Question 108: How do I get an acting job on a TV show this fall?

I haven't gone to bed yet, so this still counts as Friday's blog.  Technicalities out of the way... on to the question. I like your specificity. You're focused on TV. I'm going to give you some tips. Usually, I don't say "don't" because if I tell you DON'T think about a purple elephant, what do you think about? However, when I use "don't" below, it's not an embedded command to do it, I'm saying "don't" because so many people "do" these things, that I'm using your language instead of "coaching language." If that was confusing, it's just because I'm blogging at 1 am.

Okay, here are some tips: 

1. Be union ready. Most shows are SAG or AFTRA.

2. Know your next step. If you have never worked on a tv show before, pursue co-stars/under 5 lines. If you have a long resume of co-stars, start pursuing guest stars, and so on.

3. Know your type. Don't market yourself against your type. Don't submit for roles you're not right for. Actors like to argue this point, reminding me of the exceptions. While I'm the first to agree that there are exceptions to every rule, if 200 actors submit for a part that they want to "break the type" for, it makes the Casting Director's job harder. It's the Casting Director's job to get creative with the exceptions. Concentrate on building relationships with CDs as opposed to making their job harder. 

4. Do your research. Know what shows hire your type and target them.  

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.theGreenlightCoachBlog.com