Welcome. Now Stop Working.
I was told that I was not allowed to accept any nonunion work whatsoever, even if it wasn't officially under AFTRA's jurisdiction. More »

Teacher Education, Partner Objection
"I realize that homeschooling isn't for everyone, but it seems like a good way for child actors to have consistent teachers." More »

Forbidden Question, Meeting Challenges
"I usually book roles five years younger than I am. I would honestly prefer not to disclose my age, as I believe it alters their perception of me for the role." More »

Teacher Travails
We recently had a very bad experience with a neglectful, abusive, and incompetent studio teacher. More »

Back on Track, Mom to the Rescue
"I consider myself an actress for life. So thanks for telling people not to worry, and if it's time, to just do it. The road to every acting gig is paved with fun, friendships, and love." More »

Classes Query, Need for Nerves
I realized that when I'm super-nervous, I do much better. But once I realized that, I stopped getting nervous and therefore lost all the nervous energy. More »

Stuck in Rep, Pay to Play
"It was with a mix of relief and sadness that I recognized the agent in question in your recent column ["Arrivederci A******," Oct. 29, 2009]. Because, unfortunately, I'm signed with him." More »

Facebook Manners
"If a casting assistant I have read for several times is on Facebook, would it be weird for me to add him as a friend? I don't know him outside of those couple of auditions I have done for him." More »

Contact Hi, Teen Has-Been
"Do I even have a shot? I'm not asking if I'm good enough. You probably can't tell me that through an email! But am I too old to keep this "silly" dream alive?" More »

Simple Resolutions
This year I'd like to take a stab at some less overarching but altogether worthwhile objectives. Use these resolutions to get started on some practical goals of your own. More »

Character Traits
"A coach told me, 'You're too smart for your own good.' So shall I train myself to conceal that intelligence and perhaps spend more time at the gym?" More »

Agency Blues, AFTRA Dues
"I signed with my agent before I knew much about the industry. I know now that I should have gotten more experience and training before seeking representation." More »

Road Rage
"I recently went through a rough experience involving my first professional tour and am desperately seeking advice on the situation." More »

Dues Discussion
"I have a difficult time understanding how the unions are protecting the "working actor," and I am hoping you can help to clear something up for me." More »

Praise and Pass, Scouting Troupe
Do you know of or recommend any theater companies in town where I can work with an acting family–type atmosphere? More »

Father Ponders Fi-Core
My daughters have only done background work for the past two years. They accumulated waivers, and I was misinformed and told to join the Screen Actors Guild, which I did. More »

Tough Type, The Card Fairy
"I've been an actor for 20 years. I just moved to New York from Chicago, where no matter what I did—and I tried everything—I couldn't get into the union." More »

Representative Resistance
I met with an agent yesterday, and although she offered to sign me, I feel strangely unhappy. More »

Arrivederci, A******
"I recently interviewed with a new agent. While the office impressed me, there were some red flags." More »

Timing Tiff, Sexist Stiff
"I’m acting in a short film and I’m having a problem with the director. He is really dismissive of me and makes weird, sexist comments about me, right in front of my face." More »

Cash on the Dresser, Quitting Time
"It feels like it's really time for me to submit my two-week notice at my survival job. The No. 1 reason is that it leaves me out of energy when I'm done at 5:30." More »

Residual Reassurance, Group Dynamic
"If my son has a credited principal role in a major motion picture, will he still get residuals if he's nonunion?" More »

Papa Was a Working Actor
"I was wondering if you had any success stories about being a parent and an actor and somehow maintaining sanity." More »

Flash in the Pan, Unkindest Cut
"I have a question that is too tough to ask of people in a position to hire me, so I beg for your help!" More »

Desperate Acts, Moving Pictures
Does the Screen Actors Guild realistically expect struggling, out-of-work actors to turn down nonunion work? Times are hard, and SAG isn't making it any easier. More »