Now that you know how to find the casting people in your area, the next thing you have to do is find out how you get them to know you. How do you do that? Initially, it is quite simple, you introduce yourself to them. In the previous chapter we mentioned that one of the things you need for your agent search is to build a high Personal Zeal Ranking (PZR).

Your PZR is the amount of interest and devotion casting people and other people in the industry exhibit toward you and to your goal to succeed as an actor; their desire to represent you; their desire to get the director to audition you; their desire to give you the part; their desire to get you into auditions and to work with you on production after production.

It is not easy building your PZR - and no one will do it for you. You must work at it on your own - but it can only be built with the help of others - many, many others every step along the way.

So let's get started building your PZR and get you on the road to getting into the business.

There are four components to PZR development:

1. Self-Assessment
2. Skill
3. Friendship
4. Accomplishment

There is really no particular order for acquiring these components. They represent a lifetime of knowledge, activity and energy.

PZR Component 1: Self-Assessment

From the time you were a little baby and discovered those pudgy little blobs at the end of that foot were toes - YOUR toes, you began your life-long journey of self-assessment. Over the years you have made numerous self-assessments. Well, now you are going to do another self-assessment. This self-assessment will be an assessment of who you are and what you can do. For this self-assessment you must only describe yourself as you really are. Total honesty. You are doing this for your own benefit - it is not for anyone else to see so be as realistic as you can. No puffery or embellishments. So get out the measuring tape, scale, pen and paper and write down this information:

If you are female: height, hair color, eye color, bust size, waist size, hips, dress size, shoe size.

If you are male: height, hair color, eye color, chest size, waist size, inseam length, suit size, shoe size.

Besides the above personal stats, write down a description of your physical appearance: Facial features and other body features, etnic types you can pass for, age range you appear to fit into, body shape, overall posture, stance and walk.

Can you sing? If so, what is your vocal range?

Have you been in any live theatrical productions? If so, what is the name of each production? What roles did you play? What are the names of the groups that produced each play? Who were the directors?

Have you been in any commercials? If so, what is the name of each company whose products were advertised? What is the title of each commercial? What is the name of each production company that made each commercial?

Have you performed in other miscellaneous productions? (radio, voice-over, music videos, trade shows, etc.?) If so, what role? What was the name of each director? What was the name of each production company?

Have you received any kind of performance training? If so, what kind of classes and who were your instructors? This includes classes in school, summer camps, day camps, workshops, private coaching, whatever. It also includes ANY kind of performance training. This could include juggling, circus skills, dance, singing, acting, stand-up comedy, improvisation, etc. Be complete. If you are not sure about something, write it down anyway. This is not a test. It is for your own self-assessment.

What other "skills" do you have? This could include sports, horseback riding, water skiing, bowling, break dancing, rapping, fluency in a foreign language, even belching on cue. Be creative and complete. However, only list things you can do well.

That takes care of most of the vital statistics you might put on a résumé.

Don't fret if you have little or nothing to write down for the items listed above. No one is judging you. Just be as honest and complete as possible. Remember, if you are not sure about something, write it down anyway. This is not a test. It is for your own self-assessment.

The above are the tangibles that a casting person looks at when they look at a picture of you and read your résumé. The tangibles are your physical appearance and your professional accomplishments. This is where casting people start when they have roles to fill or when they are seeking talent to represent.

Your professional accomplishments tell a casting person if you are the kind of person who approaches acting seriously and are in it for the long haul (desirable), or if your approach to acting is just as something you think you might like to try for a while (not as desirable).

If you are new to acting and have had few or no roles or have little or no formal training, then your PZR will automatically be quite low. All a casting person has to go on is your physical appearance and perceived personality. If you have no track record, a casting person doesn't know if you are talented, skilled, consistent, pleasant to work with, cooperative or reliable.

You might fit the physical requirements of a role, but so will dozens or maybe hundreds of other actors - many of whom have a long list of credits on their résumé. Not too likely you will get a role on looks alone. It is possible, but not too likely.

With only a few days to a few weeks to complete the casting process for all the roles, it is no great surprise that casting people first turn to the actors whose work they already know and trust. It is faster and easier to call upon familiar actors, those who are tried and true, instead of spending days and days and many long hours contacting and auditioning new actors whose work is unknown, who might turn out to be difficult to work with, or who might do or say something that creates problems for the casting people."

You want to become one of those actors casting people turn to first. The actors with a high PZR. You want casting people to know who you are and what you can do. You want them to trust your skill as an performer and your professionalism enough to want to represent you and help you get paying acting work.

The next aspect of your self-assessment has to do with your intangible traits. Like your tangible traits, your intangible traits will change over time and circumstances. There is no right or wrong. You can use your self-assessment to help you determine if some adjustments are needed to better enhance your effectiveness when dealing with casting people, other actors, and with professional or personal situations. For this next part of your self-assessment, write a brief paragraph for each of the following:

1. Do you like people?
2. How do you display your anger?
3. How do you handle tensions with others?
4. How do you handle highpressure situations?
5. How much do you care about or understand other people's situations, feelings, and motives?
6. Are you a "loner" or a "people person"?
7. Are you extremely shy? Somewhat shy? Hardly ever shy?
8. Do you generally jump in and take command of a situation or do you hold back and see how things develop?
9. How do you think other people perceive you?
10. Do you usually initiate interactions with others or do you wait for others to initiate interactions with you?
11. Do you actively seek solutions to problems or do you assume things will somehow work out on their own?
12. Are you creative?
13. Are you bold?
14. Do you regularly and closely observe people?
15. Are you generally cheerful?
16. Is life full of undiscovered opportunities?
17. Are you eager to greet and accept new-comers?
18. What is your vision of you as an actor?
19. Do you read plays, novels, poetry, fiction on a regular basis?
20. Do you usually fininsh things you start?

The above questions are not a scientific study. There is no right or wrong answer. They are here to help you give some thought to your persona and inner-self. What you believe about yourself and the image you present to others is as important to the success of your discovery quest as how well you can sing 16 bars, perform a soliloquy or time a punch line.

PZR Component 2: Skill

Training

If the self-assessment you did contains little or no training or experience in acting and other performance skills, do not fret. You simply have to take training classes and get experience in acting and other performance skills. The training part is easy. First, look in the phonebook for your local colleges and universities. Many of these schools hold classes which are open to the general public through "Community Outreach" programs. Find out what's available and sign-up for classes.

If your local colleges and universities have music or drama departments, call those departments and ask about classes that are available to the general public. Also ask if they know of other classes in the community.

Many community theatre groups hold classes and summer acting camps. Community theatre groups might not be listed in the phone book. However, many of them have web pages and belong to The American Association of Community Theatres. Search the AACT site - http://www.aact.org - for local groups. Also use the AWOL Search Machine - http://www.redbirdstudio.com/AWOL/AWOLSearchForm.html. Of course, you can also do a general web search. Go to the major search engines and search sites using key words such as "theatre and classes" and the name of your state and/or city.

Look for audition notices and performance announcements in your local newspapers. Call whatever phone number is included in the announcement. Ask about local classes. Also attend community play performances. Talk to cast members after the show. Ask if they know of any classes in the area. Many community groups publish a newsletter for members. These will also contain audition or class notices. Sign-up for their newsletter.

If you live near New York City or Los Angeles, get a current copy of BackStage/BackStage West. You can find copies at the bigger newsstands. There are numerous listings and advertisements for classes. If you live near Chicago, try this site: http://www.performink.com

Since your intention is to earn income as an actor, then it should come as no great surprise that performance training is crucial to your success. But where should you get your training? From a college program? From a conservatory program? From various workshops?

The answer to this question is: It depends...

College Programs

College programs have one big advantage over conservatory programs and workshops. When you complete a college program you will have attained a college education and a degree. This can be useful to actors in many ways:

1. If the acting career doesn't work out (as is frequently the case) you will have a degree to help you gain other meaningful employment or further education.
2. An undergraduate degree (BFA) allows you to pursue graduate studies (MFA) - which gives you a crack at certain internships and audition opportunities not open to non-degree actors, such as the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions: http://www.upta.org
3. A degree can give you the opportunity to teach acting - not a bad job when the acting career fades.
4. A college degree means (hopefully) that you know things other than acting. This will make you a more interesting and educated person. You might even learn how to construct a proper sentence and paragraph; read beyond the sixth grade level; focus and organize your thoughts and convey them effectively to others. Becoming a thoughtful, cogent, educated person is a good thing to do for yourself in life. A worthy pursuit.

Another advantage college programs have over conservatory programs and workshops is campus diversity. Many colleges have radio stations which, if you show some creativity and initiative, can give you real, on-air radio experience - and high quality tapes of your radio work.

Many colleges also have film studies or film making programs. This can provide you with opportunities to work on student films - and get some good clips for audition purposes.

Opportunities to perform in front of the public do not occur as often as you might think in any training program, conservatory or college oriented. There are only a few productions per year and, of course, not everyone gets in every production or even gets good roles. However, with some initiative and effort, you can create or find a group on campus to perform in self-staged productions thus greatly increasing your performance experience - and they can be fun too. Who knows, friends you make in the TV production course might tape your student-staged performances for broadcast on the campus cable channel, and provide you with great footage for auditions.

With all the advantages of a college actor training program, it is a wonder anyone bothers with conservatory programs at all. Well, actually not. For some people, all the advantages of a college program are all the disadvantages of a college program. Some people - lots of people, do not want to take Algebra and Geology and Russian and Contemporary Literature and History of Ancient Mesopotamian Culture, Basics of Economics and who knows what else; all of which have nothing to do with performing.

