Hope everyone had a lovely holiday and here's to a Happy and Successful New Year!

BIG NIGHT OUT tonight 8:30 at Don't Tell Mama. Network with composer/ lyricists. Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro performing.

Jodie just booked an Eggland's Best commercial - she shoots on Friday!

Jodie booked a role on As the World Turns and is shooting her scene tomorrow!

Sign up for Mailings: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper HOLIDAY EDITION webinar with host Doug Shapiro. Monday 12/7 8pm EST. http://ping.fm/HicmY

Mailings: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper HOLIDAY EDITION webinar w/ Doug Shapiro. 12/7 8pm EST. http://ping.fm/HicmY

To our Savvy Community - use discount code savvythanks for $15 off a coaching session! Buy as many as you'd like through Dec 1st. http://ping.fm/aOjPG

Have a special actor in your life this holiday season? Give the gift of a Savvy Actor coaching!

Come see Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro in the Chamberet singing the new work of NYC Composers & Lyricists. 11/18 7pm http://ping.fm/LBm0u

Savvy client Johanna Weller-Fahy booked the understudy role for MADE IN HEAVEN Off-Broadway and got her Equity Card!

Savvy Database Manager Christina Shipp opens the world premier of The Lesser Seductions of History tonight @ The Cherry Pit Theatre!

Savvy Coach Doug highly recommens AUDITION BOOT CAMP with Kathy Deitch. 5-week class starts Saturday Nov 14! e-mail kad007@yahoo.com

Correction: Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro is performing tonight at BIG NIGHT OUT. ETCETERA ETC. West 44th b/w 8th and 9th Avenues. 8:30-11:00!

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro is performing tonight at BIG NIGHT OUT. ETCETERA ETC. West 54th between 8th and 9th Avenues. 8:30-11:00!

Savvy Style with Alison Franck, stylist George Brescia, and agent Jillian Sanders from Buchwald is next weekend! Only $195! RSVP today. http://ping.fm/f7CrM

New Agents in house at Abrams Artists Agency! Stay tuned for more Savvy Industry Updates!

Kevin Thompson is no longer with Judy Boals, Inc. as of October 30, 2009.

Episode 3 of "Creative Conversations" podcast on directing voiceover talent with Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro's: http://tinyurl.com/yjxowh7

Highly recommend upcoming audiobook class with Paul Liberti: http://bit.ly/46Q4V

A few spots left for the Free Seminar - Turn Your Craft Into Your Business this Tuesday at 7pm. RSVP now to jk@thesavvyactor.com!

Actorfest is this Saturday! Free Open Casting Calls, Headshot Drop Boxes, Amazing Workshops & More! Register now before things sell out at! http://ping.fm/UrMKY

Jodie is up for a NYIT Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in Next Year in Jerusalem! Create an account & vote for her! http://ping.fm/ogcgU

Michele Bianculli is no longer a commercial agent with The Mine.

Bowling/Miscia Casting Moved to a New Office!! Stay tuned for more Savvy Industry Updates!

3 spots left for to sing for Broadway panel including Legally Blonde's composer! http://ping.fm/tq0LK

Episode 1 of Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro on the "Creative Conversations" podcast talking about the v/o industry: www.thenormanagency.com/conversations/Norman-CC-performing-1.mp3

Announcing "The Savvy Singer"! Audition & Get Feedback with an Industry Panel of B'way Composers and Directors. Know what you sell! http://ping.fm/fUzsz

Reasonably-priced 5-week Swing basics class with Richard Bull begins Oct 15! Contact richardances@hotmail.com

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro is in Virginia, teaching 3 classes on the business of acting at Shenandoah University today.

WorkShop Theater in need of backstage crew for their MainStage show. Excellent way into a great co. Contact Michael at mpalm11555@msn.com.

Savvy Client Lauren Singerman just booked Lucy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Two River Theatre Company. YAY!

The Yuletide Carolers are looking for a New Jersey Bass & Tenor. Paid positions. Contact kathleen@theyuletidecarolers.com

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro is performing in a reading of THAT'S ANDY! today at The York Theatre.

Mailings: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper webinar with Savvy coach Doug Shapiro Sun. 10/4 8pm EST. Register: http://ping.fm/VDyBJ

New CD added in Julie Tucker Casting! Maria Higgins on maternity leave, check back with our Savvy Updates for her return!!

