A few days ago I received an email from an actor with this headline: "$1000 For Anyone Who Can Get Me An Agent!" Enclosed was a headshot and resume. You may think this shows persistence and ingenuity, but it's not only a bad approach, it highlights a common problem: many actors waste enormous time and energy in trying to reach their goals.

Getting an agent is like crossing a bridge made out of many sections (a "pontoon bridge" to be precise -- that's a bridge made out of boats such as the one Xerxes used in 480 BC to invade Greece). There is no way to get to the other side if you skip one of the sections. If you try, you'll end up in the river. The good news is that if you follow each step, you've got an excellent chance of getting to the other side.

Let's look at the steps involved in getting an agent. Briefly, they include:

1. Deciding to become an actor
2. Training and perfecting your craft
3. Performing in college or local productions
4. Getting a headshot
5. Making your resume
6. Researching acting opportunities
7. Writing a cover letter
8. Mailing your submission
9. Scheduling your audition
10. Auditioning for the role
11. Following-up with the casting director
12. Negotiating a contract
13. Accepting the offer
14. Rehearsing and preparing for the show
15. Performing in the show
16. Getting reviewed / receiving award
17. Preparing mailing for agent
18. Meeting agent
19. Negotiating contract
20. Accepting representation

If you complete each step, you've got a great chance of reaching your goal. Some you don't completely control (#16. Getting a Review, for instance), but many you do. Others may seem irrelevant (#9. Scheduling Your Audition), but none are. What's important to remember is not to get discouraged, realize this takes years of hard work, and don't try to skip any steps.

A friend of mine recently got a glowing review in the New York Times for a play I produced. He spent years studying and performing abroad and five years working the stages here in New York. Once he got this review (and he had completed every step before that), agents started pounding on his door.

Of course, some people don't need to follow any rules (Evil Knievel, perhaps, could jump our river). If you're one of those lucky stars, then you should just keep on charming your way to the top. But for the other 99% of working actors, your best bet is to cross the bridge one pontoon at a time.

Of course, there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything. For instance, there are detailed rules for making a resume and preparing a headshot submission. There are things you must know in order to succeed at an audition. Certain mistakes will destroy your chances of moving forward.

Actor Tips has provided pieces of the puzzle, but it's not possible to fit everything you need to know into a weekly newsletter. That's why I compiled a book, Becoming A Successful Actor. It contains step by step instructions on many of the necessary elements of building an acting career. Most of the chapters are written by professional actors and teachers. It'll help you cross the river.

As the book gets out there, I get more evidence that it's having a positive effect. For instance, the other day I received this delightful note from one of my readers:

Dear Mr. Gracia, My name is Joey Kovach. I bought your on-line book and even wrote you with a question a little while ago. Using the advice that you gave me in both venues, I was able to land my first paying full length production. ("Godspell" with Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton, Co.) Thank you ever so much for everything. Joey Kovach.

Congratulations, Joey. I wish the same for the rest of you. If you feel you could use a little advice, why not take advantage of the resource that helped this actor realize his dream? You can learn much more about it here:

http://actortips.com/becoming-successful-actor

Best of luck in all your theatrical pursuits,

Chad Gracia