Some people don't feel the college experience would be all that helpful to them, and would really rather get on with their acting training, get out into the cold, cruel world and get on with their dream, thank you very much.

These are the people who would benefit from conservatory training.

Conservatory Programs

Conservatory programs do not provide degrees. They might have some sort of diploma or certificate or some such thing, but that is not a degree and will not get you into graduate school - if you think you might ever want to get into graduate school.

Conservatory programs are intense, rarefied, cut-to-the-bone, no frills training in the performance arts. No English 101 requirement, no foreign language or math requirement, no science or social studies requirement. Just performance skills.

Many people like the focus, intensity and competitive nature of such training and the camaraderie that develops among the students. They like putting their future on the line - with no fall-back degree waiting in the wings. They thrive on giving everything they have to their training and believe that the years of intense training will hone their talent and develop skills, and provide opportunities to forge a performance career in the entertainment industry.

College and conservatory programs offer something else, an opportunity to develop long-term relationships with people like you - the future of the entertainment industry. These relationships can go a long way and help create the "big break" that sets you on the road to success. In the entertainment business, relationships are crucial.

The good college and conservatory programs require highly competitive auditions to determine admission. There are always far more talented, skilled applicants to such programs than there are spots available. Many people do not get in.

Workshops

It is entirely possible to receive excellent training outside of college and conservatory programs. This is the role workshops play. If, for whatever reason, college or conservatory training is not for you, then you can immediately enter the cold, cruel world of entertainment and get on with your dream another way; through selective workshop training and real-world experience.

Workshops are independent of formal college or conservatory training programs. Workshops can be hosted in any place and be taught by anyone - qualified or not. Workshops might be hosted by colleges or conservatories, and the instructors might even be the same highly qualified people who teach in the formal programs. Workshops can also be taught by highly qualified people not affiliated with a formal program, and taught in wonderful spaces (good). Workshops can also be taught by real slime bags in grimy, little back rooms (bad).

You are in charge of your own training development and guidance. You have to do the research. You determine what training you need at the time; which of the available workshops, can best provide you with that training; the time frame within which you hope to achieve each step of your training. It is entirely self-driven.

Workshops are something most actors attend off and on all their lives - even college and conservatory trained actors. It is part of the actor's lifestyle: workshops and auditions, workshops and auditions, workshops and auditions, workshops and auditions; workshop and auditions. It's what actors do.

So which is the best path??? College programs? Conservatories? Workshops? Well, there is no best path. Whatever works best for you. Many successful actors never made it into Juilliard - but they made it on Broadway anyway. Many great actors have never stepped foot in the Actors Studio - but they stepped into the limelight anyway. Most great actors never made it to Yale - but they made it to Hollywood anyway. On the other hand, if you do manage to get into Juilliard, the Actors Studio or Yale - what the heck - can't hurt any.

If you live near a large metropolitan area, you will find numerous training opportunities. Get information about ALL the training programs in your area. Call and get whatever literature is available about the various classes in your area.

Training Scams

To help avoid the risk of getting scammed by workshop providers, workshops should:

• clearly be educational in structure
• clearly specify the list of topics or curriculum to be covered
• allow potential participants to audit one session at no fee or at a prorated fee
• not allow the use of sides or scripts from projects in or soon to be in audition
• not be used to conduct auditions, serve as employment interviews, offer or imply employment or audition opportunities through participation in the workshop
• not allow workshop presenters to take head shots and résumés away with them. All such materials should be collected and returned to the participants.
• provide significant feedback and individual critiques and advice when participants perform cold readings, monologs or scenes

Along with the above, you should also consider the following:

• Visit the facility. Look at the instruction space. Does it have a pleasant, clean, airy, welcoming, healthy, well-lit atmosphere?
• Does the instructor and staff treat you with respect? Are they people who make you feel welcome? Look for people who will spend some time finding out about you and what you are interested in accomplishing.
• Talk to the instructor and audit a class to see if it is what you expect it to be. During this initial evaluation stage, if you feel uncomfortable or get bad vibes about the class or instructor, move on.
• Get the names of some past students and call them. What did they think of the program or classes? The instructor(s)?
• Contact local actors through local theatre groups and ask if they have any impressions about the various classes or instructors you are considering.
• Make some determination about what it is you think might be useful to you - and within what price range. There are lots of good teachers (and a few clunkers too). teaching lots of different things.
• Generally speaking, take classes that seem reasonably priced and which are taught by people currently active in the business.
• Avoid places or people who look sleazy, unwashed, unkempt, musty, disorderly and generally not appealing.
• Avoid people with an attitude or people who attempt to intimidate, belittle or say inappropriate or odd things to you.
• Avoid people who seem more interested in getting your money than they are interested in you and what you are hoping to accomplish.
• Avoid schools whose representatives attempt to sign you to a "membership" of some kind or another.
• Avoid schools whose reps use high pressure sales tactics like "You have to decide now or the offer will expire..." or "The classes are filling fast, I need to know now..."
• Avoid schools whose reps attempt to sell photography, management, consulting, résumé or other "services" or want you to sign a contract.
• Avoid anyone who raves on about your "talent" or that you are "star" material or guarantees you work or other such come-ons.

To get more information about what to avoid see the "Scam Info" section in the Appendices. You can also see the AWOL lesson, "What About Scams": http://www.redbirdstudio.com/AWOL/scams.html

If you live in a small metropolitan area, you will find few training opportunities. This makes things quite simple. Take whatever classes you can find from whoever happens to be teaching them (see previous points about detecting scams). As you become more and more immersed in your local acting scene, you will find out that some training programs and instructors are considered better than others. These are the programs you want to take and the instructors you want to continue studying with. These are also the programs and instructors you will want to mention when you contact agents and casting people. Use your contact file to keep a record of the classes you took and the instructors you studied with. Create contact cards for the instructors and programs and also for the other students in your classes.

You can get audition and acting pointers in the AWOL lessons:

• WHAT EVERY ACTOR NEEDS TO KNOW
• HELP! I GOTTA GET A MONOLOG!!!
• AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD FOR...(a few helpful tips)
• HOW TO AUDITION FOR A MUSICAL
• HELP! I GOT THE PART! NOW WHAT?
• THE ESSENCE OF ACTING
• ACTING AS CONVERSATION

Put your Training to Work

Hollywood feature films, Broadway productions, TV and commercials have the most visible and glamorous appeal to actors. Most new actors are unaware that there are many other ways to earn income by acting. Most actors earn income by securing work in areas other than Hollywood feature films, Broadway productions, TV and commercials. Here is a list of some of those other sources:

As you can see, acting is a lot more than TV, Hollywood feature films, Broadway and commercials.

Few actors earn their income from a single source. To earn enough money to survive by acting work alone, an actor has to audition for many different productions and secure a variety of roles from a variety of sources. For instance, in a single year, an actor who gets an occasional role in an episodic TV production might also perform in several off-broadway productions, a few commercials, an independent film and a music video.

Most actors (especially beginning actors) depend upon securing work from different sources. If you hope to earn income as a professional actor, it is important that you get properly trained. This training should include numerous courses in a variety of acting styles and techniques. Your training should also include basic classes in dance, singing, voice, musical theatre, techniques for film and commercial work and training in other performance skills like improvisation, juggling, acrobatics, stage combat, even martial arts.

You should work hard to attain a reasonable measure of competence in as many performance skills as you can. For instance, you do not have to become a great singer, but you should learn how to read music and to carry a tune. You do not have to dance well enough to join the New York Ballet, but you should learn basic steps and a few routines in tap, jazz and ballet so you can hold your own in the chorus line of a theme park or summer stock song and dance production. By attaining competence in as many performance skills as possible, you have a far greater chance of securing regular acting work than if you are only trained in acting.

Below is some information that will help you find acting opportunities in areas other than Hollywood films, TV commercials and Broadway. Take whatever parts you can get. As you improve your skills and experience, you will get better and better roles. Don't be in a rush to start at the top. Learn your craft slowly, improve your knowledge and skills step by step. You'll find your road to discovery more fun, less discouraging and more certain if you take a smart and versatile approach.

Local and Regional Theatre

Professional casting people will have little to no interest in you unless you can demonstrate you are a serious-minded actor. Performance credits on a résumé help demonstrate that.

If your self-assessment indicates you have little to no acting experience, you need to get practical experience and build an acting résumé. The easiest, most accessible and, for beginners, the best way to get experience and build a résumé is to get involved in lots of local community, school and church plays.

Most communities have one or more local or regional community theatre. Many churches also put on plays and most high schools put on a play or several plays each year. Some high schools even specialize in the performing arts. If you're a pre-teen and soon to enter high school, see if there's a special performing arts high school in your community.

Since most communities support numerous amateur and semi-professional theatres, you can easily find numerous theatre audition opportunities. Unlike professional productions, most amateur and semi-professional productions are open to the general public and do not require actors to possess experience or professional acting skills to audition. It is relatively easy for inexperienced, relatively untrained actors to secure small roles.

As you take classes and study acting, the roles you get in local plays will provide you with on-going opportunities to put your training to work in front of real audiences - the only true test of your talent and skill.

As you increase your acting skill, you will secure bigger and more complex roles which will further challenge you and help you become a better and better actor. Eventually you can improve your skills to the point where you can attract the attention of a professional casting person who can give you a shot at professional productions.

Theatre is also great fun and you can meet and make friends with a lot of interesting, like-minded people. People who can become important contacts and help you on your discovery quest.