Arista Baltronis of Arcieri & Associates will be retiring at the end of October.

Erica Palgon is no longer with Liz Lewis Casting! She is now the proud owner of her own company. Stay tuned for more Savvy Updates!

Looking for someone to flier for US in NYC. Email jk@thesavvyactor.com if interested.

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro is recording a podcast today for The Norman Agency's "Creative Conversations" series.

Would love to know your opinions views of The Workshop Theater Company.

Guiding Light airs for the final time today after 72 years.

Free Actors Fund Sem on Incorporating your business. Wed, Oct 28th from 5-7pm. Blilliston@actorsfund.org

Jodie just got her demo reel done by Latour de Force Productions - they do AMAZING work. Check it out! http://ping.fm/FOWgD

Our Savvy Team walked the Race For The Cure raising almost $10,000. Check out our pics
http://ping.fm/DCy0Q

Help Us Enter the ShineALight Amex Contest: Visit http://bit.ly/4x19j

Mailings: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper webinar with Savvy coach Doug Shapiro Sun. 9/13 8pm EST. Register:http://ping.fm/VDyBJ

Mailings: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper! webinar with Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro this coming Sunday night at 8:00 EST. Register: http://ping.fm/R917p

Jodie was featured as a Mover and Shaker in this fabulous blog called Whom You Know by Peachy Deegan. Check out the Q&A! http://ping.fm/nJ0b7

Happy Labor Day!!!! Take some time to enjoy yourself, family and friends!

Savvy client Sheena DiMatteo will tour the country judging dance competitions and teaching classes. Her blog helped to get her hired!

An interesting Anthony Robbins download that talks about how to deal with frustration. http://ping.fm/AmbYL

We talk about a lot about using Social Networking for your career. Think it's all a fad? Watch this video. http://ping.fm/KHIi8

2 Spots left in our Turn Your Craft Into your Business class. Your Plan. Your Brand. Your Career. $25 Off if you register today! http://ping.fm/jJQNr

Tweeting Shakespeare: http://ping.fm/JAyCb

Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro just booked the film The Cycle after monitoring for the casting director at The Network!

Great New Rehearsal Space. Check out Simple Studios. http://ping.fm/2KOUI

Check out Jodie's Bloom Grocery Store Commercial!
http://ping.fm/2XbXl

Promising article that arts groups in NYC are getting more funding. http://ping.fm/IjLXx

Congratulations to Savvy Client Jeremy McQueen who just booked his first Production contract and earning his Equity Card!!!

Spots available for Mailings: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper! webinar tonight at 8pm EST. Register at http://ping.fm/93J5F

In case you missed it. Article reposted
http://ping.fm/CB8Bd

Interviewed for an article on The Ladders.com about how to beat stage fright in interviews - check it out! http://ping.fm/iJktR

The fabulous WorkShop Theatre is seeking an actor for commission based ticket sales job. Email david@workshoptheater.org if interested.

Looks like "Catch Me If You Can, the Musical" might make it to Broadway. http://ping.fm/ycoA5

Looking for Up & Coming NYC Headshot Photographers. Email us your favorites websites to jk@thesavvyactor.com

Resume Tip: Use Tables in Microsoft Word. Tables allow you to align columns w/o Tabs, Add Lines and shading. Try It!

Jodie just recorded two songs for a demo of a new musical written by Tim Huang. If you don't know Tim you need to!! http://ping.fm/SqfgH

"Spider-man the Musical" halted from coming to Broadway. http://ping.fm/Guztf

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro booked a reading of IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU on the bus ride home to NYC! (With Harriet Harris and Debra Monk)

Bowling, Miscia & Lubbe Casting will be taking over Gossip Girl

Complete Casting announced for Broadway show Finian's Rainbow http://ping.fm/wSOhN

Savvy Jodie Bentley just shot a regional commercial in NC last week and booked an upcoming show at the Workshop Theatre!

All My Children is moving production to California after Dec 8. One Life to Live will move into their space.

