19 posts tagged “singers”
Elite Casting Network posts casting calls daily for a variety of modeling jobs.
Whether you’re interested in runway, catalog or swimwear modeling,
there’s something for everyone on our website. One of our most recent casting calls was for fit (also referred to as garment fitting) models. Fit models are critical to the fashion industry. They work with manufacturers and fashion designers
so that the clothing companies can fit their designs to human frames.
Have you ever put on a pair of jeans and they fit perfectly? There was
probably a fit model with a body type similar to yours that helped the
designer tailor the jeans for you and others like you! There are several types of fit models, including sample, duplicate and showroom models. A sample model works with designers specifically to help them adjust and fit garments that will be used in an upcoming fashion show, typically debuting a new collection. A duplicate model is used after the fashion show to readjust the garments so that they can be designed for the ready-to-wear collection that will appear in stores for consumers to purchase. Showroom models work with designers and manufactures to model the garments for department store buyers and help them determine if they should purchase the styles for their stores.
One of the most attractive aspects of working as a fit model is that most fit models’ bodies must be similar to the bodies of the manufacturer’s target consumer. Most consumers don’t have the same body type as the models that you see on the runway; therefore while a runway model may be a size 0 or 2, fit models are more likely to be a size 4, 6 or 8. Accordingly, plus-sized clothing manufacturers often hire fit models that are sizes 14 and up. Fit models typically must adhere to specified height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length and shoulder width measurements as well. These specifications are usually outlined in the casting call.
As a fit model, you’ll get priceless experience in the fashion industry, an opportunity to work with notable and up-and-coming designers and clothing manufacturers, and sometimes you may even get free clothes. You’ll also get to provide your own personal opinion about the fit of the design to help the designers modify the clothes to satisfy consumers just like you. They’ll ask you your opinion on how the design fits, how the fabric feels and if you’re able to move comfortably in the garment.
If you’re interested in becoming a fit model, or you’re curious about other types of modeling jobs that you might be suited for, visit Elite Casting Network (www.EliteCastingNetwork.com) and review our casting notices.
If there was such a thing as an actor’s toolkit, what do you think would be in it? Of course all actors need a headshot and resume. A Star Search Casting membership is another essential item that every actor should also have. Some might say that every actor should prepare and have committed to memory a song that they can sing well to audition for roles that require both acting and singing. And for actors who are interested in musical theater and audition frequently, a pair of character shoes is a must.
When auditioning for musical theater, many casting notices specify that actors must bring character shoes for their audition. Character shoes are named for their use in theater because they are worn when actresses and actors are performing “in character.” They look very similar to tap shoes, and some actually can be ordered with taps. Character shoes typically come in tan or black, with leather soles, and are designed for rigorous movement and dancing for long periods of time. Directors and casting professionals also prefer character shoes for actors because they provide a sense of uniformity. Character shoes, especially for men, may also be referred to as jazz shoes.
If you’re purchasing a pair of character shoes for the first time, here are a few tips you may find useful:
- Although character shoes are sold widely online, you may consider visiting a retail establishment to try on a few pairs to determine which style you prefer. You can then comparison shop for the same brand and style online.
- Character shoes for women are made with varying heel heights. Be sure to pick a height that you’ll be comfortable with.
- Break your character shoes in by wearing them around the house.
- Wipe the bottoms of your character shoes (if worn outside) before dancing on wooden floors
Character shoes are available at a variety of price points and can range from $30 - $130. One of the most popular brands of character shoes is Capezio, however there are lots of consumer reviews online that can also help you decide which brand would be best for you.
Feel free to discuss brands, prices and the best retail stores and websites to purchase character shoes on our community forum. Log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today to talk to other singers, dancers, actors and models about career related apparel, supplies and more!
www.EliteCastingNetwork.com members are becoming increasingly diligent about researching agents, managers and other entertainment industry
professionals before establishing business relationships with them. In
cases where Elite Casting Network members are uncertain about the
legitimacy of an agent or manager, they often post their questions to
the community forum where the Elite Casting Network staff and other members are quick to assist.
