Non-union/No NCDT degree - how to get work

A reader question from an actress from Atlanta, Georgia:

Q: I am an American that just moved a month ago to Kent on a work permit for a job in my degree field, social work. I was a professional actress in Atlanta, Georgia and was able to juggle both jobs and was hoping to work some here as well. I was not union affiliated as Georgia had mostly non-union work and I never landed a union job. I did a lot of non-union commercials, student films, and community theater and trained with some LA folks that were brought in at my acting studio in Atlanta. With all that said, I have been researching the acting field here like crazy and find it a little different. It looks like there is more of an emphasis on holding a certificate or degree from an accredited NCDT (National Council for Drama Training) course.

Have you found it a hinderance that you don't have the certificate or degree from a NCDT or do they accept your theater degree from the states? While I don't hold a theatre degree, I studied for years in Atlanta and LA and don't like the idea of having to go back to the beginning to be able to get jobs. I've thought of just sending my info into some agents with a cover letter discussing my situation (ie American abroad, with some training) and concurrently taking some classes at a reputable acting studio. But I'm finding there are a lot of blocks placed on casting sites and acting classes only allowing people in Spotlight, member affiliated, or accredited to participate. I haven't tried to see if Spotlight will accept my CV with experience and training, as I was hoping to submit myself for some auditions and have a couple of UK credits before trying. What order should I go about getting involved? Go directly to the agents with my US headshot and cover letter, only train for a while, or attempt to get my own credits for a while.

A: Although I didn't complete an accredited NCDT course, I was a member of both AEA and SAG unions when I arrived in the UK which served to prove my worth as a professional actor. I also had a healthy list of theatre, film, TV and radio credits on my CV which helped. Finally I had an in with my current agents, Scott Marshall Partners, through a British actor/director I worked with in Washington, DC. So in one sense, I haven't found it a hindrance that I have an American theatre degree: it hasn't made me seem less credible. However, I do feel I missed out on the British industry contacts I would have made had I gone to a drama school in London.

But what's done is done. If I were you, I'd write to agents regardless of your training or union status and introduce yourself. I'd say you are an American actress recently moved to London from Georgia (they love the southern accents here), you have a work permit and are looking for representation. Then I'd mention a few highlights of your acting career and say you'd be interested in meeting up. If you will be performing anywhere soon, that's a bonus - invite them. Simultaneously, I'd phone up or visit Spotlight, tell them your situation and see if they'll include you in Actresses 08/09. (The deadline is April 15th so get going if you haven't already) Then I'd take a couple short courses at the Actors Centre in areas where you feel you could improve. You'd brush up your skills and meet some other actors. On top of all this, I'd subscribe to CastWeb or CastNet to receive casting notices and submit yourself for work! Then after a period of time - 6 months or a year - if you still don't have an agent, you'll have had time to at least get some training, maybe even some work or a showreel, and you can write to agents again telling them what you'd achieved since you wrote last. Persistence and tenacity. Go get 'em.

Americans: Your UK Acting Career Step 3

So now you've arrived in the UK, you've got a place to stay. Excellent. Now what?

Step 3: DIVE IN!
You need to get involved. Soak up the culture, meet people, make your way into the acting community one way or another. Fortunately there are loads of ways to do this! Here are some recommendations that helped me find my way IN:

A. For Professional Actors without a work permit
You can't actually work, but you can take classes, meet with industry professionals, go to the theatre, and basically get an idea of how the UK market works. This is what I did during the period before I could legally work and it very much paved the way for my career now.

1. Get a mobile phone. If you're here short-term, you can get a pay-as-you go phone.
   
2. Get a copy of Contacts published annually by Spotlight.
3. Join the Actors Centre - Great range of affordable classes, good central location, excellent way to meet other actors. Professional Union membership and/or training required to join. Another place to take classes is the City Lit. I haven't done so personally, but some friends speak highly of it.
   
4. Go to the theatre - This is where you get to know a director's or theatre company's work, other actors, what kind of work is being produced, etc. For weekly listings, read Time Out London.
5. Watch TV - If you want to work on-camera, research popular shows, see who's casting them, observe British style vs. American, and enjoy.
6. Listen to the radio - In the UK there's a lot more crossover between stage, TV, film, and radio than there is in the USA. BBC Radio produces loads of great shows, so hear what's out there - especially if you want to do voice work. You can also attend live recordings for free or very cheaply. See how a radio show is made!
   

B. For Professional Actors with a work permit
If you're just starting out in London, I still advise doing the above as part of your preliminary work. Beyond that, here's what else. Some steps are the same in any city, some are market-specific.

1. Promote yourself in Spotlight - Casting directories published online & in print. This is essential as Spotlight is the standard reference for casting directors and production professionals. Training or professional credits required to join.
   
2. Perform on stage - this can be as simple as a showcase, a staged reading, a fringe theatre production, or if you're lucky a full-out professional gig. The important thing is to be seen. As in any city, this is how you get an agent, and how directors and casting directors find you!
3. Write to Agents & Casting Directors - when you've got a performance lined up, tell everyone about it! Find their names & addresses in Contacts.
4. Seek auditions - If you don't have an agent, you have to find your own work. Here are some methods:
1. Research the area in which you want to work and write to the appropriate person (found in Contacts). In your mailing include a cover letter introducing yourself and why you'd be a good asset, headshot, CV, and contact details.
   
2. Subscribe to: CastWeb or Castnet
3. Ask around. When you're hanging out in the Actors' Centre or at the Equity office, or anywhere actors congregate!
   
5. Convert your Resume to your CV - The UK format is slightly different than what you're used to in the USA. Read my post on this here.
   
6. Get new headshots - the British 10x8 style is much more natural than the American 8x10 glossy and often made-up look. You can probably use your American shots for commercials, but for most dramatic work you'll need the British style in your portfolio. Find photographers through Contacts or by flipping through photographers' books in the Spotlight office.
7. Make a showreel/voicereel- If you want to work on-camera or as a voice artist, this is important to have. I recommend Twitch Films for showreels - they did mine for a great rate and I love it.
   
8. Consider joining Equity - British Actors Union
9. Consider joining the NAAA - North American Actors Association.
   

C. For Students
Lucky for you, as a student in a British university or drama school you can't help but be immersed in British culture. I didn't take this route since I already had my BA in Theatre, but I often fantasized about studying at RADA or some of the other classy schools. If you look at any West End play program, often the first thing actors list in their biography is where they trained. This is a great way of networking with professionals, getting quality training, and at the end showcasing your work to agents, directors and casting folks.

P.S. Check back for in-depth entries on the steps listed above!