Auditions for most local theatre productions are open to the general public. Where to find local theatre auditions? Look in the newspapers (call your papers and find out which day of the week and in which section they publish audition notices). Also look for performance listings. Call the phone number listed for ticket sales and ask about future auditions.

Attend community play performances. Talk to cast members after the show. Tell them you are interested in their group and would like to join and audition for plays (be sure to mention how much you enjoyed their play and performance). Find out whatever information you can about their auditions. Most community groups publish a newsletter for members. These will contain audition notices.

Search the web. Start your search at http://www.redbirdstudio.com/AWOL/AWOLSearchForm.html; AWOL's Search Machine. Many groups have web pages that list play schedules and audition dates. Go to the major search engines and search sites using key words such as "theatre" and the name of your state and/or city. Search this site too: http://www.aact.org; The American Association of Community Theatres. Another place to contact is your local colleges and universities. These places frequently produce shows which are open for the public to audition.

Go to as many auditions as you can. If you don't get parts right away, keep going. Volunteer to help on the stage, costume, set design or lighting crews. Becoming involved in theatre productions, even behind the scenes, will give you important experience in how the performing business works and can be included on a theatrical résumé as well.

Local Films

Getting into the business requires building relationships with like-minded people who help each other along the way. Many of the same people you meet through your work in local theatre might also be involved in local student and independent films (indies).

The professional TV and film directors of today were at one time novice directors producing student and independent films. Many of the actors they used in these films were friends and acquaintences they shared part of their life with; neighborhood friends, school chums, social and professional acquaintences, friends of friends. Many times the actors the now-professional directors use are these same actors the directors used in their early, novice productions. Actors like you.

There are also many people involved in film work who do not work in local theatres. Finding these people is a bit trickier. Film festivals are great places to meet and get to know and become known by other actors and by up-and-coming directors of student and independent films.

Student films are films produced by students who are in film production programs at colleges, universities and conservatories. Independent films are low-budget films produced outside of the normal Hollywood studio system. Budgets can range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars. Student films rarely pay actors. Some indies pay actors, some do not. Some idependent film productions have special agreements with the unions so the production can contract with union performers. Many do not. Some independent film studios are owned by larger production studios. Most are not.

Almost all the independent production companies have one thing in common - they show their films at the many, many film festivals held around the world. Besides providing opportunities for idie films to be seen by the public, film festivals provide opportunities for new directors and actors to build their professional reputations, build audience interest, and provide opportunities to have their work shown in more theates and to larger audiences.

Festivals range from big international competitions attended by famous stars, to viewings of works by local up-and-coming director hopefulls. To find film festivals near you search these sites:

• http://www.filmfestivals.com - Film Festivals.com
• http://www.britfilms.com/festivals - Directory of International Film & Video Festivals
• http://directory.google.com/Top/Arts/Movies/Film_Festivals - Google Search for Film Festivals

When you find a festival near you, go to it. Volunteer to help with the festival. Meet people. Talk to people. Take a bunch of postcards with you (we'll discuss postcards in the PZR section) so you can get your information in the hands of the people who one day might call you for a roll - the role that launches your career!

Film Commissions

Many states have a department called a "film commission" or "film board" or "film office" which is designed to promote professional and independent film production within the state. The sites also encourage production companies to use local businesses while filming within the state. Most film commissions have a "production services directory" or some such thing that lists companies that provide services to film makers - services such as "CASTING SERVICES" and "PRODUCTION SERVICES".

The Casting Services section will list contact info for talent agencies and casting directors in the state. The Production Services section will list companies that provide the pre and post production technical services a producer might have done locally. Some production services companies also provide casting services.

Use the info from the CASTING SERVICES and PRODUCTION SERVICES sections to make contact cards.

There are many film commissions world-wide. Use the web page for the Association of Film Commissioners International: http://www.afci.org to find your local film commissions. Also use an internet search engine such as Google to locate film commission web pages. Keywords to use would be your state name then "film commission" or "film board" or "film office." Below is a list of web sites for many of the film commissions in the United States to find your local film commissions.

Alabama: Alabama Film Office Montgomery - www.alabamafilm.org

Alaska: Alaska Film Group Anchorage - www.alaskafilmgroup.org

Alaska: Alaska Film Program Anchorage - www.alaskafilm.org

Arizona: Arizona Film Commission Phoenix - www.azcommerce.com

Arizona: Page-Lake Powell Film Commission Page - www.pagelakepowellchamber.org

Arizona: Sierra Vista/Cochise County Film Office Sierra Vista - www.visitsierravista.com

Arizona: Tucson Film Office Tucson - www.filmtucson.com

Arizona: Wickenburg Film Commission Wickenburg - www.wickenburgchamber.com

Arizona: Yuma Film Commission Yuma - www.filmyuma.com

California: Berkeley Film Office Berkeley - www.filmberkeley.com

California: California Film Commission Hollywood - www.film.ca.gov

California: Catalina Island Film Commission Avalon - www.catalinas.net

California: El Dorado Lake Tahoe Film & Media Office Placerville - www.filmtahoe.com

California: Entertainment Industry Development Corporation Hollywood - www.eidc.com

California: Humboldt County Film Commission Eureka - www.filmhumboldt.org

California: Imperial County Film Commission El Centro - www.filmhere.com

California: Inland Empire Film Commission Riverside - www.ieep.com

California: Kern County Board of Trade Bakersfield - www.filmkern.com

California: Long Beach Special Events and Filming Bureau Long Beach - www.filmlongbeach.com

California: Madera County Film Commission Oakhurst - www.yosemitefilm.com

California: Malibu City Film Commission Malibu - www.ci.malibu.ca.us

California: Modesto/Stanislaus County Film Commission Modesto - www.visitmodesto.com

California: Monterey County Film Commission Monterey - www.filmmonterey.org

California: Oakland Film Office Oakland - www.filmoakland.com

California: Orange County Film Commission Fullerton - www.ocfilm.org

California: Pasadena Film Office Pasadena - www.filmpasadena.com

California: Placer - Lake Tahoe Film Office Auburn - www.placer.ca.gov/films

California: Ridgecrest Regional Film Commission Ridgecrest - www.filmdeserts.com

California: Sacramento Film Commission Sacramento - www.filmsacramento.com

California: San Diego Film Commission San Diego - www.sdfilm.com

California: San Francisco Film Commission San Francisco - www.sfgov.org/film

California: San Mateo County Film Commission Burlingame - www.filmsanmateocounty.com

California: Santa Barbara CVB & Film Commission Santa Barbara - www.filmsantabarbara.com

California: Santa Clarita Valley Film Office Santa Clarita - www.filmsantaclarita.com

California: Santa Monica Mountains NRA Thousand Oaks - www.nps.gov/samo

California: Shasta County Film Commission Redding - www.visitredding.org

California: Simi Valley Film Office Simi Valley - www.filmsimi.com

California: Sonoma County Film Office Santa Rosa - www.sonomacountyfilm.com

California: Tri-Valley Film and Video Commission Pleasanton - www.trivalleycvb.com

California: Tulare County Film Commission Visalia - www.co.tulare.ca.us

California: Tuolumne County Film Commission Sonora - www.tcfilm.org

California: Vallejo/Solano County Film Office Vallejo - www.visitvallejo.com/film

Colorado: Boulder County Film Commission Boulder - www.bouldercolorado.usa.com

Colorado: Colorado Springs Film Commission Colorado Springs - www.filmcoloradosprings.com

Colorado: Colorado Tourism Office - Film Support Denver - www.coloradofilm.org

Colorado: Denver Mayor's Office of Art - www.denvergov.org/artculturefilm

Connecticut: Connecticut Film - www.ctfilm.com

District of Columbia: Washington - www.filmdc.gov

Florida: Florida Governor's Office of Film & Entertainment Tallahassee - www.filminflorida.com

Florida: Florida Keys & Key West Film Commission Key West - www.filmkeys.com

Florida: Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Film Commission Fort Lauderdale - www.browardalliance.org/film

Florida: Jacksonville Film Commission Jacksonville - www.coj.net

Florida: Metro Orlando Film & Television Commission Orlando - www.filmorlando.com

Florida: Miami Beach - www.miamibeachfl.gov

Florida: Miami/Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment Miami - www.filmiami.org

Florida: Northwest Florida/Okaloosa Film Commission Ft. Walton Beach - www.destin-fwb.com/film

Florida: Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission West Palm Beach - www.pbfilm.com

Georgia: Georgia Film - www.filmgeorgia.org

Georgia: Savannah Film Commission Savannah - www.savannahfilm.org

Hawaii: Big Island Film Office Hilo - www.filmbigisland.com

Hawaii: Hawaii Film Office Honolulu - www.hawaiifilmoffice.com

Hawaii: Honolulu Film Office/Island of Oahu Honolulu - www.filmhonolulu.com

Hawaii: Kauai Film Commission Lihue - www.filmkauai.com

Hawaii: Maui County Film Office Wailuku - www.filmmaui.com

Idaho: Idaho Film Bureau Boise - www.filmidaho.com

Illinois: Chicago Film Office Chicago - www.cityofchicago.org/filmoffice

Illinois: Illinois Film Office Chicago - www.filmillinois.state.il.us

Illinois: Kankakee County Conventions & Visitors Bureau Bourbonnais - www.visitkankakeecounty.com

Indiana: Indiana Film Commission Indianapolis - www.filmindiana.com

Iowa: Eastern Iowa FilmCommission Cedar Rapids - www.cedar-rapids.com

Iowa: Iowa Film Office Des Moines - www.filmiowa.com

Kansas: Film Commission of Greater Kansas City Kansas City - www.kcfilm.com

Kansas: Kansas Film Commission Topeka - www.filmkansas.com

Kentucky: Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Film Commission - www.filmcincinnati.com