Most recently, a Elite Casting Network member was invited to an audition by Model Management Inc. in Los Angeles. While the member reviewed the company’s website, she still wasn’t sure if the company was a legitimate business. So she posted the name and address of the agency to the community forum to get feedback from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members.
When we researched Model Management Inc. we discovered that there were no complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau against this company, nor were there any complaints on the web. However, there was not much information available about the company at all, other than the company’s website, Myspace.com profile and posts on sites like Craigslist.org.
When we called the company’s Los Angeles office number, we got their voicemail. When we called their toll-free number, we also got a recorded message. In researching the Los Angeles address that the company included in their email to the Elite Casting Network member, we found that the company rents an HQ Global suite. HQ Global is a leading provider of virtual offices and small business suites. According to the company’s website, they have offices in San Diego, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.
None of the information we uncovered indicates that the company is engaged in fraudulent activity. However, we always recommend that if you’ve diligently researched a company and you still have reservations, feel free to call and ask a few questions if it will make you feel more comfortable.
Not every agency or management company will be a huge enterprise with a full staff and a fancy office. That doesn’t mean that the company isn’t capable of helping you to reach your goals as a model, singer, dancer or actress. In fact many smaller agencies are able to provide their clients with more personalized service. Explore all of your options, both small and large agencies, and then based on the information they provide, decide which option is best for you.
For more information on entertainment industry scams, or to ask questions related to companies that have contacted you, log in each day to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and review our community forum and our Scam Alert section.
Many aspiring models have signed up for modeling classes only to discover they’ve been the victims of a scam. This is unfortunate because there are actually a number of reputable modeling schools that have successfully helped many new models sharpen their skills and approach the industry with confidence. While modeling school does not guarantee your success in the industry, it can be a helpful stepping-stone for many aspiring models who are new to the industry.
In addition to researching the modeling school before you sign up or pay any fees, it’s also important that you learn about the school’s curriculum. To make sure that you benefit from the experience, you want to be sure that you’ll learn valuable information about the industry and helpful tips that can help you secure jobs in the future.
A reputable modeling school should help you to:
- Develop good posture
- Learn the fundamentals of walking on the runway
- Learn how to apply makeup and take care of your skin
- Develop poise and self confidence
- Adopt good nutritional habits
- Learn how to model for the camera
Modeling schools can be extremely helpful for models who are new to the industry and want an opportunity to learn about the industry in a comfortable, nurturing environment.
You should not sign up for modeling schools that require you to pay for photo shoots with specific photographers. Additionally, you should not sign up for modeling schools as a requirement for being signed to an agency. These are common tactics used by disreputable agencies.
Additionally, a reputable modeling school should give you a realistic assessment of your modeling potential. If a modeling school promises you work based on enrolling in their school – it may be a scam.
Are you interested in talking to other aspiring models who have enrolled in modeling schools? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and post your questions in our community forum to learn more about other Star Search Casting members’ experiences in the modeling industry.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “practice makes perfect.” And no, singing in the shower doesn’t count. If you’ve decided to pursue singing as a career,
then it’s time you develop a consistent practice regimen to prepare
yourself for the road ahead. To develop a successful practice regimen
you’ll need to:
- Make a schedule of the days and times you will reserve for practicing
- Research vocal exercises that you can use during your scheduled practice
- Develop a system for charting your growth
Whether you’ve set aside 20 minutes to practice, or two hours, be sure to begin with a warm up. It’s also important that you prepare the exercises you’ll be working on before your scheduled practice time. If you spend your practice time searching for exercises, or trying to comprehend the instructions, that’s less time that you’re actually working on your voice.
In addition to helping you improve the tone of your voice, committing to a practice schedule will also help you to…
…build endurance. If you’re considering becoming a professional singer, then much like an athlete, you will need to train your voice so that you can sing for long periods of time without your voice fatiguing which can result in pitch problems.
…become a well-rounded singer. Longer practice sessions not only help improve vocal quality, but also help you become a better sight reader, memorize more material, and develop your poise and stage presence.
…gauge your progress. As you practice more often, you will begin to see marked differences in your voice, and begin to note how you’re improving. It’s also advisable to chart your progress on paper so that you can visually see how you’re developing.
