Every promising performing artist asks themself that single question. Our veteran SAG/AFTRA actor/instructor guides you toward the answer in this virtual classroom based on his own decades-long stage and screen career.
By Perren Page
THE MANY FACES OF PERREN: As an actor with a whimsical, mischievous side, Perren Page has kept his face in front of audiences on stage and in front of the camera for the better part of four decades. (Above) On the set of “M*A*S*H”
Exactly what is this animal we call “showbiz,” and why are we so drawn to it? Well, we’re fascinated because “showbiz” encompasses the field of entertainment. As performers (both potential and practicing), though, we need a fuller understanding of the term. To do so, let’s break the word down to “show” and “biz.” Showbiz is, indeed, a business — big business — ranging from studios, agents, casting directors, managers, and publicists to writers, producers, directors, wardrobe, makeup, and performers. About 90 percent of showbiz is the “business” part, while the remaining 10 percent is the “show” part. Do your homework as performers through classes (John Robert Powers, Barbizon, etc.) and competitions (IMTA, MAAI, iPOP!), and the “show” can be very rewarding to your “biz.”
That said, the question on the mind of anyone reading this column who is seeking to enter the world of showbiz relates to the “breaking into” part, because, apart from performance skills, there are a number of issues to consider as you set out to become a star. In the rest of this column, I’d like to lead you through a couple of virtual classroom sessions, similar to the real ones I lead at John Robert Powers in Norwalk, Connecticut. Using your imagination, pretend you are now one of my students. Fasten your seat belts, as off we go....
CLASS #1: INTRODUCTIONS
You will be introduced to two people today: Me (in the form of my acting experience) and you. Let’s see how much you know yourself. First of all, why are you here in this acting class? To be on TV, be in the movies, be a star, become famous, make lots of money, or become an actor/actress? All are good answers. Let’s examine that last one — actor/actress.
By studying the backgrounds of the roles that we’re playing and looking at the actual person, actors and actresses can gain an edge in developing their own uniqueness.
Pageants can bring out the best in someone looking for an entertainment/showbiz-industry career, but they also can create a few initial pitfalls to success. Here’s how to deal with it.
By learning the art of competition through pageantry, Kristine W went from small-town Miss Washington to breaking Madonna’s record for consecutive hits atop the Billboard Club Play chart.
As this pageant-savvy agent tells it, your Hollywood destiny rests in your own hands as well as with other key industry players. Knowing your part in the process can make all the difference.
School of success: Nine young breakthrough actors shine a reality spotlight on what it takes to fulfill dreams of becoming Hollywood stars. Their experience teaches lessons any up-and-coming performer can use.
Every promising performing artist asks themself that single question. Our veteran SAG/AFTRA actor/instructor guides you toward the answer in this virtual classroom based on his own decades-long stage and screen career.
Seeking success as a performer or model isn’t easy, right? This international runway model and actress knows just how you feel — and she’s grateful to teach you her success secrets.
Music-industry groove master Gary Haase explains why the record industry's song-downloading daze may provide the greatest chance in decades to spin the rock ’n’ roll roulette wheel — and win big!
Throughout the 20th century, the actors’ art has had a number of innovative, if prickly, practitioners. Adam Hill advises you to learn from all of them.
By Adam Hill
For the complete behind-the-scenes story and all the details on this and other exciting competitive events from across America, as well as a wealth of advice to improve your chances of victory, be sure to order Pageantry today.