Kentucky: Kentucky Film Commission Frankfort - www.kyfilmoffice.com

Louisiana: Louisiana Governor's Office of Film & Television Development Harahan - www.lafilm.org

Louisiana: New Orleans Film & Video Commission New Orleans - www.neworleanscvb.com

Louisiana: Shreveport-Bossier Film Office Shreveport - www.sbctb.org

Maine: Maine Film Office Augusta - www.filminmaine.com

Maryland: Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts; Division of Film - www.promotionandarts.com

Maryland: Maryland Film Office Baltimore - www.marylandfilm.org

Michigan: Michigan Film Office Lansing - www.michigan.gov/filmoffice

Minnesota: Minnesota Film & TV Board Minneapolis - www.mnfilm.org

Mississippi: Canton Film Office Canton - www.cantontourism.com

Mississippi: Columbus Film Commission Columbus - www.columbus-ms.org

Mississippi: Greenwood Convention & Visitors Bureau Greenwood - www.gcvb.com

Mississippi: Mississippi Film Office Jackson - www.visitmississippi.org/film

Mississippi: Natchez Film Commission Natchez - www.natchez.ms.us

Mississippi: Tupelo Film Commission Tupelo - www.tupelo.net

Missouri: Missouri Film Commission Jefferson City - www.missouridevelopment.org

Missouri: Saint Louis Film Office Saint Louis - www.stlfilm.com

Montana: Montana Film Office Helena - www.montanafilm.com

Nebraska: Nebraska Film Office Lincoln - www.filmnebraska.org

Nebraska: Omaha Film Commission - www.visitomaha.com

Nevada: Nevada Film Office - Las Vegas - www.nevadafilm.com

New Jersey: New Jersey Motion Picture/TV Commission Newark - www.njfilm.org

New Mexico: Albuquerque Film Office Albuquerque - www.abqcvb.org

New Mexico: New Mexico Film Office Santa Fe - www.nmfilm.com

New Mexico: Otero County Film Office Alamogordo - www.filmotero.com

New Mexico: Rio Rancho Convention & Visitors Bureau Rio Rancho - www.riorancho.org

New Mexico: Taos County Film Commission Taos - www.filmtaos.com

New York: Buffalo Niagara Film Commission Buffalo - www.filmbuffaloniagara.org

New York: Capital-Saratoga (NY) Film Commission Saratoga Springs - www.capital-saratogafilm.com

New York: NYC Mayor's Office of Film - www.nyc.gov/film

New York: New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture & TV Development New York - www.nylovesfilm.com

New York: Rochester/Finger Lakes Film & Video Office - www.filmrochester.org

New York: Yonkers Mayor's Office for Film and Television Development Yonkers - www.cityofyonkers.com

North Carolina: Charlotte Region Film Office Charlotte - www.charlotteusa.com

North Carolina: Durham Film Office Durham - www.durham-nc.com

North Carolina: North Carolina Film Office Raleigh - www.ncfilm.com

North Carolina: Piedmont Triad Film Commission Greensboro - www.piedmontfilm.com

North Carolina: Western North Carolina Film Commission Fletcher - www.wncfilm.net

North Carolina: Wilmington Regional Film Commission - www.wilmingtonfilm.com

Ohio: Cleveland Film Commission - www.clevelandfilm.com

Ohio: Western Reserve Film Commission Youngstown - www.ywrfc.org

Oregon: Oregon Film & Video Office Portland - www.oregonfilm.org

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Film Office Harrisburg - www.filminpa.com

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Film Office - www.film.org

Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Film Office Pittsburgh - www.pghfilm.org

South Carolina: South Carolina Film Commission Columbia - www.scfilmoffice.com

South Dakota: South Dakota Film Commission Pierre - www.filmsd.com

Tennessee: East Tennessee Television & Film Commission Knoxville - www.etnfilm.com

Tennessee: Memphis & Shelby County Film & Television Commission Memphis - www.memphisfilmcomm.org

Tennessee: Nashville Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development Nashville - www.filmnashville.com

Tennessee: Tennessee Film - www.filmtennessee.com

Texas: Amarillo Film Office Amarillo - www.amarillofilm.org

Texas: Austin Film Office Austin - www.austintexas.org

Texas: Dallas Fort Worth Film Commission Dallas - www.filmdfw.com

Texas: El Paso Film Commission El Paso - www.elpasocvb.com

Texas: Houston Film Commission Houston - www.filmhouston.texaswebhost.com

Texas: San Antonio Film Commission San Antonio - www.filmsanantonio.com

Texas: South Padre Island CVB Film Commission South Padre Island - www.sopadre.com

Texas: Texas Film Commission Austin - www.governor.state.tx.us/film

Utah: Central Utah Film Commission Provo - www.utahvalley.org/film

Utah: Kanab/Kane County Film Commission Kanab - www.kaneutah.com

Utah: Moab To Monument Valley Film Commission Moab - www.filmmoab.com

Utah: Utah Film Commission Salt Lake City - www.film.utah.gov

Vermont: Vermont Film Commission Montpelier - www.vermontfilm.com

Virginia: Central Virginia Film Office Petersburg - www.cvfo.org

Virginia: Virginia Film Office Richmond - www.film.virginia.org

Virginia: West Virginia Film Office South Charleston - www.wvfilm.com

Washington: Seattle Mayor's Office of Film and Music Seattle - www.seattle.gov/filmandmusic

Washington: Washington State Film Office Seattle - www.filmwashington.com

Wisconsin: Wisconsin Film Office Madison - www.filmwisconsin.org

Wyoming: Wyoming Film Office Cheyenne - www.wyomingfilm.org

Theme Parks

Theme parks provide jobs for many actors either seasonally or year-round. Auditions for year-round parks are held at numerous times throughout the year and at numerous locations across the countery. There is a regular demand for actors, dancers, singers, comedic actors, musical theater performers and specialty acts.

Getting into the business is a process. A big part of that process is developing yourself as a performer and showing you are determined to become a professional. You demonstrate this determination by actually working, as often as you can and whenever you can.

If you hope to become a professional actor, you have to act. You start with local, amateur and school productions. You study all aspects of acting and the other performing arts. You practice, practice, practice, practice. You get good at all aspects of performing. Eventually, all your dogged determination, practice and skill pays off and you get "discovered" by a director or producer or casting agent who recognizes your talent and skill, your desire and determination and decides to give you a chance.

Performing in theme parks is part of the practice, practice, practice, get good at all aspects of performing part. Theme park performing is not easy. It is not for timid or lazy people. It is grueling, fast paced, relatively low paying and demanding of every ounce of your energy, talent and skill. Most people do not make careers of performing in theme parks. They use such work as a real-world training ground. A way of building their skills, confidence, stamina and professional attitude. Performing in theme parks is a way of enhancing their PZR.

Here is list of many theme parks and a few production companies that cast for theme parks. Not all of them are open all year round. Many hire actors and entertainers. Use the internet to find their web sites (key words, park name and state name). Contact them:

Alaskaland Pioneer Park: P.O. Box 71267: Anchorage, Alaska, 99707

Allan Albert Productions (Hershey Park), 561 Broadway, Suite 10C, New York, NY 10012

American Adventures: 250 N. Cobb Parkway: Marietta, Georgia, 30062

Americana Amusement Park: 5775 Middletown-Hamilton: Middletown, Ohio, 45044

Aquarena Springs Resort: P.O. Box 2330: San Marcos, Texas, 78667

Asbury Casino Amusements: P.O. Box 151: Asbury Park, New Jersey, 7712

Astroworld (Six Flags), 9001 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054, 713-794-3232

Bell's Amusement Park: P.O. Box 4752: Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74159

Bland's Park: Rt.220: Tipton, Pennsylvania, 16684

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, One Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, VA 23187-8785, 757-253-3302

Busch Gardens, PO Box 9158, Tampa Bay, Fl 33647-9158

Calico Ghost Town: P.O. Box 638: Yermo, California, 92398

Carson City: Route 32 Box 109: Catskill, New York, 12414

Casey Jones Village: Casey Jones Lane: Jackson, Tennessee, 38305

Casino Pier - New Jersey: 800 Ocean Terrace: Seaside Heights, New Jersey, 8751

Casino Pier: P.O. Box 285: Lake Ozark, Missouri, 65049

Cedar Point, One Causeway Drive, Sandusky, OH 44871, 419-627-2388

Crossbay Amusement Park: 163-50 Crossbay Blvd: Howard Beach, New York, 11414

Darian Lake (Darian Center NY), 11501 Northeast Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73131, 405-475-2500

Darien Lake: P.O. 91: Darien Center, New York, 14040

Deer Forest: P.O. Box 817: Coloma, Michigan, 49038

Diamond Jim's: 4100 Columbia Ave: Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46815

Disneyland Paris: Show Operations Bldg, Bp 100, 77777 Marne La Valle: Cevex 4, France

Disneyland: P.O. Box 3232: Anaheim, California, 92803

Dollywood, 1020 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, 423-428-9433

Dorney Park, 3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA 18104, 610-391-7730

Elitch Gardens, 299 Walnut St., Denver, CO 80204, 303-595-4386

Enchanted Parks: 36201 Enchanted Pkwashingtony S.: Federal Washingtony, Washington, 98003 Fantasy Island Amusement Park: 320 W. Seventh Street: Beach Haven, New Jersey, 8008