Curious to learn more about how other Elite Casting Network members improve their vocal technique? Visit our community forum at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com to network with other singers. And be sure to check out singing auditions in your area!
Ever wonder what kind of an impression your headshots are making on casting directors? Your headshot is your passport to the role of your dreams. So if your headshots are not a good reflection of you and your personality, or the quality of your headshots is poor, it may take you longer to get to attain the level of success you’d hoped for. Whether your photos are outdated, or simply not the best reflection of your personality, new headshots are often just what an aspiring entertainer needs in order to land the auditions and the roles they have their hearts set on.
But how do you know if it’s time to take new headshots? Consider these questions:
- Does your photo look natural?
- Does your photo reflect the way you look now (and not five years ago)?
- Is your photo a clear shot of you, without distracting objects in the background?
- Are you looking directly at the camera?
- Does your photo convey the right image for you?
- Are the clothes you’re wearing in the photo contemporary?
- Did you use a professional photographer?
- Does your photo conform to industry standards?
If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, then you may want to consider taking new photos. Ask friends in the industry (or other Elite Casting Network members) to help you select a professional photographer. It’s also critical that your hair, makeup and attire help you portray an image that will grab the attention of casting directors the moment they set their eyes on your photo.
Once you’ve taken your photos, don’t rush to the printer. Make sure you have several people look at your proof sheet and offer their opinion on which photos are the strongest. Once there’s a consensus, you’ll be in a much better position to decide which photos would help you get the best results.
A headshot that accurately portrays your personality and lets your charisma shine through is the first step towards success in the entertainment industry. Check out some of the head shots posted on our members pages by visiting http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com. You can also get referrals for photographers in your area by posting to our community forum.
HOLLYWOOD – Elite Casting Network (www.EliteCastingNetwork.com) members who’ve taken advantage of the site’s upgrade specials have already gotten tremendous results. A growing number of models, dancers, singers and actors are discovering that Elite Casting Network’s Gold, Platinum and Diamond memberships are the key to launching a successful career in the entertainment industry. By increasing their membership level, thus increasing their exposure, they are now being contacted for more industry gigs than ever before.
Elite Casting Network, the industry’s leading casting website for more than a decade, helps actors, dancers, singers and models get access to invaluable casting leads, dispelling the myth that aspiring entertainers can’t succeed in Hollywood without an agent. Members at all levels are finding success on the website, but actors, singers, dancers and models who have recently upgraded are having record success. Lynette Thomas, a Elite Casting Network member from Memphis, Tennessee is a perfect example. “I have been getting jobs and calls everyday since I upgraded,” says Lynette. “I just got another call for a print modeling job. I love this site.”
Lindsay MacDonald, another Elite Casting Network member from Rhode Island who recently upgraded to a Diamond membership is experiencing the same success. “I've had a Elite Casting Network membership for awhile now but I just upgraded to a Diamond membership and my views are increasing,” she said. A one-year Diamond membership, only $199.95, is a great way for actors, singers, dancers and models to showcase their talent to casting directors, talent scouts and other entertainment industry professionals who visit Elite Casting Network every day to search for new talent.
Elite Casting Network members who upgrade their memberships can upload up to 100 photos as well as video and audio files. Additionally, members who purchase a one-year membership will also get the same level membership for the entire year at Star Search Casting (http://www.StarSearchCasting.com). With two memberships from leading casting websites, actors, dancers, singers and models will not only get more exposure, but also have access to unlimited casting opportunities and resources.
“I have been trying to find jobs for awhile now and it's been hard to do so without paying lots of money,” said Elle Viane from Washington. However once she learned about Elite Casting Network and signed up, she not only found an affordable resource, but she also landed a role in a film that begins shooting this summer.
For more information on joining the tons of actors, singers, dancers and models experiencing record success at Elite Casting Network, visit www.EliteCastingNetwork.com. Sign up or upgrade your membership today!
Are you a really great actor, dancer, singer or model but you’re having a hard time landing jobs? Sometimes talent isn’t enough to seal the deal. If you’re consistently late for your appointments, or come across as being rude or arrogant, no matter how talented you are, you may be passed over time and time again.
