|
|
|
|
Today is:
Thanks to the efforts of one of Chicago's most powerful and influential casting professionals (who shall remain nameless) , I was able to get some insight into the biz from two other important professionals. (who shall be known as Mr. X and Ms. X).
The FAQ - Tips and Advice on Starting a Career in Chicago
- Please describe the nature of the work available in Chi-town.
- Does union status make much of a difference?
- Can an actor make a career of it in Chicago?
- Do actors sign or freelance with agents in Chicago and why?
- What sort of actors are particularly needed in Chicago?
See Part Two of the Chicago FAQ!
1. Please describe the nature of the work available in Chi-town.
Mr. X:
8-10 Large Houses, 15 Mid-Sized Houses, A Ton Of Smaller Houses...Some Good Equity Contracts In Town (Not Necessary To Be Equity To Be In Good Productions, Unlike NYC). Lots Of Good Theatre...Some More Alternative And Interesting And Artistically Grounded Than Others. Lots Of Roles For Non-Equity Actors At Good Theatres, Large And Small. Lost Of Improv Opportunities. Lots Of Commercial & Industrial Work Here As Well To Make Additional Money To Acting.
Ms. X:
The work available in Chicago is largely commercials, industrials, voice overs, and theater. There is often film or television work, but it's usually dayplayers and very rarely leads or major roles (although it does happen occasionally).
Return to Top
"... it is a very loyal city... theatres tend to have their favorites ... so if you're not one of them, it may be harder to make a full time living...."
|
2. Does union status make much of a difference?
Mr. X:
Yes it does...but, again, not at all as much as in NYC or LA. It will generally work for you to be non-Equity because you can still get cast in the bigger houses, and if you're non-Equity and they want you, then you just need to join for the show. Also, there are lots of good smaller-to-mid-sized companies who may only be able to use 1 or 2 low-end contracts, so you're more likely to get cast if you're non...a good way to get seen by the other theatres.
Ms. X:
I think union status does make a difference. It just signifies to me that an actor is professional and has worked enough to earn his or her union status.
Return to Top
3. Can an actor make a career of it in Chicago?
Mr. X:
You can definitely make a career here...it is a very loyal city. On the same token, theatres tend to have their favorites, like most places, so if you're not one of them, it may be harder to make a full time living. And most people who do are Equity actors. Also, if you can also get commercial, industrial or v/o work, you can supplement your "acting habit" that way.
Ms. X:
Yes, I believe an actor can make a living in Chicago if they are interested in a commercial or industrial career. I think there are several amazing actors who make a living in theater as well. I don't think you can make a living doing only Television or Film though, it has to be supplemented by other acting jobs in other areas.
Return to Top
|
"oh my god, could our artistic pool be any whiter???
...a lot of the work I look at becomes a casting struggle because of the lack of talented non-white actors in town." |
4. Do actors sign or freelance with agents in Chicago and why?
Mr. X:
Most try to sign, but it's not as desperate if you don't, as if you're not signed in NYC or LA. The casting directors here are smart...they know who they want and who they like and who's in the city and talented.
Ms. X:
Most actors freelance in Chicago, for a variety of reasons I think. Chicago has always been a multi-listed town and I think unless an agent is really on fire about an actor they aren't going to offer an exclusive contract, which leaves hundred of actors with no choice than to be multi-listed. I also think that actors are afraid to make a commitment to an agent, probably out of fear that they will miss possible opportunities by only being at one agency.
Return to Top
5. What sort of actors are particularly needed in Chicago?
Mr. X:
Black actors, latino/latina actors, asian actors....oh my god, could our artistic pool be any whiter???
I run a "new plays" company and a lot of the work I look at becomes a casting struggle because of the lack of talented non-white actors in town....help us!!
Ms. X:
Good ones.
Return to Top
Or move on to
Part 2 of the FAQ!
|
|
|