Frontier City, 11501 N.E. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73131, 405-478-2412, Geauga Lake, 1060 North Aurora Road, Aurora, OH 44202, 330-562-7131

Frontier Town: Blue Ridge Road: North Hudson, New York, 12855

Funplex: 9670 W.coloradoal Mine Ave: Littleton, Colorado, 80123

Funtown USA: Pob 29, 774 Portland Rd, Saco, Maine, 4072

Geauga Lake: 1060 North Aurora Road: Aurora, Ohio, 44202

Ghost Town In The Sky: P.O. Box 369: Maggie, North Carolina, 28751

Heartbeat Productions, 832 S. Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104, 901-278-0138

Hershey Park, 100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, 717-534-3336

Hershey Park: 100 West Hersheypark Drive: Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033

Ironworld USA: P.O. Box 392 Hwy 162: Chisolm, Minnesota, 55719

Jenkinson's Beach; Boardwalk: 3 Broadway: Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, 8742

Kennywood Park: 4800 Kennywood Blvd: Wesr Miffin, Pennsylvania, 15122

Kentuckentucky Kingdom Amusement Park: P.O. Box 9016: Louisville, Kentucky, 40209

Kings Dominion: P.O. Box 2000: Deswell, Virginia, 23047

Kings Island: Kings Island Drive: Kings Island, Ohio, 45034

Knight's Action Park: 1700 Recreation Drive: Springfield, Illinois, 62707

Knoebel's Amusement Resort: P.O. Box 317: Elysburg, Pennsylvania, 17842

Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., PO Box 5002, Buena Park, CA 90620, 714-220-5386

Knotts Berry Farm: Entertainment Division, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, California, 90620

Lagoon Park, PO Box 696, Farmington, UT 84025, 800-748-5246

Lake Compounce Festival Park: 822 Lake Ave: Bristol, Connecticut, 6010

Lakemont Park: 700 Park Ave: Altoona, Pennsylvania, 16602

Libertyland: 940 Early Maxwell Blvd: Memphis, Tennessee, 38104

Magic Landing Amusement Park: P.O. Box 1355: El Paso, Texas, 79948

Magic Springs Theme Park: 2001 Hwy 70 East: Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71901

Magic World: P.O. Box 24: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 37863

Midievil Times: Po Box 422385: Kissimmee, Florida, 34742

Mission Creek 1894 Theme Park: P.O. Box 590: Hinckley, Minnesota, 55037

Morey's Pier: P.O. Box 586: North Wildwood, New Jersey, 8260

Mountain Creek: P.O. Box 848: Vernon, New Jersey, 7462

Mud Island: 125 N. Front: Memphis, Tennessee, 38103

Myrtle Beach Pavillion: P.O. drawer 2095: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29578

Ocean Beach Park: 1225 Ocean Ave: New London, Connecticut, 6320

Ocean Breeze Amusements: 849 General Booth Blvd: Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23451

Old Indiana Fun Park: Rr #2, Box 137-A, Thornton, Indiana, 46071

Osborne Shows, 5118 Goodwin Ave., Dallas, TX 75206, 214-631-8414

Paradise Park: 3737 Manoa Road: Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822

Paramount Parks Design; Entertainment: 8731 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 200, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28217

Paramount Parks, 8731 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28271, 704-522-9280, 704-559-4609 Audition Hotline

Paramount's Carowinds, PO Box 410289, Charlotte, NC 28273, 704-587-9011

Paramount's Great America, 2401 Agnew Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95052, 408-988-1776

Paramount's King's Island, 6300 King's Island Drive, King's Island, OH 45034, 513-573-5740

Paramount's Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047, 804-876-5000

Paramounts Carowinds: Charlotte, North Carolina, 28273

Pennsylvania Rennaisence Fair: P.O. Box 685: Cornwall, Pennsylvania, 17016

Peony Park: PO Box 1919, 1620 County Rd "L", Wahoo, Ne, 68066-1919

Pier 39 / Californialifornia: P.O. Box 193730: San Francisco, California, 94119

Playland Park: Playland Parkway: Rye, New York, 10580

Premier Parks, 11501 Northeast Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73131

Queen Mary - Spruce Goose: P.O. Box 8: Long Beach, California, 90801

Rawhide 1880'S Town: 23023 N.scottsdale Rd: Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Rocky Point Amusements: 1 Rocky Point Ave: Warrwick, Rhode Island, 2889

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: 400 Beach Street: Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Scarborough Faire Village: P.O. Box 538: Waxahachie, Texas, 75165

Sea Life Park: 2222 Kalakaua Ave, #1300, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815

Sea World Of California: 1720 South Shores Road/Mission Bay: San Diego, California, 92109

Sea World Of Texas: 10500 Sea World Drive: San Antonio, Texas, 78251-3002 Silver Dollar City: Hcr1 Box 791: Branson, Missouri, 65616

Silver Springs: P.O. Box 370: Silver Springs, Florida, 32688

Silverwood Theme Park: 26225 Hwy 85: Athol, Idaho, 83801

Six Flags Fiesta Texas: PO Box 690290: San Antonio, Texas, 78269-0290

Six Flags Georgia: 7561 Six Flags Parkway: Austell, Georgia, 30001

Six Flags Great Adventure: P.O. Box 120: Jackson, New Jersey, 8527

Six Flags Great America: 542 North Route 21: Gurnee, Illinois, 60631

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor: 1800 E. Lamar Blvd.: Arlington, Texas, 76006

Six Flags Magic Mountain: P.O. Box 5500: Valencia, California, 91385

Six Flags Over Texas: P.O. Box 191: Arlington, Texas, 76010

Six Flags St. Louis: P.O. Box 60: Eureka, Missouri, 63025

Six Flags Theme Parks Inc.: 400 Interspace Parkway: Parsippany, New Jersey, 7054

Six Gun City: Rt.1 Box 114: Jefferson, New Hampshire, 3583

Tivoli Pier: Brighton; Boardwalk: Atlantic City, New Jersey, 8401

Tokyo Disneyland: Maingate Office Suite 100, W.d.w. / PO Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 32830-6177

Tombstone Junction: P.O. Box 334: Parkers Lake, Kentucky, 42634

Tommy Bartlett Shows: 560 Dells Parkway: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, 53965

Twitty City: One Music Village Blvd: Hendersonville, Tennessee, 37148

Universal Studios California: 100 Universal City Plaza, Building Sc79-4, Universal City, California, 91608

Universal Studios Florida: 1000 Universal Studios Plaza: Orlando, Florida, 32819-9610

Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, PO Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Walt Disney World/Epcot Center: P.O. Box 10000: Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 32830-1000

Western Playland: 6900 Delta: El Paso, Texas, 79905

Wild West City: P.O. Box 37: Stanhope, New Jersey, 7857

Wonderworld: P.O. Box 1369: San Marcos, Texas, 78666

Worlds Of Fun: 4545 Worlds Of Fun Ave.: Kansas City, Missouri, 64161

Wyandot Lake: 10101 Riverside Dr.: Powell, Ohio, 43065

York's Wild Kingdom: P.O. Box 1139: York Beach, Maine, 3910

Renaissance Fairs

If you wait until summer to seek acting work for the summer, you will be too late. If you want to get acting work in summer venues, you need to start in the winter and early spring.

What's a Renaissance Fair? It's an arts and crafts fair; its an Elizabethan era historical reenactment; its performance art; it's actors in period costumes; it's food, parades, music, magic, puppet shows, food, juggling, jousting, song, food, bragging and bravado, flags, bells, flutes, plays, sword swallowers, flowers and did we mention food?

Performers range in age from children to retirees; skill levels from professional to semi-professional; talents from straight actors, to performers with stage combat or circus skills.

If you are bold, assertive, desire to be the center of attention, enjoy improvisation and interacting with other actors, are not easily embarrassed, have a passable Old English accent and an appreciation of Elizabethan times - then performing at Renaissance Fairs might be for you.

Auditions are intense. Improvisation is an important aspect of many Renaissance Fair auditions. It is important to be able to react without planning; to listen to the other actors and play off them to develop and maintain a dramatic theme. Total involvement in character is important. Having fun is paramount.

A prepared, Elizabethan era (Shakespeare) monolog is usually required. You may also have to prepare a few bars of a song.

Stage combat and/or circus skills (tumbling, juggling, tightrope walking, etc) are a plus.

If you cannot audition this year, mark your calander for next year. If you are ready to audition now, contact a Renaissance Fair near you and ask about audition information.

The following is a list of Renaissance Fairs in the US and elsewhere. For more information about Renaissance Fairs and fairs in your area, search the web via your favorite search engine. Use the key words: "renaissance fair" and your state name (or the name of a state near you).