Succeeding in the entertainment industry often hinges on the ability to win people over. You have to sell yourself as a performer who is not only talented, but who’s responsible, professional and courteous to others. Want to get cast? Then dedicate as much energy to winning over the casting director that you dedicate to your craft.
So, how do you go about winning over the casting director? Here are a few easy tips that are guaranteed to help you make a positive, lasting impression on the casting director, and help you standout as a talent they’ll want to work with and endorse:
- Submit professional photos that both look like you and reflect your personality.
- Bring extra copies of your headshot and resume to your audition in the event yours have been misplaced.
- Consistently show up for your auditions on time.
- Be polite and professional to everyone in the casting office.
- Dress professionally.
- Demonstrate that you’re well prepared for your audition.
- Be receptive to the casting director and take direction as it’s given.
- Thank the casting director for his or her time before you leave your audition.
And as a little something extra, send a thank you note to the casting director letting them know how much you appreciate them for the opportunity. You can even have note cards or postcards created with your photo on them.
The goal is to standout from all of the other actors, singers, dancers and models that the casting directors will meet with. Even if you don’t get the job, I guarantee that you will leave a lasting, positive impression and the casting director will remember you when other opportunities arise.
Ready to begin using these tips to ace your next audition? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and check out the thousands of auditions we have posted on our website.
If you’ve checked out our auditions lately then you may have noticed that there are several musicals seeking talented men and women to join their casts! Theatrical classics like Show Boat and Hair and two original musical films are just a few of the posts perfect for Elite Casting Network members who are great at both acting and singing!
Have you ever auditioned for a musical and afterwards you think to yourself, “Why on earth did I pick that song!” Selecting a song for an audition can be a challenge - especially if you’re new to auditioning. Here’s a checklist that you can use to eliminate song choices so that you don’t make the costly mistake of picking the wrong song for your musical theatre audition.
Don’t choose a song…
…If it doesn’t resonate with you. You should really like the song, and enjoy singing it in order to perform it well.
…If portions of the song are out of your range. If during practice you can’t consistently hit all of the notes, pick a new song.
…If it’s not in a key you can sing in and you aren’t able to have it transposed. Don’t assume that the pianist at your audition can transpose music on sight.
…If it doesn’t show off your vocal talents.
…If you have trouble remembering the lyrics.
Once you’ve eliminated songs that aren’t a good fit, begin keeping the songs that are well suited for your voice and for musical theatre auditions in a well-organized notebook. You can also keep your headshots and resumes in the notebook so that you’re always prepared when you arrive at your audition.
Ready to sing your heart out? Visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today and check out some of the auditions that we have posted on our website. You can also connect with other members in our community forum to discuss other helpful audition tips. Good luck!
If you’ve checked out our auditions lately then you may have noticed that there are several musicals seeking talented men and women to join their casts! Theatrical classics like Show Boat and Hair and two original musical films are just a few of the posts perfect for Elite Casting Network members who are great at both acting and singing!
Have you ever auditioned for a musical and afterwards you think to yourself, “Why on earth did I pick that song!” Selecting a song for an audition can be a challenge - especially if you’re new to auditioning. Here’s a checklist that you can use to eliminate song choices so that you don’t make the costly mistake of picking the wrong song for your musical theatre audition.
Don’t choose a song…
…If it doesn’t resonate with you. You should really like the song, and enjoy singing it in order to perform it well.
…If portions of the song are out of your range. If during practice you can’t consistently hit all of the notes, pick a new song.
…If it’s not in a key you can sing in and you aren’t able to have it transposed. Don’t assume that the pianist at your audition can transpose music on sight.
…If it doesn’t show off your vocal talents.
…If you have trouble remembering the lyrics.
Once you’ve eliminated songs that aren’t a good fit, begin keeping the songs that are well suited for your voice and for musical theatre auditions in a well-organized notebook. You can also keep your headshots and resumes in the notebook so that you’re always prepared when you arrive at your audition.
Ready to sing your heart out? Visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today and check out some of the auditions that we have posted on our website. You can also connect with other members in our community forum to discuss other helpful audition tips. Good luck!
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