If you’re in New York City right now, you’re probably hearing the echoing cheers of hundreds of Yankees fans.

So what are you waiting for? Get downtown and be a part of the action! You could be interviewed by a multitude of media outlets and just get into the excitement of it all. And rumor has it that famous Yankee girlfriends Kate Hudson, Minka Kelly, and Gossip Girl actress Joanna Garcia will all be joining the parade!

Even if you’re not in New York or a Yankees fan, it’s always a great idea to brush up on your sports trivia. It’s a great conversation started with future employers and contacts, and so many celebrities are huge sports fans.

Some of the A-list attendees at the World Series included Spike Lee, Kate Hudson, Regis Philbin, Donald Trump, Jimmy Fallon, Lorne Michaels, and Rudy Guiliani, just to name a few. They all love the game and being a part of Yankee history.

Of course, celebs aren’t just crazy for baseball. Remember to be on the lookout for your favorite celebs at any game! Just last year I saw Ashlee Simpson and her husband Pete Wentz at a Knicks game. It made the game more fun to see these celebs in a real life situation and just enjoying themselves!

By Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Even when you already have a job, it is important to keep looking ahead and check out everything that is going on around you.  A lot of gigs in this industry are short term and although it is exciting when you have it, the next one may not come as easily and can take longer than you expect. 

Jump on every opportunitiy to get to know as many people as possible where you live.  It always helps to have several people keeping their eyes open for you on future gigs.  And you can have fun too by checking out these cool events you come across!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Say you aren’t working– you might wake up everyday at noon and go to the gym, cook meals, run errands, meet up with friends. Then all of a sudden, you have a new gig that involves 12 hour days and a bad commute.

This will put a damper on your eating habits with only crew meals available, your workout habits since you can get so burned out from work and your relationships with your friends.

Of course, those are two extreme scenarios. But the point is to emphasize the importance of budgeting your time. I like to use calendars on my walls at work and in my house. Planning ahead and writing it down and sticking to the commitment can help you squeeze everything in.

Blackberry schedules and other phone devices could be good for this too. I like to have a visual reminder everyday of what is going on and what is coming up in my life.

With a chaotic, ever changing schedule- I create the old reliable “to do” lists to make sure my errands and workouts get done. There’s nothing that feels better than checking off all of those things and knowing you have met your goals for the day. But be creative and find a way that works for you to keep your life as balanced as possible.

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

However, in this business, you may not always have the comfort of being in your hometown. But there are also amazing opportunities where you go on location!

And I know it sounds great, but I can tell you from personal experience that a long term adjustment is not always easy.

You have to keep in mind that location is NOT vacation! You are working. And a hotel room becomes a hard replacement for your cozy bedroom. As fun as it may be to travel, you may find yourself missing home pretty quickly.

But I have a solution for this! We always tell you to network locally – which is great – but take advantage of any location, whether it’s for business or pleasure and keep the networking going.

Treat the new location like you are a local. Look up events and groups and get involved why you can. You never know what it may lead to, and at the very least you’ll meet new people, make new friends, and hopefully make some valuable connections too!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Be courageous when it comes to your career and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

But while sending cold emails is perfectly fine, popping in and or dropping by offices is not recommended. The person should know you are coming to see them. It will seem rude and uncalled for if you just drop by.

You should email a couple of days before you meet with the casting director to confirm his/her schedule, suggest options, and set up an appointment instead of stopping by.

Calling a person is OK if they don’t respond to you via email. Don’t be afraid to take the next step to get noticed and to get your point across. If you act serious about your career you will be treated that way. After you’ve met with someone it’s always a good idea to send a thank note or “thank you gift” in return.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to come out on top in your career…and in your life too! Break a leg!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Teach your skills! Get involved in acting schools or special acting programs for children and help prepare your students for this fun yet challenging industry.

If you can get a paying gig it can be some extra money for you on the side too.

Volunteering can be just as fun and rewarding. You can even start up your own acting sessions. Think of the opportunities you wished you had  had as a kid… and make it happen for other kids around you. This will help challenge your creativity and express your skill in a new way.

I’ve taught acting for three years and it has given me an outlet to write my own scripts, teach children, and direct showcases. These are all things I do not get to do on my day-to-day job as a casting director. And because it is my class, I can teach it however I want and really see the improvement in the young actors that I have trained as they continue to take more classes.

So if you find time is passing you by and there’s not a lot of work out there, make a difference in another actor’s life and you will see the benefit of it in your own life.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Resumes are so important, whether you are trying to get a job or trying to get cast in a production.

Who really cares if you’ve only done local plays and the person next to you had some roles on Broadway

Your resume will help you get seen so as long as it is truthful and represents you accurately. Click here to get a custom-made resume on InstantCast today!

Don’t be afraid to note all of your acting experiences to fill up one page.  I would rather see a bunch of productions listed than just a few.

