New Years Resolutions For The Aspiring Performer

Congratulations on all of your achievements in 2007! This year Elite Casting Network ( www.EliteCastingNetwork.com ) members have booked a record number of jobs in the entertainment industry and we’re extremely proud that our website has helped so many talented, deserving individuals launch their dream careers.

If you didn’t have any significant career milestones in 2007, don’t be disappointed. It simply means that as you approach 2008, you’ll want to sit down and decide what your goals are and how you plan to reach them in the New Year.

A lot of us make New Year’s resolutions that we never keep. Maybe we pledge to be more organized. Or promise ourselves that we’re going to stick to a low carb diet. Instead of focusing on resolutions you’ll probably break before January is over, why not focus on how to jumpstart your career in the entertainment industry, or take your career to the next level.

For instance, what are some of the things you wanted to do, or should have done in 2007 that may have made a difference in your career:

• Maybe your resume could have used some updating, both online and offline.
• Maybe you should have invested in professional headshots
• Maybe you needed updated headshots to better reflect your current look.
• Maybe it would have been a good idea to begin saving money for a professional demo tape.
• Maybe you should have tried to secure an agent by sending emails with a link to your ECN profile to Agents.
• Maybe you struggled in your auditions, but never had the time to sign up for classes to improve your technique.
• Maybe you weren’t as diligent as you could have been about visiting Elite Casting Network to search for casting calls and other opportunities.

Your success in 2008 will be a reflection of your ambition, hard work and dedication to your craft. If you want to break into the business, then it’s important that you go after it. This week I want you to really think about what steps you need to take in order to get to where you want to go. And in the event you’re really not sure, 2008 would be a great time to take advantage of our online talent consultant to help steer you in the right direction.

Visit www.EliteCastingNetwork.com to take advantage of our talent resources, auditions, talent consultant and online community. We’ve got everything you need to help you succeed in 2008!

Warm Up Exercises For Actors

Did you know that most trained actors never perform without first warming up? It's true. If you ever have the chance to go backstage at a theater before a play begins, or peek into an actor's trailer on a movie set, you'd probably hear and see some things you might not expect. From physical stretching to the repetition of a variety of tonal sounds, warm up exercises for actors are designed to release tension, and prepare both the body and the mind for optimum performance. By releasing tension, you can easily improve timing, rhythm and overall delivery. Here are a few examples of popular warm up exercises for actors:

The Yawn-Sigh: (For relaxing the throat, jaw, face and body)

Open your mouth wide and take a deep breath as you yawn. Stretch the muscles of your mouth and face as you inhale. When you release the yawn, let the air out slowly as you vocalize a low-pitch sigh. As you exhale, release the tension in your face, shoulders, and arms. Take your time and repeat several times.

The Face Stretch: (For loosening the face for better facial expressions)

Open your mouth as wide as possible, stretching your lips, cheeks and jaw. Then tightly clench your teeth and scrunch up your face, cheeks, lips, eyes, and forehead. Feel free to tighten other parts of your body as well. Hold for ten seconds and then quickly release the tension. Repeat as many times as needed.

The Head Roll: (For releasing tension in the neck)

Sit down with your back perfectly straight. Imagine that a string is attached to the top of your head, and is gently lifting your head away from your shoulders. Once your head is raised slightly, slowly lean forward as though looking at your shoes. Keep your body straight, but allow yourself to feel the stretch along your spine, upper back, shoulders, and neck. Now slowly turn your head to the left, and feel the stretch in the right side of your neck. Continue by turning your head to the back and then to the right. It's important to be in tune with your body. If any of these exercises cause you discomfort or pain, stop immediately. If you'd like to learn more warm up exercises, you may want to consider taking an acting class. Visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and click on Entertainment Resources for a list of acting coaches and schools.