What "Type" Are You?

Ever wondered what your actor "type" is? Elle Martin from the NohoArtsDistrict blog has some tips for identifying your type.

What is your type?

Many people see themselves in one light choosing to submit for roles they want.However, Taking time to evaluate your type is just as important as picking the right acting class. This may save you time and effort. It will make submitting and booking more effective.

When you know the look and type you represent you can focus on specific shows and casting directors that work on those shows. At that point you can create your Target list of folks to send your photo and resume to.

Sometimes, Actors do not want to face the truth to be told we are not the leading sexy character when in turn, you may find yourself being cast on a regular basis as the Housewife, the Store Clerk, or the Lawyer. A friend of mine, saw herself as a Leading Actress and submitted for Episodic Dramas as she felt her strong suit was Drama. She kept getting Cast in Lesbian roles. She did not know how to take that, she become Self-conscious. However, this "look" was booking her work and helping pay bills. It is know as what Stuart K Robinson would call know the money shot. Many times you will hear Casting Directors say many Actors who come do not look the photo. So if you get called in because your photo does indeed represent a look to match the break down then you walk in looking completely different you may have wasted your own time.

This is a great tool to help get a clear idea on the roles you may book in TV or Film and see how others perceive you. For instance, I received a Castability Survey and found it to be very helpful. The list has been modified just to give an example. So, in your Career action plan set a side a few moments to know your type and gather some trust worthy opinions to help you. Circle up to 15 of the adjectives that describe roles I am most likely to play…

clever organized unforgiving clumsy wry
chic outrageous nervous cocky witty
charming passionate narrow-minded compassionate wise
cautious patient naive competitive wild
carefree pensive mysterious confused whimsical
candid pessimistic muscle-bound connected well-meaning
calculating playful mild-mannered conservative weird
brooding poised methodical controlling weathered
breezy powerful melancholy cool weary
breath-of-fresh-air
practical maternal/paternal courageous wealthy
breakable precise manipulative cowardly
attractive regal inquisitive deceitful
athletic reliable innocent delicate submissive
assertive resolute infectious dense stylish
articulate ruthless industrious dependant studious
arrogant savvy impeccable depressed

Hopefully this will make it easier for you! Good luck!