Resumes show how involved you are in your career and the more you can put on it, the more passionate and experienced you will come across. It is also a great idea to have several people read your resume before you start sending it out.  I have had several mentors read and edit mine and I have done the same for my friends.  It is always better to have a second pair of eyes on it and be cool with taking their suggestions and make some changes. InstantCast will help you do this with its resume service. Just click here to learn more!

The last thing you want on your resume is a spelling error or a huge error that gives you a bad impression.  If you don’t know how to write a resume, let InstantCast help you with its exclusive resume and cover letter service. When you take your  resume seriously it tells casting directors like me that you’re serious about your career.  You don’t want a piece of paper to blow your shot at an audition!

Click here to get your resume made today!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

InstantCast Exclusive:

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Social networking is an amazing tool, but you must be careful with what you put out there.

DO: Be friends with your favorite actors, celebrities, contacts, and future employers. This includes Production Companies and Movie Studios etc. or anyone you want to be connected with on face book and follow them on Twitter. This way you’ll get all the inside info on appearances, hosting specials, casting calls, giveaways and news updates.

You’ll have first-hand info in your hands… especially if you get your updates on your mobile! It’s all worth it–use the technology at hand! You will have more to talk about in your auditions and future casting you are on and going out for!  Also, be sure to join groups that you’re interested it, whether it’s acting/modeling etc.

DON’T: Be sure not to be friends with people whom  you’re not that close with…you don’t want a stranger to have your personal info. Over-sharing will not be productive for your career!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

The next time you’re asked the most common question at auditions – Tell me a little about yourself – you’ll have a sentence or two prepared in advance.

When constructing your pitch, make sure you draw from the following categories: Your background, your education, your achievements, your hobbies, clubs/sports.

For example, I could say I am from New Jersey. I grew up in a very small town on the border of Pennsylvania. I studied journalism and sociology at Rutgers, where I made dean’s list every semester and was offered an internship at MTV. I enjoy traveling and going to concerts.  I love working out and I have national certifications in Group Exercise, Spin, and Zumba.

So let’s me help you by setting it up for you and you fill in the blanks:

I am from ____ and have done_______ and been cast for_____.  I was at ____ agency in ____ and I took ______ acting classes. This past year I was at _____ and won the top judges prize for _______.

Get the idea? Remember, it needs to be 30 seconds or less. This is a useful tool for all areas of life (like when you’re on any interview).

It’s good to have a succinct statement that encompasses who you are, what you do, why what you do is important, and what help you need from ____ to take it to the next level.

Give it a try! Good luck!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

PS – You could WIN a one-on-one interview with me! It takes 30 seconds to enter – click here to win!

When I hold open calls for actors and models, I can spot the leaders quickly. They’re the ones who start conversations with others before the casting begins.

They are the most willing to help others who come in late or have questions about their application forms. The leaders have an air of confidence that makes you excited to meet them and see what they will be bringing to the table the audition.

I also love casting people who are leaders because you know they are less likely to be difficult to work with. And they are more likely to be thrown in any situation and you. It is always more important to make yourself known as a leader rather than a follower.

If you have confidence in yourself and know how to work with others, casting directors will have confidence in you too!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

PS – You could WIN a one-on-one interview with me! It takes 30 seconds to enter – click here to win!

For a limited time only, we’re giving away a free consultation with one of them. You DON’T have to be an InstantCast member–anyone can win! It takes 30 seconds to enter – click here to enter the running.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

You’ll need to network so that you can find people who are going to help you on your path to stardom.

You simply can’t do it all alone. Here are some ways to find new contacts:

1.  Do internet research. Google searching talent agencies, casting directors, and films/TV/commercials that are shooting to see if you can sign up for their email blasts or future castings or open calls too. You can be a free agent you don’t necessarily have to sign with then do you research and see which is the best fit for you.

2. Make phone calls. It’s okay to make cold calls to get your name and number on people’s radar. Be polite and delightful on the phone and you will leave a huge impression on whomever your talk to or leave a message for. If you hit the phones hard one day your name will stick and your cold calling will turn into Hot calling in no time.

3. Volunteer at community events. Work at farmers markets or food events and attend networking events. Even joining sport leagues and social meet up groups are essential.

In order to do this you have to do your research and search for these events before you actually get to your new location and you will be a shoe- in your town for sure!

By Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

Expressing yourself can be an important asset when chasing your dreams.

I did a casting once for street performers for a TRL segment on MTV. I walked the streets and subways of New York City looking for people with unique talents and inviting them to perform on MTV. I ended up casting a break dancing duo, an electric violinist, and a folk singer for the segment!None of these artists would have ever expected someone from MTV to approach them. What’s more? Most of them didn’t even dream of getting the national exposure on MTV for their talents! They were street performing for the love of what they do … if you’re lucky enough you’ll get noticed too.

