Bobby McGee is a funny man and also happens to be great actor. He’s worked many years in the business in both comedy and drama showcasing his talent in both film and television. Some of his credits include: “Hollywood Shuffle”, “A Soldier’s Story,” “Harlem Nights,” “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Married with Children.” His successful acting career has naturally segued into producing. Having worked with legendary director Robert Townsend over the years, he’s now collaborating with him on a movie project. It’s the third feature that’s he’s produced and in this blog he shares 7 tips on booking acting jobs and what an actor needs to know when going into a casting session. These 7 tips are sure to help.

1.) Make sure your headshot looks just like you. The biggest mistake an actor can make is walking into a room and not being properly represented by the photo. The people in the room will immediately throw your picture in the waste basket because you have wasted their time.

2.) Don’t talk too much in the audition. If you’re there to do the work don’t get carried away taking everybody‘s time. Time is money and they have many actors to audition.

3.) Don’t talk yourself out of the job. He says that it’s amazing how many actors will talk themselves out of the roll. If an actor gets off track it indicates a lack of confidence.

4.) Be focused. By the time you get to the director and producer your work should be ready to present in a professional manner. Staying clear and focused gives them an indication how you will work after getting the job.

5.) Be prepared. Know the character that you are auditioning for. Show them that you’ve given this reading thought. Although it’s an audition, treat is as though you’ve already gotten the part.

6.) Nervousness is a part of the process. It will not be a negative unless it paralyzes your performance. In most cases nervousness can be a motivating force, but if it gets too self conscious it will get in the way of showcasing who you are.

7.) Laughter is a good way to break the tension in the room. Everybody likes a moment of levity and the more you can be yourself by connecting with them, and not being intimated, it will break down the walls.

Just using these 7 tips on booking acting jobs will help in your audition process. There is a process in the way Hollywood and the casting process works. The more you can understand what to expect in an audition, the greater the chance of getting called back, or better yet booking the job. Preparation, focus, and consistency are qualities that assure actors longevity in this town. Bobby McGee will readily point that out.