After a quick Darbi/Roz catch up and a question about actor taxes, Darbi brings us an interview from the set of her upcoming horror film Breadcrubms. Darbi chats with co-star Douglas Nyback who is also starring in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Darbi and Douglas get really serious about the craft of acting in this one. So Enjoy.

I have 60 postcards sitting on my desk, affixed with a stamp, a mailing label, and the shipping label onto which I typed/printed my message. I also hand signed it with my trademark happy face. Those babies are getting thrown into a post office box today and are being sent to the industry members I have met over the past year. I do this every month- every month to get my face in front of the people that I have met so that they remember me the next time an appropriate breakdown comes along. Last month I announced that I had a screening of a new film, I had been cast as a recurring U5 on OLTL and I was in final callbacks from a national commercial. This month I get to tell them to “Save the Date” for the airing of my first episode on OLTL.

I am now at a point, though, where with some of the casting directors it has been too long since I saw them last. I probably would not recognize their faces- they may not recognize mine. So it is time to find a way to reacquaint myself with them. I can do this one of three ways:

- Do an updated headshot/resume submission and ask for a general or pre-screen.
- Go to an EPA (for the theatre folks)
- Go to The Network and pay for a few seminars

The best bet is to do a combination of the 3. But first, I am going out of town on vacation!

Ok, so I have a confession to make. I have been slightly slacking off on auditioning recently. The main reason is that I have had a few weeks scheduled out of town, which makes auditioning very difficult (the auditions are either scheduled for when I am out of town, or they are for shows that rehearse or open when I am out of town.) The other, smaller, reason is that when I get ready to go to an audition I always find something else I would rather be doing.

Now, oftentimes this “something else” is very good for my career. The other night I was up until well after 2am trying to find a monologue to complete my repertoire. But being up that late precluded me from being able to get up early the next day to go to an audition. And last night I was planning to go to an audition in the evening- and instead I completed a set of 60 promotional postcards to announce to agents and casting directors that I have an episode of “One Life to Live” airing next week.

By the way, I am on “One Life to Live” next week. It is a very small role, 2 lines (which could end up being cut in editing)- check it out on ABC on July 3 (check local listings for time- it is at 2pm in NYC.)

Getting back to the “slacking” thing... So, it’s not as though I am laying back eating bon bons all day long instead of doing my job, which is to audition. But there are so many elements to the business that are screaming for attention that auditioning can sometimes seem like a low priority. Particularly when it is a “cattle call“ audition when you are just one of the many, many actors filing through the audition studio that day. As was the case with both aforementioned auditions.

I do make sure that whatever else I am doing is something related to my career so that I am always in forward motion. Now, if someone can just help me put watching ”Family Guy“ into this category, my life will be complete.

Join us for our "Bite Size Business Soiree," a one of a kind event with The Actors' Enterprise that empowers actors to take back control of their careers!

4:00-5:15pm Part One: "Bite Size Business" Workshop
"What is Self Promotion, and How Do I Do It?"
Studios 353, Studio 4
353 W. 48th St, 2nd Flr, btwn 8th and 9th Aves

Led by Erin Cronican (Founder of The Actors' Enterprise) you will learn the ins, outs and nuances of Self-Promotion: What are the best promotional tools for actors, and how can you take advantage of them to give your career the boost it needs?

Fees are donation-based, so a $10 contribution is appreciated. But participants on tight budgets are able to contribute whatever they can -- which means everyone is welcome, regardless of income or ability to pay!

5:30-7:00pm Part Two: Networking Soiree
Marriott Marquis Lounge
1535 Broadway, 8th Flr, btwn 45th and 46th Sts

Then, hop on over to the spacious Marriott Marquis Lounge where you can get to know your fellow artist. NETWORKING does not just mean "meet & greets" with agents and casting directors... Networking means building relationships with ANY industry member, and your mutual relationship can help to advance both careers in the long run!

ACTORS • WRITERS • STAGE MANAGERS • DIRECTORS • PRODUCERS • DESIGNERS and OTHER INDUSTRY FOLKS are WELCOME!

Bring your business cards and be ready to walk away with valuable contacts! (Food and drinks available for purchase.)

Drawing
Also, at the lounge I will be doing the Survey Drawing- one lucky winner will receive a Postcard Design & Printing (valued at $175.) You need not be present to win (though I hope you are!) - If you’re actor, just fill out this quick survey to enter.

These events are best experienced with a friend: Bring a buddy, and please forward this on to anyone who might be interested.

Reservations Suggested
Call 917-574-0417 or email erin@theactorsenterprise.org.

September 9, 2008 *** Only submit by mail only. No phone calls or personal drop-offs *** See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit for acting roles. Send photo...

Updated current casting call, audition, talent search, and agent information. Resources on getting started, scam alerts, classes, workshops, networking, Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.