entertainment industry coach question 361: Can't post the question it involves nudity...

Question: What do I do if I'm asked to show my boobs for an audition when they've posted "requires nudity?" My friend had to do this today and she was mortified and left. Was this the right decision, should I ever be asked?

Ah, I remember the days when I swore I'd never show my boobs. Then you reach an age when you're so excited someone wants to see your boobs, you flash the casting director when he actually said, " show me your moves."

Okay, so that didn't really happen to me BUT, because this is a very touchy (bad choice of words?) subject, I thought I'd open with a little humor (lame as it may be.)

Here's the thing... You have to trust your instincts. If it's a Craigs List posting and the casting office is in some weirdo's garage, RUN. If it's in Deb Aquilla's office and they want to make sure you don't have any crazy scars that will not work for the shot, then you show them. Look, you agreed to go to an audition that clearly stated your part had nudity. If you think, "I'm going to go there and be such a great actress that they'll cut out nudity just to have me," you're going to piss off the casting office.

Be clear with your representation if you don't want to do nudity. If it's okay with you, expect that they are going to want to "check you" for "deformities." Only you can tell by your gut instinct if it's something fishy, so trust yourself.

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

Question 48: How do I find representation?

Before spending valuable time on seeking representation,  do an honest evaluation of where you are in your career.

Are you making enough money to make you attractive to an agent and/or manager?

Are you so busy with work that you can't manage your own career?

Are you highly marketable (examples: just won an award, created buzz at a film festival)?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, then it may be time to seek representation- if they're not already coming for you. Here are some tips on seeking representation:

1. Do your research: choose 10 agents/managers that are a smart fit for you

2. Find out who else is represented by them, to see if you have a contact on the inside who can bring you in/refer you

3. Have contacts make calls on your behalf

Just as a note:

Agents get +10% because they do +10% of the work. YOU are 100% responsible for your career! Don't expect an agent to be the magic bullet who will propel your career. An agent is a great team member to have and a "stamp of approval" on your resume & reel. Keep doing your "business." 

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