Because LA is so much more expensive than most people think, I’ve tried to make up a rough monthly estimate of what you will need, money wise, to live comfortably in Los Angeles. Keep in mind, I’ve estimated low in most cases. And of course, I’m not talking luxury living here, this is actually the bare basics. You could delete a few of these items, of course, and survive, but let’s face it: no one likes a smelly sick actor with a broken down old car and headshots from 1998! You WILL need money to have a competitive advantage, or even just a sane, normal life.

Estimated Monthly Costs Of Living In LA

Rent: $1000 ($2,000 without roommate, doesn’t include $1,500 deposit)
Car Gas: $300 (this is low if you drive an SUV)
Car Insurance: $150 (this is low basic for LA, you’ll need …

Although acting and modeling aren’t exactly the same thing, they share many similarities. And even though I’ve never had much experience working in the modeling world, other than a few modely type commercials, and a few print auditions, I still find myself oddly addicted to ANTM! Why? Well, I think it’s because it reminds me so much of the whole experience of acting professionally. Also, I am constantly impressed with the dedication Tyra Banks shows to the young women in her show. She is a compassionate and supportive teacher and role model to so many young women, and she believes in helping future models understand the truth and reality of making it in the modeling world. That, and she’s so darned BRILLIANT! I’m sure many of you reading this post will agree, that if you’re …

I hope posting the email excerpts between myself and Bethany and Dee, in Part 1, can help a few other Christian actors and actresses realize that they are not alone. I know there are many Christian film and acting groups in LA. One, I believe, meets at the Hollywood Presbyterian Church. And another meets through the Beverly Hills Episcopalian Church, I think. You can also find out more about Christian filmmakers by going to Ted Baer’s Movieguide Website, or also, The Media Wise Family Website; and you can even volunteer to go and work at the Movieguide Awards every year (considered The Christian Oscars) where you will meet many other like minded people like you!

You will find that if you run into any Christian filmmakers or producers or actors, you really are …

One of the things I am known for is my film ZENITH. It is a spiritual documentary about a group of Presbyterian Christian Farmers in Kansas, who stage an outdoor passion play. I won the Christian Oscar at the 2003 Movieguide Awards for my film, and the event was televised on PAX! My film was up against Spellbound so that was pretty incredible!

As a result, I’ve become fairly well known in the Christian Film Industry. I also have a very strong Christian faith myself, and like to hold my classes in churches, like my last LA class, which was held at the Hollywood United Methodist Church.

This also means I’ve spent lots of time working with young Christian actors and filmmakers, and with famed Christian Film authority, Ted Baer, of The Christian Film and Television Commission, as well …

If you’ve come to this post thinking I’m going to give you advice on how to start up your own LLC, or Corporation, you’ve come to the wrong site! When it comes to the art of acting, there’s a gigantic secret that no one wants you to know. Yes, there’s one little thing that can take your acting from simple to incredible, from bland to fantastic, from boring to fascinating.

What is that little thing, that gigantic secret, that seems so mysterious? Could I be talking about pacing? Could I be talking about voice? What about motivations behind the lines? What about subtext, or sensory work, or accents, or dress? Well, all of these things are important, but what I’m talking about is even easier. It’s a choice.

The art of taking your acting to a whole new level is …

1.They waste your time.
2.They waste your money.
3.A formal degree means nothing in the film/tv acting world.
4.They train you for stage, not film.
5.Many teachers haven’t worked professionally for years.
6.Many teachers and drama directors belittle their students.
7.They seldom help you get auditions or agents.

But first a little background…

So what do we mean by “Professional Acting Program”? Well, it’s any program that’s exclusive, and takes your money to teach you how to act. They can be a short as a few weeks, or as long as several years. They can be accredited, which means, they will give you a professional college degree such as a BA, a BFA, an MA, or MFA. Or they can be unaccredited, which means, they might give you a certificate at the end of your time there, saying, Suzie Smith attended the Joe Bascona Acting School 6 Week Method Course! Other …