know about the audition, or whether we’re the right type for the part. The only variable we can control is our skill and ability to succeed in difficult environments. Anyone can hit a layup, but very few can hit guarded by four other players with 1 second on the clock and thousands of people screaming at them. Anyone can hit a home run under the right circumstances, but that doesn’t make them a home run hitter; in the same way, anyone can say lines with conviction and emotion, but sometimes it doesn’t make them an actor. What matters is consistency and how well we can do it under pressure and under conditions where most other people would fail. The only way to cultivate that ability is by training.

Let’s face it. Training sucks, it’s expensive and not enjoyable. Whether it’s hitting the gym, reading a long book, or enrolling in a class, it’s work. We do these things not for the immediate pleasure they give us, but for the long-term benefits they offer. We do them because we’re driven by the desire for better opportunities: improved health, better mate selection, higher status, and more wealth. Similarly, in the realm of acting, training is not enjoyable; it costs money and time, and we have to sacrifice doing other things to show up to class, but we do it because of the opportunities it affords us.

In a conversation with Rebecca Thompson, our esteemed studio owner, acting coach, and casting director, she dispels common misconceptions about trying to take shortcuts into the industry. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of incorrect assumptions about acting and the things needed to start booking. For example, I hear people say, “I need headshots first!” Actually, no. Not true. It would be best if you became skilled first. I know I can speak for every casting director and director in saying that we care more about your ability first than a glossy headshot. Our studio founder, Keary McCutchen, booked his first gig using a headshot I took with his cell phone in front of my garage. That’s not to say that you will not eventually need a headshot or that they don’t have value. But, you MUST have something to bring to the table if you want to do this job.”

Regrettably, many young actors tend to prioritize “What can I get?” over “What value am I bringing to this project?” This mindset overlooks the importance of skill and ability in acting. Simply having a polished headshot won’t guarantee bookings, and worse, if you do happen to book it and can’t deliver on set, it will adversely affect future bookings. It’s a small world; people talk, and your work will speak for itself. For this reason, it’s essential to invest in honing your craft through classes and training. As an actor, you’re essentially a business, and your acting ability is your product. Ask yourself: Is it worth investing in? Because everyone who works with you is asking that very same question. Are you worth investing in? Is this someone who adds value to my project, or are they ruining it?

Furthermore, much like music or dance, you cannot expect to do it once and become extraordinary. Nor can you stay extraordinary without practicing if you want to stay sharp and competitive. Like most things, if you do the work, there will be a reward. If you want to succeed, you have to be willing to work hard. Half an effort won’t get you far, no matter your dreams (or your headshot). There is no “right” path, and the journey isn’t the same for everyone. However, there are some key things you should be able to do and a few items you should have in place if you want to start booking paid legitimate productions. See more on this below *

The First Step

Decide. Then commit yourself to that decision. No one can do anything for you. You have to be willing to do this for yourself. You have to start. That may sound obvious, but we cannot tell you how many calls we get from people who say they want to become an actor and even sign up for a class and then never show up. You have to be willing to walk in the door. Then, you have to be willing to commit yourself to the work. Consistently. There are only 24 hours in a day. Acting will take up your time. Not just with coming to class, but the work you’ll have to do outside of class to hone your skills. That means that something in your life has to be sacrificed in order to do this. Maybe acting means you no longer have as much time for tv or friends. Maybe it means you have to wake up earlier than usual to make it to class. The point is, if you want it badly enough, you will make the time. If you don’t, you will always find an excuse. If you are genuinely passionate about acting, it will be an easy choice. And one that you will continue to choose because of how incredibly fulfilling and rewarding it can be.

Steps

Some of the steps our students have taken to go from classroom to set:

· Start training and working hard (inside and outside of the classroom)

· Get involved and soak up as much info as you can on this craft and the industry

· Start building your resume and (eventually) get your headshots

· Start auditioning, gain experience and focus on doing good work (not just on just credits)

Take the 1st Step

Get in touch with us and let us know what your needs are and we’ll be happy to help!