Remember, never stop expressing yourself because you never know who’s watching!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Whether it’s a interview or an casual encounter, it’s very important to make your audience feel comfortable and speak openly. Luckily, Tony and I had lots in common.

We both like the ocean, travel, and adventure…all whilst having fun! Click here to reserve your casting consultation now!

We exchanged travel stories for a while and then moved onto discussing his past casting opportunities. He was offered a recurring role in a feature film as a Deputy Chief in the 70’s: he says it was this role that sparked his acting interest.

At the time he had to pass up the opportunity due to financial reasons. Upon reflection, he says he really wishes he had taken advantage of the opportunity at the time. He now realizes that the entertainment world is all about whom you know and you need to have thick skin: I couldn’t agree more with Tony on this point.

I advised him on how to update his InstantCast profile and get some pictures together. I emphasized that the photos don’t have to be professional, but they should look polished and presentable. I also recommended he browse all the new postings and blogs on InstantCast…and even read about himself in the process…on this blog!

Tony is trying to get familiar with the acting world and indulge in his real passion. He says he is going to concentrate on it 110%…and thanks to InstantCast he can work hard on achieving his dreams right from the comfort of his home!  I think I gave him some helpful directions that are pointing him in the right direction. Now, he’s putting all his focus into landing his first gig…I believe he has a great attitude and he’s sure to go far! Thanks for the great chat Tony!

Click here to reserve your casting consultation with me today!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

New Yorkers have a great chance to get on TV while the skinny way of life from The Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel. She’s teaching a class called “You Can Be Naturally Thin” and filming it for the new season of Housewives.  Click here to sign up!

You could be the student with all the intelligent questions… and get your 15 minutes of fame. Bravo producers are bound to be there with Bethenny, and you never know: if you impress them, they might ask you to be a regular on the show!

Just make sure you study up beforehand & know what kind of questions to ask. Get started with the class description from The Learning Annex:

“She stole the show in the runaway hit The Real Housewives of New York City, but Bethenny Frankel’s passion has always been enjoying healthful, natural foods – and sharing that passion with others. In this exclusive one-time-only presentation she’ll explain how anyone can banish their Heavy Habits, “embrace Thin Thoughts”, and enjoy satisfying meals, snacks, and drinks without the guilt.”

There are tons of other classes available at The Learning Annex… you could learn how to start your own fashion line, get a total beauty makeover, or even make your own iPhone app!

If it sparks your interest, go for it. Starting and trying something new is how everyone grows.

By Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

Unless you are at an open call, it is very likely that you are submitting your headshot via an email to a casting director. The way you represent yourself in that email is the first impression you give to someone.

Here’s how to impress a casting director with just one email:

If your email isn’t concise or upbeat or intriguing in any way, your headshot may not even be looked at! Also, you need to sharpen your phone skills. If you are not articulate and enthusiastic, it can really turn a casting director off of you. Sometimes I see a great headshot and resume that I am excited about and I get on the phone with the person and they sound like a complete dud!

If you don’t sound good over phone or email, casting directors aren’t going to want to meet you. So keep these things in mind when you are applying for gigs. Casting Directors will be judging you one more than just your acting ability!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

I know what you’re feeling: I’ve been the Casting Director that people are waiting to hear from and the interviewee that has to wait to hear about a gig! As an anxious person with little patience, this drives me crazy!

Here’s how I deal with the wait:

I find the best way to deal with this is to keep yourself busy. While you’re waiting for that gig you really wanted, look for more auditions. Don’t let it take over your life no matter how much you wanted it. You’ll go insane re-thinking everything you did on your audition and analyzing every comment they made during it.

Being in this business, you have to do a lot of waiting. I have auditioned hundreds of people in my career and many of them never heard back from me when they weren’t selected. Others heard back from me within an hour of an audition and some even heard back from me months later when I decided to cast them!

The best way to handle this is to keep your mind in the moment. If the opportunity works out for you, it will be a nice bonus to your life. If not, you are already prepared to be doing what you’re doing and make the best out of it. More will come along the way!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

DWTS to Pay Tribute to Patrick Swayze

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

You want to be kept in the loop, without being annoying and needy.  After you’ve arrived the day of the shoot, the best advice I can give you is to listen.

Follow my six tips on how to open your eyes and ears to your surroundings:

1. Listen for where you need to be so production can find you.
2. Listen for make-up & wardrobe when they come to fit you or apply your make-up.
3. Listen to the director’s instructions for blocking the scene.
4. Listen to the director’s critique after each take and adjust accordingly.
5. Listen for when you are wrapped for the day and if they’ll need you back.
6. Listen to other actors that might mention auditions that are coming up.

Just listen so nobody ever has to ask you to do something twice.  Good listeners make good actors. Break a leg!

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.