One huge asset you can have as an actor working in Atlanta is having a good mentor. Michael Jordan (starring role in Space Jam) had once said during an interview in reference to his own mentors Forest Whitaker, Ben Affleck and Oprah that, “As an actor, a solo mission doesn’t really happen that often...somebody that’s been through it before that’ll reach back and give you some sound advice is so valuable...and I’ve been pretty lucky to have some good people.” In this career path Jordan is just one example of many actors that have used mentors and have seen that having a good mentor in Atlanta is one of the best things that you can do for yourself as an actor.
There is a lot of competition to be had in the field of acting and having a good mentor can be an invaluable resource and there have many times that it has helped an actor that is still waiting tables to become who they are today in the entertainment industry after finally making that big break in their career. There are many ways to find a good mentor if you are really looking in Atlanta.
The connections you make while going to acting school can really enhance your career. The skilled instructors you have while in school can be one of the best resources you have right at your fingertips; they are already active in the industry and have years of experience behind them already and can help you to understand the expectations that are in place for you as a working actor in the “real world”. Sometimes depending on the school; you may be able to get private consults from your instructors as well. Make sure that you are present in your classes and show that you will work hard and have enthusiasm for anything that you are learning from them. Your teacher will note that dedication and remember it later. Ask many questions and be sure to sign up for any workshops if your teacher offers them and be sure to keep in touch with your teachers even after you graduate from school. Your professors are your first steps in creating a network for yourself in the entertainment industry in Atlanta.
Many aspiring actors do not understand that sometimes by asking questions you can get yourself in on many different things or simply line yourself up for meeting the right people. Lisa Loeb (90s singer and songwriter) managed to get the gig in Reality Bites (1994) by just asking questions and having faith. Given at the time she actually lived next door to the lead in said film, Ethan Hawke and just simply stepped out on a limb so to speak and passed him her demo tape which was then passed along to the director in charge at the time Ben Stiller. This example is to show that just asking the right questions can go a long way. You could even just take some time to make a list of your favorite actors and do a little research to see where they may be at event wise, maybe favoring the events that have them doing a discussion panel. Make a little list of interesting questions to ask them and maybe even just slip in the question about them being your mentor. You will always be kicking yourself if you don’t take the opportunity to just ask them. You may be very surprised at what you get for an answer.
Networking can not be stressed enough as a tool for your actor's tool kit. It is not just about building work contacts either, networking can be used to find others that are further along in their career and to learn from that person as well, so that one day you will be where they are if not even further in your own career as an actor. Networking can be easy too; just by attending acting workshops, conferences, film screenings and perhaps even by just joining an improv group you can expand your network. Use the internet to your advantage as well by joining discussion boards and groups on facebook; these are great places where you can find mentors.
You can however always be mentored by book if your real life heroes are unable to be reached. Use a guide like Sanford Meisner on Acting, the great thing is you can improve what you know about acting without having to worry about time being an issue or having to deal with someone's agent or security personnel to get a chance to be mentored. As a successful mentee, you should be taking away that you need to be open about learning and never stop asking questions, you never know when it will be the right question.