ALABAMA

Alabama Renaissance Faire - http://www.geocities.com/alabamarenfaire

Mobile Zoo Renaissance Faire - http://www.mzrf.com

ALASKA

Eagle River Renaissance Village - http://www.cer.org

Three Barons Renaissance Faire - http://www.3barons.org

ARIZONA

Arizona Renaissance Festival - http://www.royalfaires.com

Devonshire Renaissance Festival - http://www.devonshirefaire.com

Faerieworlds (Faerie & Celtic Music) Festival - http://www.faerieworlds.com

Renaissance in the Pines - http://www.renaissanceinthepinesinc.com

Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games - http://www.tucsoncelticfestival.org

CALIFORNIA

Agoura Renaissance Pleasure Faire Reunion - http://www.dragondance.com

Calaveras Celtic Festival - http://www.calaverascelticfaire.com

Cedar Springs Renaissance MayFaire - http://www.cedarspringsonline.com/mayfaire

Celtic Nations Festival - http://www.celticnationsfestival.com

Central Coast Renaissance Festival - http://www.hisrev.org

Crossroads Palm Springs Renaissance Festival - http://www.renaissanceinfo.com

Crossroads European Renaissance Festival - http://www.renaissanceinfo.com, email: prince@renaissanceinfo.com

The Escondido Renaissance Faire and Shakespeare in the Park--Spring - http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com

The Escondido Renaissance Faire and Shakespeare in the Park--Fall - http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com

Fair Oaks Renaissance Tudor Fayre - http://www.fairoakspark.org

Folsom Renaissance Faire and Tournament

Fresno City College Renaissance Faire

Gold Coast Pirate Faire - http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com

Golden Gate Renaissance Faire NEW! - http://www.renaissance-web.net

Hanford CA Renaissance of Kings Cultural Arts Faire - http://www.RenofKings.org

Heart of the Forest Ren Faire-Camp Richardson - http://www.forestfaire.com

Heart of the Forest Ren Faire-Stafford Lake - http://www.forestfaire.com

Huntington Library "LyonSong" - http://www.huntington.org

Kearney Park Renaissance Faire

Lake Tahoe Renaissance Faire

Long Beach Celtic Music Festival - http://www.longbeachcelticfestival.com/

Ojai Renaissance and Pirate Faire - http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com

Ojai Renaissance and Shakespeare Festival - http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com

Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Spring. - http://www.renfair.com

Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Fall. - http://www.renfair.com

A Royal Afayre Renaissance Festival - http://www.entouchservices.org

Saint Paul Newman Center Renaissance Festival - http://www.csufnewman.com

San Diego Renaissance Faire - http://www.thesdrf.com

San Diego Seaside Renaissance Faire and Enlightenment Festival - http://www.SanDiegoRenaissance.com

Santa Barbara Heart of the Forest Faire - http://wwwforestfaire.com

Shasta Highlands Renaissance and Celtic Festival - http://www.shastahighlands.org

Tulare County Renaissance Festival - http://www.st.mortimer.org

Valhalla Renaissance Festival - http://www.valhalla-tallac.com

COLORADO

Colorado Renaissance Faire

Grand Valley Renaissance Faire - http://www.faires.com/gvrf/

Long Peaks Scottish/Irish Festival - http://www.scotfest.com

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Renaissance Faire - http://www.ctfaire.com

Park City Renaissance Faire - http://www.parkcityrenaissancefaire.coml

Prospect Renaissance Faire "Camelot Returns" NEW! - http://www.prospectrenfair.com

FLORIDA

Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI - http://www.renaissancefest.com

Camelot Days - http://www.camelotdays.com

Florida Renaissance Festival South - http://www.ren-fest.com

Florida Renaissance Festival North - http://www.ren-fest.com

Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire - http://www.GCRF.org

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire - http://www.gvculturalaffairs.org/ Merchants may

The Italian Renaissance Festival at Vizcaya

Kiwanis/Lee County Medieval Faire - http://www.medieval-faire.org/ Entertainers and vendor

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire - http://www.lakerenfaire.com

Pirates in Paradise Festival - http://www.piratesinparadise.com

Redland Renaissance Faire - http://www.redlandrenaissancefaire.com

GEORGIA

Georgia Renaissance Festival - http://www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com

IDAHO

Moscow Renaissance Faire - http://www.moscowrenfair.org

ILLINOIS

Greylight Theatre Sthrn IL Renaissance Festival NEW - http://www.greylight-theatre.org

Illinois Renaissance Faire - http://www.prairieplayerstheatreacademy.org or http://www.illinoisrenaissancefaire.com

Jubilee College Olde English Faire

Stronghold's Olde English Faire - http://www.strongholdcenter.org

IOWA

Des Moines Renaissance Faire NEW! - http://www.festint.com

International Horse Archery Festival - http://www.intlhorsearchery.org

Iowa Renaissance Festival + Harvest Faire - http://www.festint.com

Nishna River Renaissance Festival - http://www.nishnariverrenfaire.com

Renaissance Faire of the Midlands - http://www.faire.org

Renaissance Affaire - http://www.arenaffaire.com

Salisbury Faire - http://www.salisburyhouse.org

Wybreg Village Renaissance Festival - http://www.renfound.org

KANSAS

Bridgewater Renaissance Faire - http://www.bwrenfaire.us

Great Plains Renaissance Festival - http://www.greatplainsrenfest.com

Kansas City Renaissance Festival - http://www.kcrenfest.com

KENTUCKY

MSVA River Raid Renaissance Festival

Ravenhearst... A Medieval Fantasy - http://www.ravenhearstamedievalfantasy.com

LOUISIANA

Acadiana Renaissance Festival

Louisiana Renaissance Festival - http://www.la-renfest.com

MAINE

Maine Renaissance Faire - http://www.mainefaire.com

Ye Olde Medieval Faire - http://www.yeoldemedievalfaire.com

MARYLAND

Celtic Festival and Highland Gathering - http://www.cssm.org/festival2/

The Maryland Renaissance Festival - http://www.rennfest.com

MASSACHUSETTS

The Festival of the Lion Renaissance Faire - http://www.afairbrother.com/lions

Higgins Faire - http://www.higgins.org

King Arthur Festival at Hammond Castle - http://www.pastimes1.com, or http://www.hammondcastle.org

King Richard's Faire - http://www.kingrichardsfaire.net

Robin Hood Faire at Hammond Castle - http://www.pastimes1.com, or http://www.hammondcastle.org

MICHIGAN

Grand Valley State University Renaissance Festival - http://www2.qvsu.edu/~gvren

Ishpeming Art Faire and Renaissance Festival

MayFaire - http://www.mayfaireren.com

Michigan Renaissance Festival - http://www.michrenfest.com

Northwood Renaissance Festival - http://www.northwoodrenfest.com

Ravenshire Medieval Festival - http://www.steel-ravens.com

Robin on Sherwood Convention

Shiabruck Medieval Faire - http://www.shiabruck.org

Silver Leaf Renaissance Festival - http://www.silverleafrenfaire.org

Upper Great Lakes Renaissance Faire - http://www.uppergreatlakesrenfaire.org

Western Michigan Renaissance Faire - http://www.ludingtonhaycees.org

MINNESOTA

King's Island Renaissance Faire - http://www.kingsislandrenaissancefaire.com

Minnesota Renaissance Festival - http://www.renaissancefest.com/

Olde World Renaissance Faire - http://www.owrenaissancefaire.com/

RosenThorne Renaissance Faire - http://www.rosenthorne.com/

Stirling Renaissance Faire NEW! - http://www.stirlingfaire.com

MISSISSIPPI

Ocean Springs Renaissance Festival - http://www.st.johnsoceansprings.org

MISSOURI

Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire

Hamlet of Mid-Missouri Renaissance Festival - http://www.hamletofmid-missouri.com

NEBRASKA

Nebraska Renaissance Faire & Med Pageant - http://www.festint.com

NEVADA

Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival - http://www.lvrenfair.com

Genoa Renaissance Faire - http://www.genoaevents.com

NEW JERSEY

Family Harvest & Medieval Faire - http://www.ThePaladin.com/festivals.html

Lakewood Lions Charity Renaissance Faire NEW!

Mystic Realms Fantasy Festival - http://www.mysticrealms.com

New Jersey Renaissance Kingdom

West Windsor Lions Renaissance Faire

NEW MEXICO

Dona Ana Arts Council Renaissance Craft Faire - http://www.zianet.com/daac

Farmington Renaissance Faire - http://www.nwnmarts.org

Silver City Fantasy Faire - http://www.gilanet.com/renfaire

NEW YORK

The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park - http://www.uptownwench.com

New York Renaissance Faire - http://www.renfair.com

Sterling Renaissance Festival - http://www.sterlingfestival.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Carolina Renaissance Festival - http://www.royalfaires.com

Elizabethan Tymes: A Country Faire - http://www.roanokeisland.com

Medieval Festival at Poplar Grove - http://www.poplargrove.com

Mountain Renaissance Adventure Faire - http://www.rennfaire.org

North Carolina Renaissance Faire - http://www.ncrenfaire.com

OHIO

Ashville Medieval and Viking Festival - http://www.ashvillevikingfest.com

Baycrafters Renaissance Fayre

Celtic Medieval Festival

Great Lakes Medieval Faire - http://www.medievalfaire.com

Medieval and Renaissance Faire - http://www.osu.edu/students/cmrf/

Medieval Fantasy Faire - http://www.medievalfantasy.net

Ohio Renaissance Festival - http://www.renfestival.com

Ravenwood Castle Spring Faire - http://www.ravenwoodcastle. com

Southeastern Ohio Renaissance Faire

OKLAHOMA

Guthrie Scottish Rite Medieval Festival - http://www.guthriescottishrite.org

King Arthur Faire - http://www.kingarthurfaire.com

Norman Medieval Faire - http://www.occe.ou.edu/medievalfair

Oklahoma Renaissance Faire at the Castle at Muskogee, OK - http://www.okcastle.com

Stratford Medieval Faire - http://www.stratfordmedieval.us

OREGON

Glastonbury Faire - http://www.coastarts.org

Historic Bhealltain Celtic Reunion Festival - http://www.efn.org/~celtic

Historic Celtic Lughnasadh Games and Fair - http://www.efn.org/~celtic

Journey to Camelot - http://www.journeytocamelot.com

Mid-Summer's Renaissance Faire - http://www.midsummersrenfaire.us

Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire - http://www.shrewfaire.com

