I've never really heard of or realized the importance of networking since I came to this site. For those who do not yet have agents, how do you network?! Particularly for those who aren't in the LA or NYC areas, what is the best way to meet with people?


(thank you Jackie!!)

Go see plays!!! Meet the cast afterwards. Get to be friends with them. At auditions, small talk (with those that don't mind it...some get bothered by people talking to them). Go out for drinks with fellow actors (if you're 21). go to social gathering where other actors are. Mingle, get to know them, let them get to know you.
Its a domino effect. The more people you meet in this bizz (no matter how small they may seem) the more opportunities will open up for you. And of course, its always good to return the favor, pay it forward.

Good question, i've been trying to network as a manager to my daugher. I just moved to LA so it's been kind of hard not knowing a soul here. Anyone in LA know where the the decent hangout spots are?

Network with people who can further your career in this industry. Find a good group that regularly has casting associates, managers, and agents that attend showcases. I've been going to www.thenetworkstudio.com and have met lots of people in the industry. I also take acting classes taught by casting associates and go to any free seminar that has to do with acting.

Not the least bit easy.

Most acting classes, once the teacher leaves, the students run, too. And everyone in a different direction.

Scene partners, that sometimes works, but many students change teacher every few months, and then you don't see them again.

watermellon - is your goal to better network with people in Arizona? or NYC/LA/elsewhere?

If Arizona, I'd definately say avidactor's spot on with his advice! Like you, we. 're in a smaller market (BIrmingham, AL). My daughters are the actresses, but I've been very conscious of the need to network (without being stagemommy). As a result they've learned about opportunities that we would never have known otherwise. Word gets around and the more people you have positive interactions with the more opportunities you get. It's karma

~T

Thank you for all the replies! I will definately try attending some plays!
I really didn't have one specific goal, whoever I could get in contact with.

It doesn't hurt if you go to charity events, happy hours in areas like Beverly Hills, or even volunteer at charity events, because you can sometimes meet people higher up on the food chain.

Networking can mean trying to jump to the next level and meeting the "right" people but it can also mean meeting people in your field and establishing the groundwork for friendships and working relationships that WILL someday translate into opportunities. If you are talking about AZ, it's probably best to cast a wide net and look for everyone in your area involved in theatre and film. Begin attending events and shows and soon you're likely to find some likeminded mates.

Here are some AZ resources:

The (Zaki Gordon Institute) actor database (http://zaki.yc.edu)--Local actors are invited to submit their headshot to the database, which is used for the casting of school projects, and, occasionally leads to outside work.

www.norazcasting.com -- this site was planned to launch in 2006 (I don't know if its running or how well it works--any AZ actors know?) The creator told me it was planned to promote the networking of actors with producers and directors in Northern Arizona.

Sedona/Phoenix area: www.durantcom.com

SAG: http://arizona.sag.org. The Arizona SAG office can also be reached at 602-383-3780.”

Also check out the Arizona Film Commission (http://www.azcommerce.com/Film/Links/) and of course local plays and classes. Google Arizona+theatre to get started finding a theatre near you.

Have fun!!!

Parties are good to meet people.

I once happened to get to a party with lots of actors and casting people.

I heard about it by chance.

Any good sources for such parties? Or are they a secret?

quote:

Originally posted by jk:
Casting Director workshops are a great way to network. Talent to Go is a wonderful service.
They are professional and efficient.
Great success with actors I have heard.

www.talenttogo.net

I heard about it. But they are quite pricey, aren't they?

I need my cash for my acting classes, so how the higgins could I get networking without working myself into a network of debt?

I posted this in response to a similar question under Headshots & Resumes, but here it goes...

Film festivals are great places to network: sign up as a volunteer for festivals in your area and print up some business cards to pass out there. You have to be savvy about it though: striking up a casual conversation is always better than simply handing cards out to every director and filmmaker you see.

quote:

Originally posted by Truthie:
I need my cash for my acting classes, so how the higgins could I get networking without working myself into a network of debt?

Maybe you already do this, but I am always surprised at how little people avail themselves of FREE networking events, like SAG panels and speaker events or backstage events or other local events. Even plays, you can usually get free admission if you usher, just contact the box office and ask if they offer anything like that. And how about creating your own networking events like a monthly gathering of people from your acting class or college acting program where you can share news/info and bring friends...or a monthly play reading...I don't know where you are so I can't be more specific...

Superhotstar, I went to the link shared but I'm curious about how the network studio in NY works? How much does it cost? and how many events do you get? would you say is worth it?

Thanks,

quote:

Originally posted by Truthie:
Parties are good to meet people.

I once happened to get to a party with lots of actors and casting people.

I heard about it by chance.

Any good sources for such parties? Or are they a secret?

No, its more about knowing the right people. Like being good friends with a 'pretty girl type' or a 'rich kid type'. Those sorts of people tend to be really well connected.