Pilot season is pretty much here already! While there are more and more pilots being produced outside of pilot season (and shows premiering at times other than the typical fall or winter starts), many new shows still do their casting in the late winter/early spring to be ready for the upfronts in May. And while you can’t control how many auditions you might get, you can control how well you are prepared for anything that comes you way.
First of all, get your materials in order. Do you need new headshots? Do them now! Do you have paper headshots? If not, get some printed up (I highly recommend Reproductions in LA). Make sure your resume is up to date. Make sure your portable actor kit is stocked and ready to go. You don’t want to have to be rushing around getting stuff ready when you only have a limited time to prepare for your audition. Also, make sure your home office is stocked with anything you might need to prepare. Personally, I’m running low on printer paper (to print out the entire script since I prepare my scenes on Rehearsal 2) so as soon as I’m done writing this, I’m heading out to purchase some.
Something else that I’m going to be doing this year in preparation of pilot season is to talk with some acting coaches I know to see who I can book a private session with to prepare for the series regular auditions I might get. While I always take my auditions seriously, I think that adding some coaching will help make a stronger impression. Almost every series regular role I’ve gone out for has gone to someone well known. I knew that I didn’t stand a big chance about booking a role over someone who was just in a major movie. But my belief is that is it better to book an office than to book a role. So if I can prove to the casting director that I am a prepared and amazing actor, they might keep me in consideration for any future roles.
The last thing that I’m going to do to prepare for pilot season is to make sure that I stay busy so I can’t stress about it. I’ve got a trip planned with my sister-in-law when it should be pretty much the end of pilot season. So I’ve got planning to do. I’m also going to make sure that I make plans to do things I love like go to movies and Disneyland. Having too much free time during pilot season can be dangerous. Lots of people share on social networks about the big auditions they have coming up (I’m totally guilty of this) and you can really get into your head and worry why you aren’t auditioning as much. Just remember that you are you and not to compare yourself with anyone else. When it’s your turn, you will get that perfect part and it will all be worth it.
Happy Pilot Season everyone! And remember that as soon as the upfronts are announce you should start getting ready with your actor research!