PENNSYLVANIA

Endless Mountains Medieval Festival - http://www.impactjousters.com/emmf.htm

Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival - http://www.pgh-renfest.com

Kutztown Renaissance Faire - http://www.geocities.com/kumrc2000

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire - http://www.parenaissancefaire.com

Village Renaissance Faire - http://www.villagefaire.org

SOUTH DAKOTA

Siouxland Renaissance Festival - http://www.siouxlandrenfest.com

TENNESSEE

Shakespeare and Friends-A Renaissance Faire - http://www.shakespeareandfriends.org

Tennessee Renaissance Festival - http://www.tnrenfest.com

TEXAS

Excalibur Fantasy Faire - http://www.excaliburfaire.com

Four Winds Renaissance Faire - http://www.fourwindsfaire.com

Ingleside Renaissance Faire - http://www.InglesideTXChamber.org

Scarborough Faire, The Renaissance Festival - http://www.scarboroughrenfest.com

Texas Renaissance Festival - http://www.texrenfest.com

UTAH

Cedar Outland Medieval Experience - http://www.lunamoor.org

Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire - http://www.UMRF.net

VERMONT

Killington Renaissance Festival NEW! - http://www.killingtonchamber.com/renn

Vermont Renaissance Festival

VIRGINIA

Annual Harvest Faire - http://www.harvestfaire.org

Potomac Celtic Festival - http://www.PotomacCelticFest.org

Radford Highlanders Festival - http://www.radford.edu/festival

Stone Tower Glenn Renaissance Faire - http://www.stonetowerglenn.org

Virginia Renaissance Faire - http://www.VaRF.org

WASHINGTON

Camlann Medieval Faire - http://www.camlann.org

Greenspire Medieval Arts Festival - http://www.greenspire.org

Kent Canterbury Faire - http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/culturalprograms

Northwest Renaissance Festival - http://www.nwrf.com

Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering - http://www.ssgh.org

Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire in Gig Harbor - http://www.washingtonrenfaire.com

Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire - http://www.wizkeep.com

WISCONSIN

Black River Falls Medieval Faire

Bristol Renaissance Faire - http://www.renfair.com

Cotswold Renaissance Faire - http://www.wolfs-head-prod.com

Poor Man's Pennsic - http://www.tznet.com/falconskeep

Wausau Renaissance Festival - http://www.wausaucommunitytheatre.org

OUTSIDE THE U.S. AUSTRALIA

Abbey Medieval Tournament and Banquet - http://www.abbeytournament.com/

Balingup Medieval Carnivale - http://www.brisbanemedievalfayre.com

CANADA

London Intern'l Dragon's Lair Jousting Tournament - http://www.johnlabattcentre.com or http://www.knightsofvalour.com

Ontario Renaissance Festival

Renaissance Faire

Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival

Royal Medieval Faire - http://www.royalmedievalfaire.org

St. George's Feast - http://www.knightsofthewildrose.com

Transition Tournament--3rd Annual

DENMARK

European Medieval Festival

EUROPE

Battle Mediaeval Fair

Dunstable Tudor Festival - http://www.tudorfestivalf.com

Herstmonceux Castle Medieval Festival

Jorvik Viking Jolablot Festival

Joust-A Weekend of Mediaeval Mayhem - http://www.joust.info

Nottingham Goose Faire, England - http://www.nottinghamgoosefair.co.uk

GERMANY

Angelbachtal-Tournament & Medieval Market

Kaltenberg Knight's Tournament - http://www.ritterturnier.de

ITALY

Festival Europeo di Rievocazioni Storiche - http://www.guestinvenice.com/argomento.asp

SWEDEN

Fesivitas-A Medieval Music Festival - http://www.festivitas.just.nu

Medeltidsveckan pa Gotland - http://www.medeltidsveckan.com

Outdoor Drama

You've said to yourself, "I want to hit it BIG! I want to get in a BIG TIME production." We-e-e-e-ll - Getting into a BIG TIME production just might be easier than you think. I'm talking BIG, folks. I'm not talking a puny little TV production. I'm talking BIGGER. I'm not talking the silver screen. I'm talking BIGGER. I'm talking a performance so BIG it can't be confined within a mere movie theatre. I'm talking BIG. REALLY, REALLY BIG!!! I'm talking, OUTDOOR DRAMA!!!

Outdoor Drama? What the heck is that?

Outdoor Drama is theatre performed in the great outdoors. Performing in outdoor dramas will give you experience working with a large cast in a long running production - and you can earn income to boot. Outdoor productions are performed in over 100 theatres; Over 40 historical dramas, 60 Shakespeare festivals and 10 religious or passion' plays in over 35 states. They are seen by over 2 million people every year, have more than a $500 million economic impact on the nation's economy and the economy of dozens of small-town communities.

There are three main types of outdoor drama:

1. Historical Dramas
2. Passion Plays/Religious Dramas
3. Shakespeare Festivals

   Historical Dramas are a dramatic form of storytelling usually accompanied by music and dance. The dramas are based on significant historical events and are performed in amphitheaters located where the events actually occurred. These dramas are uniquely American. They focus on the people who shaped the heritage of our country. Historical dramas reinforce the value of preserving cultural, political and social history. They are a living memorial to the people who fought for our freedom, the people who laid the groundwork for American humanistic movements. They document the great things we've accomplished as a nation.

   Historical dramas are epic productions that are both entertaining and educational. Many present memorable music and dance, spectacular special effects, elaborate costuming, pyrotechnics, horses, and battle reenactments. They are usually performed in expansive amphitheaters against scenic, natural backdrops, such as canyons, forests and ocean shores.

   Passion Plays/Religious Dramas are religious shows which dramatize significant spiritual events such as the life of Jesus and major historical events in the early years of Mormonism.

   Outdoor religious dramas are performed in spectacular settings such as the Ozarks of Arkansas, near the mighty Missippi River and the Manti Temple Hill in Utah. These dramas incorporate inspirational music in original composition or in combination with traditional hymns. These professional productions tell their stories through the use of period costumes, chariots, horses, camels and elaborate sets that make their spiritual message more appealing and more powerful to audiences.

   Shakespeare Festivals celebrate the playwrighting of William Shakespeare. These festivals feature Shakespeare's most famous plays - Hamlet, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth as well as some lesser-known works Comedy of Errors, Loves' Labors Lost, Antony and Cleopatra. Many festivals also include works by other playwrights. Many production companies offer their plays in repertory (alternating evenings). Others perform their plays in succession throughout their season.

   Every summer over sixty festivals in 32 states produce Shakespeare's works under the stars. Many festivals charge no admission fee. Traditionally, these outdoor festivals encourage picnic dinners before the show, so families can come, relax and enjoy the natural splendor prior to the play.

   It is common to find well-known television and movie actors and actresses returning to their stage roots in a summer Shakespeare festival. Notable actors such as John Goodman, Patrick Stewart, Kelly McGillis, David Birney, Kristen Scott Thomas, Morgan Freeman, Tracey Ulman have performed in outdoor Shakespeare festivals in New York, Washington, DC, and other cities around the US. At smaller festivals, regional actors hone their craft, producing memorable theatre for everyone.

   How do you become a part of one of these exciting productions? You audition!

   Every year in early spring, approximately 15 outdoor historical dramas from across the country hold auditions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The auditions are sponsored by the Institute of Outdoor Drama, http://www.unc.edu/depts/outdoor and are open to anyone 18 or older with previous theatre experience. Jobs require a nine to 12 week commitment, including two weeks of rehearsal. A small non-refundable registration fee is required.) and are open to anyone 18 or older with previous theatre experience. Jobs require a nine to 12 week commitment, including two weeks of rehearsal. A small non-refundable registration fee is required.

   Most jobs are non-union. Some companies will hire union actors and offer contracts leading toward union membership through the Actor's Equity Association Membership Candidacy Program. Outdoor historical drama is rich in opportunities for performers to hone their skills. The productions need the expertise of stunt or combat professionals, pyrotechnicians, horseback riders, historians and others. Staff skilled in design, installation and maintenance of equipment for sound, electronic vocal reinforcment, special effects and lighting are also in demand.

   Auditioning actors should present a one-minute prepared monologue and may offer another at callback interviews. Singers should prepare a one-minute song. Dancers are led through warm-ups, combinations and routines featuring a variety of choreography.

   To request an application form and information sheet, send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to:

   Auditions Coordinator

   Institute of Outdoor Drama

   CB# 3240, UNC-CH

   Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3240

   Or just download the application from the Institute of Outdoor Drama web site: http://www.unc.edu/depts/outdoor/auditions

   Can't manage to get to Chapel Hill? Don't fret. Use the Institute of Outdoor Drama's search page to find productions near you. Contact the producers to find out about local auditions they might hold: http://www.unc.edu/depts/outdoor/dir
   
   

   Cruise Ships

   Can you sing and dance? Do you crave the thrill of performing live in front of an appreciative audience? Want to see the world? Like working with the public?

   Perhaps working in a cruise ship production is the thing for you. Every year, cruise lines hire hundreds of performers to entertain tens of thousands of cruise ship passengers These jobs generally require strong singing and dancing skills. Cabaret acts are also in demand. The work is fun. You will meet lots of people (many cruises require entertainers to do other jobs like work in the library, lead tours, teach a class, meet passengers). The pay is fair to excellent and the perks are great.

