FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Theatre Ontario continues to be a vital source of information for individuals and organizations that are looking for timely information on theatre from a variety of sources.

Here are some of the questions we answer on a daily basis from people throughout the province:

I'm interested in getting into acting - do you have any suggestions?
How do I get an agent and how do I know if they are legitimate?
Where can I get grant money for my theatre projects?
I want to take a class - can you recommend a place to go?
What kind of photographs do I need for auditions?
How do you do a resume for theatre, film and television work?
How do I find out about auditions?
I want to get into film and commercials - how do I do that?

 

I'm interested in getting into acting - do you have any suggestions?
As performers we begin our learning in many places -- at school, in community theatres, courses and workshops at studios, training centres like community colleges and universities or Theatre Ontario's summer courses and seminars.  For those interested in "getting into acting" we suggest many of these ways to begin. Of course, it depends on where you live, the resources available in your community and the time available to invest in theatre activities and training.

For individuals beginning a career in the arts, Theatre Ontario offers its members courses and other valuable services for the beginning professional including Getting Started sessions, one-on-one counselling sessions, Non-Union Talent Files (used by theatre and film companies looking for non-union talent), opportunities to participate in special events, workshops, summer courses and excellent summer courses. Theatre Ontario's Talent Bank directory is a valuable resource of talented professionals who can assist with your theatre company's specific workshops needs.

Gone are the days when an actor is "just discovered."  Even the notion of "instant talent" is fading.  Today, an actor has to actively promote him or herself and provide the appropriate information to agents, casting directors, directors and producers.  Photos are one of the key marketing tools used by an actor when selecting and recruiting an agent. On average, agents receive 15 to 20 photos and resumes per day in the mail. The photograph, known in the industry as the "8 by 10" (or the "headshot" or "glossy") is used by agents to promote the actor to casting directors and producers, as well as to promote the actor to the public and audiences.

How do I get an agent and how do I know if they are legitimate?
The Agents Book, published by Theatre Ontario, has a listing of agencies which are signees of the EIC's Code of Ethical Conduct.  The book also has great information about getting started in the entertainment industry. Visit our online publication listing.

If you are hoping to make a career as an actor you will need talent, determination and training.

Until you have serious training in acting, speech and movement as well as some experience in theatre or non-union film and television, there is little point in looking for an agent. Even teenagers will be expected to be taking drama classes in high school or with reputable studios. The TAAS website is www.torontoactingstudios.com

Don’t think of professional work as a hobby -- if you want to act for fun, look into joining a community theatre group.

While most talent agents operate within standard industry norms and are ethical -- some are not.  They prey on the fact people don't know what standard industry practices are.  The Entertainment Industry Coalition was formed in 1996 to address this problem.  Representatives of talent agencies, performers' organizations and other concerned parties in the entertainment industry got together and drafted a Code of Ethical Conduct for talent and background agents.  It lays out in clear language how agents should act towards their clients.

Where can I get grant money for my theatre projects?
Visit our online Resource Centre's listing of Funding Organizations.

I want to take a class - can you recommend a place to go?
The Agents Book , published by Theatre Ontario highlights studios, classes for young people, acting programs at community colleges and universities across the province. TAAS (Toronto Association of Acting Studios) publishes a free brochure highlighting 26 studios and their workshop programs in Toronto.  Here are questions they suggest:

  • What are the teacher's credentials and qualifications?
  • What will the course include?
  • Is the emphasis on teaching or performance/studio promotion?
  • What is the cost of the course?
  • Are there any other costs? (books, class notes, administration fees)
  • What is the studio's refund policy?
  • How large is the class? Is there a maximum enrolment?
  • Will you be placed in a class suitable to your skill?
  • Can you audit the class before you sign up for it?
  • Will the studio meet with you in person, answering all your questions?
    Even the most highly rated studio may not be right for you.

What kind of photographs do I need for auditions?
Your photo and resume is your calling card when looking for work as an actor. If you're acting in community theatre, at school or just beginning, it's unlikely you'll need to have a photograph. You will need a resume. When starting your professional career in the theatre, getting a photo that mirrors you and projects the correct image is important. Hire a professional photographer to do the job. Interview the photographer before deciding to hire him or her. Look at their portfolios. Talk to friends. Get suggestions of names from places such as Theatre Ontario, ACTRA or look in Equity's newsletter or Playback Magazine. Do some advance planning and research:

  • Find out what the fee covers.
  • How many shots do they set up?
  • How many prints are included?
  • What if the result is unsatisfactory?
  • Do you want black and white or colour?
  • Do you want a ¾ body shot or head and shoulder shot?
  • How does your agent perceive you? What are you conveying in your photo? Consider asking friends their perception of you if you do not have an agent.
  • Do you want your name printed on the photograph?
  • Does the photographer use a makeup artist?
  • What will be the charge for the makeup and/or hair artist?
  • Discuss clothing and hair requirements before the shoot.

