Showcases

"If you are about to leave drama school, it is really worth making an effort to follow up your showcase performance, finding out which agents or casting directors attended and trying to get them to see you again when you are in another piece. If a graduate has the luck to have two or three agents interested in them it is imperative they ask someone in the know which agent would suit them best - I have seen actors doing well at drama school pick the wrong agent because 'they were nice / we got on', then finding their careers getting stuck."

Auditions

"Remember that the casting director is on your side and wants you to do well. Different directors like different kinds of auditions. Most of the directors I work with often prefer just to meet first and see if they perceive a quality in the actor that fits their vision of the role. Always do your homework before the audition - try to get hold of the script, and if you are going to be asked to read you should be able to see a whole script. Good agents usually get hold of one, and that gives their client a head-start. If the project is based on a book - read it. Do not be scared to ask the director questions - they are there to help."

Networking

"I am not a great believer in networking, and have never done it. I find it slightly humiliating and discomforting. I don't think it really works, and in this profession, all too easily we can feel belittled - so why add to it? What I do think is, it shows when you feel good about yourself, so to this end, if you have other strings to your bow you should use them, so that you do not feel you are just sitting waiting for the phone to ring."

Contact

"Make contact with casting directors in order to be seen for projects. Again, do your homework, and only send your CV/photo if you really think there is a role you are suited for. It wastes your money and our time sending these in just because someone mentions (sometimes erroneously) that a casting director is working on something."

Showreels

"Some people like them, others (like me) would rather see one thing that the actor is good in. Either way, tapes/DVDs are becoming more and more vital; so do try to get a piece of your work on tape as soon as you can, even if it is only five minutes. What I don't think works, though, is putting yourself on tape doing an audition (unless a casting director has specifically asked for this). Remember, this will be judged against a tape where actors have been properly directed."

"It is tough out there but remember, if you don't get a part it is often for arbitrary reasons, such as that another two actors fit together better, or you look similar to someone already cast. I think if only actors could work in a casting director's office they would go away feeling so much better about why they have not got parts - but please don't apply, I already have a great assistant!"