   For opportunities for singers and dancers in live cruise ship productions, contact these agencies and cruise lines to get audition information:

   ABOVE ALL ENTERTAINMENT
   15 Eastport Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1TL
   (tel: 01273 486 622, fax: 01273 486 633)

   ELAINE AVON
   127 Westhall Road, Warlingham, Surrey CR3 9HJ
   (tel: 01883 622 317)

   BASA PRODUCTIONS
   1 Furness Avenue, Dunstable, Bedford-shire LU6 3BN
   (tel: 01582 476 213)

   BLACKBURN INTERNATIONAL
   Le Montaigne, 7 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, Monte Carlo MC 98000, Monaco
   (tel: (377) 93 30 67 98);
   63 Rosemary Lane, Blackwater, Surrey GU17 0LS
   (tel: 01276 517 106)

   BROADWAY BOUND INC
   830 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York City NY 10003

   GARRY BROWN ASSOCIATES
   27 Downs Side, Cheam, Surrey SM2 7FH
   (tel: 0208 643 3991)

   CARNIVAL CORPORATION
   3655 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33178
   (tel: 305 599 2600)

   CELEBRITY CRUISES
   1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, Florida
   (tel:305 262 6677)

   IAN CLARK ENTERTAINMENTS
   20 Blackwall Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0NY
   (tel: 012133 635 422)

   COSTA CRUISES
   Zergone Sal, Via de Marini, 60 Nuova Darsona, 10149 Genoa, Italy
   (tel: 0039010 5483664)

   CRUISING MUSICALS CONSORTIUM
   Suite 3, Waldorf Chambers, 11 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DG

   CRYSTAL CRUISES
   2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA
   (tel: 310 785 9300)

   CUNARD
   Mountbatten House, Grosvenor Square, Southampton SO15 2BF
   (tel: 02380 716 500)

   DEJA VU
   Casa Verde, 8 Coppice Way, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 9JB.
   Tel and fax: 01905 771627, email: rogergreen@onetel.net.uk

   DISNEY CRUISE LINE
   210 Celebration Place, Suite 400, Celebration, Florida 347-4600

   FESTIVAL CRUISES
   99 Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece
   (tel: 00301 429 0600).

   FJORD LINE
   Royal Quays, North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE29 6EG

   GRAYBOY AGENCY
   http://www.grayboyentertainment.com
   

   HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES
   Hapag Lloyd Haus, Ballindamm 25, D-20020, Hamburg, Germany
   (tel: (49) 040 30 010)

   HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES
   Griffin House, Broughton Hall, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3AN
   (tel: 01756 704 747)

   HOLLAND AMERICA
   300 Ellott Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98199, USA
   (tel:206 282 3535)

   IRISH FERRIES
   2/4 Merrion Row, Dublin

   ISLAND CRUISES
   First Choice House, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 2GH

   ELLIE JAY ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANTS
   53 Theobald Street, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 4RT

   KMC AGENCIES
   PO Box 122, 4th Floor, Ghulam House, 16 Blossom Street, Manchester M4 5AW
   (tel: 0161 237 3009, email: info@kmcagencies.co.uk)

   ROGER KENDRICK CRUISE ENTERTAINMENTS
   6 Orchard Road, St Annes on Sea, Lancashire FY8 1RY
   (tel: 01253 726 046)

   BELINDA KING PRESENTS
   3 Notre Dame Mews, Northampton NN1 2BG
   (tel: 01604 250 693)

   LIVE BUSINESS (INCORPORATING GROSVENOR PRODUCTIONS)
   6 Calico Row, Plantation Wharf, London SW11 3UF
   (tel: 0207 9250, fax: 0207 924 6270)

   LOUIS CRUISE LINES
   Louis House, 20 Amphipoleos, 2025 Strovolos, PO Box 21301, Nicosia, Cyprus

   MARITIME LEISURE GROUP
   The Lloyd's Building, 1 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA
   (tel: 0207 929 5533, fax: 0207 929 5534. email: contact@maritimeleisure.com)

   MATRIX ENTERTAINMENTS
   PO Box 222, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9YB
   (tel: 01372 464 829)

   MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING CRUISES
   Piazza Garibaldi 91, Naples, Italy 80142

   MOLYNEUX MUSICK
   312 9th Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203
   (tel: 615-254-5411)

   NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES
   7665 Corporate Center Drive, Miami, Florida 3312

   OCEAN VILLAGE
   Richmond House, Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3PN

   OPENWIDE INTERNATIONAL
   7 Westmoreland House, Cumberland Park, London NW10 6RE
   (tel: 0208 962 3418. fax: 0208 962 3440)

   ORIENT LINES
   1 Derry Street, Kensington, London W8 5NN
   (tel.020 7591 8210. fax: 020 7938 4515, email: cruise@orientlines.co.uk)

   PGT ENTERTAINMENTS
   1353 N.Courtenay Parkway, Suite Y, Merritt Island, Florida 32953
   (tel: 321 453 2313, fax: 321 953 6511)

   P&O CRUISES
   Richmond House, Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3PN
   (tel: 01703 534200)

   PARAMOUNT SHOW SERVICES
   9826 Southern Pines Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
   (704) 522-0242

   PARTNERSHIP EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
   North Barn, Broughton Hall, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3AE
   (tel: 01756 796 176)

   PRINCESS CRUISES
   10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90067
   (tel: 310 553 1770)

   PRO-SHIP ENTERTAINMENT
   5253 Decarie Boulevard, Suite 308, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3W 3C2

   RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
   600 Corporate Drive, Suite 410, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334
   (tel: 954 776 6123)

   ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
   1050 Caribbean Way, Miami FL 33132-2096. USA

   ROYAL OLYMPIA CRUISES
   Akti Miaroli 87, 18538 Piraeus, Greece

   SAGA CRUISES
   Saga Building, Middleburg Square, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1AZ
   (tel: 01303 771 111)

   SEABOURN
   6100 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 400, Miami, Florida 33126

   SILVERSEA CRUISES
   110 Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
   (tel: 800 548 8669)

   STAR CRUISES
   391B Orchard Road, 13-01 Ngee Ann City, Tower B, Singapore 238884

   STILETTO ENTERTAINMENT
   8295 S La Cienega Boulevard, Inglewood, California CA 90301
   (tel: (310) 957 5757. fax: (310 957 5771)

   SUN CRUISES
   Holiday House, Sandbrook Park, Sandbrook Way, Rochdale, Lancashire O:11 1SA

   THOMSON CRUISES
   Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London NW1 7SD
   (tel: 0207 387 9321)

   AWOL Audition Tips

   Of course in order to get a part in a Theme Park, Cruise Ship, Independent Film, Historical Drama, or any other professional production, you usually have to audition first. You can get audition pointers in the AWOL lessons:

   • WHAT EVERY ACTOR NEEDS TO KNOW
   • HELP! I GOTTA GET A MONOLOG!!!
   • AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD FOR...(a few helpful tips)
   • HOW TO AUDITION FOR A MUSICAL
   • HELP! I GOT THE PART! NOW WHAT?
   • THE ESSENCE OF ACTING
   • ACTING AS CONVERSATION

   Remember, even the best actors started with behind the scenes work and small parts. Take whatever parts you can get. As you improve your skills and experience, you will get better and better roles. Don't be in such a rush to start at the top. Learn your craft slowly, improve your knowledge and skills step by step. You'll find building that résumé a lot more fun and much less discouraging if you take a smart and methodical approach to your training.

   Use your contact file to keep a record of every part you perform in every production you are in. Record the name of the production company, your role, the director, the production name, the year you performed. Save photocopies of any and all reviews or articles about your work. This includes bad as-well-as good reviews and articles.

   If you already have been in a number of productions - we are talking about roles in which you had lines - and have already taken classes, then you are ready to start your campaign to increase your PZR (Personal Zeal Ranking) and get on the road to discovery. It is now time to introduce yourself to the casting people in your area.

   PZR Component 3: Friendship

   Remember, "...casting people first turn to the actors whose work they already know and trust."

   1. Who do you know?
   2. Who do they know?
   3. Who don't you know?

   If you have been involved in your school or local theatre and other productions and classes - or as you become involved in your school or local theatre and other productions and classes - you already know people involved in the entertainment business in your community; directors, actors, producers technical people and instructors.

   How well do you know these people? Get to know them better. Continue your involvement in local productions. Audition for everything you can. When you get roles, be professional and do your best. If you do not get parts in productions, volunteer to be on technical crews. Get involved. Meet people. Go to the cast parties. Be friendly and talk to everyone.

   By "talk to everyone" I do NOT mean spend every moment telling everyone all about yourself. I mean you ask them questions about THEMSELVES. Everyone likes to talk about themselves; give them the opportunity. Listen to their answers. Respond to them. Ask them more questions.

   What kind of questions? Well, along with whatever social pleasantries seem appropriate based on circumstances, you also want to ask them questions about their involvement in productions; how they got started; where they studied; questions about their work; whatever seems appropriate as the conversation progresses.

   Eventually after you get to know them better - and they get to know you better, you want to make sure you tell them you are interested in developing a professional acting career. This is not a time to beg them to help you. It is only a time to let them know of your desire to be a professional actor. Let them do with that information however they choose.

   Eventually, from your new friends, you will learn more and more information about opportunities to study, people to study with, people to work with, names of other people in the business, opportunities to be introduced to others in the business, opportunities to audition, all sorts of information you will find helpful.

   Make sure you document any useful information and the people you get to know on contact cards.

   Developing friendships takes time. You are gradually embedding yourself into the local community entertainment scene. You are becoming an active member in a group of like-minded people; bound together through common interests and activities. You are becoming one of "them". You never know where or when your contacts will lead - or to whom they may lead.

   Don't rush it. Enjoy the people and the journey.
   
   Chapters: One   Two   Three   Four   Five   Six   Seven   Eight   Nine