Home > Curriculum > Presentation > So You Think You Want to be a Professional Model or Actor?

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* The definition I will be using for model is an individual who works regularly to support her or himself in a comfortable style in fashion print, runway shows or in TV commercial beauty ads and who is happy doing so.

** The definition I will be using for actor is an individual who works often enough to support his or herself comfortably in professional theater, TV commercials or movies and who is happy doing so!

My models and actors all started with training in presentation (looking your best), performance (doing your best) and personality (being your best--your authentic self). In that many of you reading this have nowhere to go for training or on the job experience, I have listed the areas that you will need to be willing to learn on your own. There are many resources for you to use and you must be willing to find them and master them. Search for books, magazines, on-line sites, plays, movies, local photographers (or even friends) who are willing to photograph you and theaters where you can assist or act.

But first, before you even consider these professions, there are basic questions you need ask yourself and you need to be able to answer "yes" to most of them.

A. Potential Model

  1. Are you tall for your age? Are you between 12 and 17 years old (girls) or 18 and 24 (boys)? At adult size-women should be 5'8" to 6' and men 6' to 6'2". See :"An Invitation to Review Our Curriculum"
  2. Do you love being photographed and do you photograph well?
  3. Do you love being in front of the public? "Are you prepared to goof?"
  4. Would you do the above with or without pay just for the enjoyment or experience?
  5. Are you confident and determined to be a model? "Confidence"
  6. Are you willing to stay out of the sun?
  7. Are you willing to limit your diet to maintain an optimum weight and skin condition?
  8. Are you willing to avoid sweets, fried foods?
  9. Can you exercise the self-discipline to avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs, recreational or otherwise?
  10. Are you willing to get regular exercise (at least three times a week)?
  11. Are you willing to take excellent care of your nails and skin?
  12. Are you willing to be prepared and on time to every appointment (go-see)?
    Do you know how to manage your time? How are your job interview skills?
  13. Can you afford to move to a major city such as New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco or Los Angeles?
  14. Are you willing to work at night to support yourself after completing a full day of go-sees or modeling jobs?
  15. Can you afford to spend a year of your life breaking into the profession, receiving little to no money while you are building your portfolio, securing an agent and making professional contacts. Do you have the determination needed? Do you know how and why it is necessary to set goals?
  16. Do you have the education to keep excellent records of your interviews, model contacts, receipts and expenses?
  17. Do you have a positive attitude? Are you pleasant to be around, flexible, and willing to take direction.
    See: Model Lessons #1 Thrive on Rejection
  18. Is your self-esteem strong enough to handle repeated rejections, long waits with numbers of other aspiring models, mix-ups in booking locations, job cancellations and some disrespectful interviewers or casting agents?
    See     Model Lessons #4 'Be Gracious' & Model Lesson #5 'Don't Burn Your Bridges'.
  19. Are you able to stand up for your convictions and withstand the pressures and temptations that come with a life on your own when you feel alone and wonder if your dream will ever come true?
  20. Do you do what you say you will do whether you feel like it or not?
  21. Do you still want to be a model or do you only want the feeling of confidence, security, and the seemingly glamorous life that comes with the travel, clothes, money and fame enjoyed by being a successful model?

Most of the above questions also pertain to the acting profession. Some in the presentation category will not apply, unless you are planning to be the lead! Below are a few additional questions that pertain specifically to you.

B. Potential Actor

  1. Do you love acting, attending and participating in plays and going to movies?
  2. Are you the life of the party, a "born entertainer" or a drama queen or king?
  3. Do you read well and memorize easily?
  4. Do you dream and visualize yourself center stage, on TV or the big screen? See "Do you know how to affirm and visualize?
  5. Are you willing and able to take acting classes for years?
  6. How is your voice? Will it need to be lowered? Are you able to mimic a variety of accents?
  7. Are you very aware of the behavior of others? Can you put yourself into their shoes and portray the feelings that would be associated with their situation?
  8. Are you willing to look the part you've been asked to play? See Model Lessons #2 'Look the Part'.
  9. Will you be able to refuse when requests are made for you to do parts that go against your beliefs and convictions?
  10. Is it the profession of acting-which involves reading, memorizing, studying, rehearsing, arising early and staying up late that intrigues you or are you merely desirous of the fame and acknowledgment that comes from being a successful professional actor?

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