The following is a brief summary of observations made by agents when looking at actors' photographs:

  • Photos should be clear and of good quality
  • Black and white is better
  • ¾ body or head and shoulders (Casting directors prefer head and shoulders)
  • Teeth are extremely important
  • Do not go for a character
  • Make sure the photo looks like you
  • Get your photo updated as regularly as needed
  • First impressions should be quick and sharp and natural

Costs - The average cost for a photographer is $300 per shoot. The photographer will do about 3 rolls of film and with offer you a contact sheet or proofs at the end. You can hire a hair and makeup artist to look after you for the duration of the shoot for an additional $100. This fee is often reduced for men.

Photo Reproductions - All photographers keep the negative. Many professional photographers are currently making their own copies of the prints. The average number of start out prints is 25 at a cost of approximately $75. There is a colour option with the percentage of black and white versus colour being about 80% for black and white and 20% for colour.

How do you do a resume for theatre, film and television work?
Resumes are the second most important tool used by an actor to promote him/herself to agents, casting directors and directors. It is usually attached on the reverse of the actor's photograph and highlights their recent work, their special skills and training. While the 8 x 10 is just a physical representation of an actor's face, the resume provides further information and completes an actor's profile. A recent photo and resume should be taken to all auditions, as they are an actor's calling card. Other pertinent information on a resume should include:

  • Actor's name and name and phone number of agent
  • Union affiliations
  • Height/weight/hair colour and colour of eyes
  • Singing range/Dance styles
  • Theatrical credits - play - name- role- theatre - director
  • Television credits - name - role - director
  • Film credits - name - role - director
  • Industrial credits -name - role
  • Commercials - on-camera or voice-over performer
  • Education
  • Training- where - with whom - how long
  • Special Skills - languages - dialects - musical instruments
  • Sports - martial arts

If you have an agent, they will help you prepare your resume. Note: if there are spelling errors contained in the resume, it can often be discarded. Keep your resume to one page only and highlight your recent credits. If you're an actor with limited credits, agents will often judge you by your training.

How do I find out about auditions?
With the tools of a resume and photo, the actor has the necessary tools to audition.  As a self-employed professional, actors use many tools to find work - the agent, audition hotlines, personal letters, research, audition notices and their network of colleagues and friends.

Theatre audition information is available through Theatre Ontario, Equity Showcase Theatre and Canadian Actors' Equity Association.

Theatre Ontario's auditions binders are available for anyone to view at our Toronto office.  The binders list auditions, jobs, classes, workshops, volunteering opportunities and current shows.  To keep current, drop by about once a week.  Theatres, individuals, producers, studios and professional companies throughout the province regularly send material to be posted when they are looking for special skills, publicizing auditions and new jobs and want to get the word out.  If you want Theatre Ontario to display your information mark it "please post" and fax to 416-408-3402 or email info@theatreontario.org.  Theatre Ontario's audition binders are not available by e-mail, phone or on the web but are free to anyone who drops by their Toronto offices.

Theatre Ontario offers a biweekly email audition bulletin to its members.  Click here for more information about this service.

Equity has E-mail audition subscription service for their members. Equity's "Audition E-drive" is a free service to Equity members and they can sign up for this service on the Internet in order to receive audition notices, classes, workshops, career opportunities.

I want to get into film and commercials - how do I do that?
An actor's calling card consists of a resume, photo and documentation of their film and television, which may take the form of a video or audio tapes. Most actors active in film, television and commercials have an agent that keeps them "in the loop" about auditions and work opportunities.

Talent Agents, (sometimes called Personal Managers or Principal Agents), promote a group of actors and performers (their roster) to get them work in speaking film and TV roles, commercials, voice work, and theatre. The agent is paid a percentage of the performers' fees if they get the job. For film, television and commercials, the producer hires a casting director and they put together a list of talent needed for a production. The casting director prepares a breakdown sheet describing the characters, giving fees, audition and performance days. The breakdown information is sent to agents asking them to submit possible actors for the upcoming audition being coordinated by the casting director. The casting directors decide who the director will see when casting decisions are made.