Blog: Auditioning

How to Start Your Acting Career with Background Work

By The Up-To-Date Actor, August 14, 2025

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Breaking into the entertainment industry doesn’t always begin with a starring role or a major audition. For many professional actors, the first paycheck—and first day on a real set—comes through background work.

Also known as being an “extra,” background acting is one of the most accessible ways to gain on-set experience, observe how productions operate, and start building your reputation and connections. Here’s everything you need to know about getting started.

Should I Take the Job: How the 5 Ps Formula Helps Actors Make Smart, Empowered Career Choices

By Annie Chadwick, July 23, 2025

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How the 5 Ps Formula Helps Actors Make Smart, Empowered Career Choices

There’s no better feeling than hearing those words: “You booked it!”

Whether it's a short film, a regional theater play, or your first co-star role on TV, getting cast feels like a jolt of recognition—a tangible “yes” to all your hard work, training, and talent. And that feeling? It’s real. You should celebrate it.

But once the applause in your head settles, a deeper question arises—one that every actor, from beginner to seasoned pro, needs to learn to ask:

Is this job actually right for me and my career?

Saying yes to work just because it’s offered is something many actors do, especially early on. You may feel pressure to always stay “busy,” to prove yourself, or to be seen as easygoing and grateful. But here’s the truth:

You are the CEO of your career.
Every yes you give is an investment of your time, energy, and reputation.

It’s not just about getting work—it’s about getting the right work.

To help you make those decisions with clarity and confidence, I created a framework I call The 5 Ps Formula. It’s a practical, empowering tool that helps you evaluate offers from all angles—so you can say yes to roles that support your growth, goals, and artistic voice.

Summer Reading List for Actors

By Annie Chadwick, July 16, 2025

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Curated for artists ready to deepen their craft, expand their perspective, and step into a more powerful creative life.

Summer is the perfect time to reset, recharge, and reignite your passion for performance. Whether you're between gigs, in rehearsals, or traveling for a shoot, a great book can keep your creative fire alive. We’ve curated a robust summer reading list—categorized for clarity—that includes actor-favorite classics, inspirational reads, and mindset shifters to strengthen both your craft and confidence.

Can a Non-Union Actor Submit for Representation to a Talent Agency That is Union Franchised?

By The Up-To-Date Actor, January 08, 2024

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Acting is a competitive field, and many aspiring actors look for representation from talent agencies to help them land acting roles. However, some actors are non-union while others are union-affiliated. This distinction can create confusion and questions regarding which talent agencies non-union actors can submit to. Can a non-union actor submit for representation to a talent agency that is union franchised?

The short answer is yes, a non-union actor can submit for representation to a talent agency that is union franchised. However, the representation process can be different for union and non-union actors, and there are several important factors to consider.

Learn How To Self-Tape for Auditions

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 27, 2022

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Since the pandemic, there have been some major transformations in the acting audition process, one of which being the rise in self-tapes. Knowing how to self-tape for online auditions and interviews is an essential skill every actor needs to have in this day and age, but getting it right can be a challenge in and of itself.

Self-tapes have opened up more opportunities for actors and furthermore, this trend isn't going anywhere.