How to Get a Job from an Acting Class
The comic actress Natalie Desselle died late last year. She is best known for making the films BAPS, a campy 1990’s classic but she also starred in the tv version of Cinderella starring Brandy and Whitney Houston and she worked steadily in television until her death. She began her acting career in the 1990’s when opportunities for nonwhite and plus size actors were limited but starting to expand.
How did she get her first big break in BAPS playing opposite Halle Berry? She took an acting class!
Robert Townsend who directed the film was having trouble finding the right actor. “I couldn’t find anybody that I thought had the charisma and would create the comedy chemistry.”
Then an actor friend mentioned that there was a talented newcomer in his acting class and Townsend met her. Recalling that she was “absolutely brilliant with her innocent country charm” he added, “she was cast on the spot” at her audition.
So, what’s the moral of this story? You won’t get cast sitting at home watching Netflix – take a class - in person or on zoom - and reach out and connect with others in the class.
Taking a class hones your skills but it also enables you to form a network of people whose work you like and respect – and who knows – it might even get you a part in a film.
Catherine Russell
Russell Acting Studio
212-262-4637