Let’s say you don’t quite have an agent or manager yet but you’re eager to work. Well, you can certainly submit yourself for work. A lot of it may be “non-union” work and may not pay as much but hey, it’s work. It’s a job, and besides, every job you get will look better for your resume’. There are many places you can go online for this. I suggest you visit Backstage.com, LACasting.com and Actor’s Access. These three sites are probably the most popular on the Internet right now and you may find some union work as well through these sites. Break a leg and let us know how it goes.

Having an  agent is ideal but you don’t necessarily need one nowadays to get you out on auditions. A good manager who believes in you and the future of your career can be just as effective as an agent. Just realize that you’re gonna need someone to get you out on auditions. The process of securing an agent is a whole other book in itself but one thing I want you to NOT do is this: Never try to secure a Hollywood agent or manager while you are outside of L.A. In other words, wait until you get to L.A. before trying to secure an agent.

First of all, agents won’t take you seriously if all you’re trying to do is convince them that you’re a serious actor when you haven’t “seriously” made the move to re-locate to Hollywood. Remember we talked about having to have a car in the previous step? Well, if you’re driving out to L.A., make sure tour car is reliable enough to get around once you get into town. Unless an agent is head-over-heels to sign you and willing to pay for your flight to L.A., which is extremely rare, wait until you get to Hollywood FIRST before trying to secure an agent or manager.

Keeping your days open so you can go out on auditions is one of the toughest situations a new actor has to face.  On the one hand you have to pay your bills and keep your lights on, on the other, you need to be free during the day to go out on auditions.  Your agent expects you to be available during the day.  There is very little room for negotiating here.  If you’re gonna be a serious actor–keep your days open.  Monday through Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm should be kept open.  Always.  Don’t worry about weekend auditions as 95% of all Hollywood auditions are during the regular business week.

Okay, so what do you do?  How do you pay your bills while trying to pursue your acting career?  Here are three suggestions that may help you:

1.  Find a flexible job during the day. If you’re gonna get a job during the day make sure it’s flexible.  You should be up front with your employer right from the start.  Don’t be afraid to let them know about your acting career ambitions.  If you receive any friction as a result of your openess, then perhaps that is not the ideal job for you.

2.  Find a night job. Sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do.  A night job or graveyard shift is a good way to go.  It will be tough but at least your days will be open.  You’re gonna need to be highly disciplined and organized (especially with time management) to pull it off but you can do it.  The last thing we need is for you to be sleeping on your auditions so be careful!

3.  Find a part time job. Maybe you have some money saved up already.  Maybe you’re still living with your parents and all you have to do is pay your cell phone bill.  Maybe all you need is some pocket change and some “run around” money.  That’s a blessing; you’re in a good position.  However, a part time job may still be ideal for you.  Perhaps the weekends will be sufficient.  Whatever you do–keep your days open.

You still have the acting bug, eh?  Are you an older actor trying to jump start your career again?  Or maybe you’re a senior who always had dreams of becoming an actor?  Well, guess what?  We’re here to tell ya that it’s never too late to become an actor.  That’s right, it’s not too late.  You can do it.

Here are some suggestions in how you can fulfill your dream of becoming an actor.  The good part is that there are always roles for seniors.  It may not be many, but they’re out there.  Here are some things you can do to revive or jumpstart your acting career.

1. Start doing local plays.  Check your local paper for auditions being held in your area.

2. Do extra work. While you’re looking wanting for that next role, try doing background work.

3. Join ActorsAccess.com. Upload your headshot and resume’ and submit to casting calls.

4. Audition for college films. Many film students are looking for various types for their film projects.

5. Be a one man/woman show. Find a play surrounded around a solo character and perform it locally.

Of course, there will be more opportunity for you if you’re located in a major city such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas and others. You can also join a commercial workshop and do commercials. There’s a lot of work for you there. The next time you’re watching the telly, study the commercials. Middle agers and seniors are working more than you think. Even if you manage to book a Motrin or pharmaceutical commercial–you’re working.

As a last resort, you can also look into doing print work. Going this route may open up more doors for you and lead you to doing acting work. There are more than a few actors who started late in their careers to become successful actors. Morgan Freeman, Danny Aiello, Zelda Rubinstein, Clara Peller, Rodney Dangerfield, and Kathy Bates are just a few.