Estrogenius Festival Auditions
Friday and Saturday 8/7 & 8/8 from 12 noon-5pm @ Manhattantheatresource is located at 177 Macdougal St (8th St/Waverly)
www.estrogenius.org

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro opens tonight as Dr. Lyman Sanderson in HARVEY with The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH.

Kevin on Good Day New York Feature about Jukari by Reebok and Cirque du Soleil at 9am tomorrow

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro just sent out a 169-piece postcard mailing (including postcard design) in 15 minutes.

Catch one of our favorites: Headshot Photographer Jordan Matter on the Today Show on Monday 8-9am hour!

Caroline Sinclair Casting has moved offices! Check out out our Savvy Industry Lists for the most current info around!

Are you musical theatre? Check out Big Night Out! http://ping.fm/Uhhyu

Not all fonts are the same. Find a font that represents your Brand & use that on your Headshot/Resume. Are you a goofball, serious, classy?

Check Out Headshot Photographer Laura Marie Duncan Here's her Facebook Page http://ping.fm/zHTLz

Savvy Actor coach Doug Shapiro began rehearsals today to play Dr. Lyman Sanderson in HARVEY with The Barnstormers.

New SAG president? http://ping.fm/c1UgH

Website Story: A Fun Watch http://ping.fm/xvnQi

Latest Savvy Industry Update: Tony Haris is the newest agent at bloc nyc!

Congrats to Savvy coaching client Angie Bullaro who booked a supporting role in an indie film!

Savvy coach Doug Shapiro opens as Elyot in Private Lives tonight with The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH!

Planet Money is a great Podcast for those looking to gain financial insight! www.npr.org/blogs/money/planet_money_podcast

ING direct is hosting a Savvy Savers Tweetup. Check it out - http://ping.fm/YKii6

Jennifer Ensworth is new @ Adrienne Stern Casting! They're looking for another Assistant, we'll keep you posted with our Savvy Industry Updates!

Join The Savvy Actor Team for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure on Sept 13th and walk with Jodie who is a breast cancer survivor. http://ping.fm/4fXW9

Savvy Actor coach Doug Shapiro is off to New Hampshire to pay Elyot in PRIVATE LIVES and Dr. Sanderson in HARVEY with The Barnstormers.

Marketing Made Easy! Check out! http://ping.fm/fPWLI

LOVE THIS! Update Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Blogger, Flickr, etc use http://ping.fm

Excellent restaurant right across from Lucille Lortel. Peruvian food and it is amazing! http://ping.fm/QJguQ

Check out Jodie's HBO promo!! http://ping.fm/8odrz

Join the all new Savvy Actor Forum and connect with other savvy actors! http://ping.fm/XBbFQ

Savvy Career Coach Doug Shapiro is celebrating his birthday today!

Why Does an Actor Need a Business Plan? by Kevin Urban

I moved to New York to pursue my passion - acting. I knew I wanted to be in a Broadway Show, be on a soap, and in a movie too. When I got here I was overwhelmed, uncertain where to begin! I had some goals in my head, I knew certain steps, but I didn't write a clear business plan. As a result, I left a lot of my aspirations to chance. Now, I know I wasn't alone….

As an actor it's not enough to say I want to be on Broadway, on TV, and in a movie. You need to map out and plan your career. Otherwise, you leave your career to the whims of the day to day. At some point you have to empower yourself and create a strategy. You'll realize (or come to terms with the fact) that you're running a small business and you are the person in charge! You create what you want to do; Not your agent, not a casting director. You are responsible for your success as an actor!

When you made the move to New York, I bet the notion of you being an entrepreneur and starting a new business never crossed your mind. Most acting programs do not teach business skills. In order to run our business efficiently, we must learn the principles of business. These skills must be practiced and nurtured much like your craft as an actor, As a matter of fact, let's consider this a new craft to add to your arsenal. (Check out the business books in our Reading Room. They're fantastic!)

We must learn this craft in order to work on our passion - acting. After all, we need money coming in to fund our classes, marketing, life, etc. Money in, Money out!
One way to develop this craft, which for many is foreign territory, is to dive right in by writing down all of your goals and projects to begin formulating your plan - a business plan. A business plan is your guide to what you want your career to look like, how you're going to conduct business, what your product is, and how you're going to market it. The plan is meant to grow and change to suit your needs.

The plan can be simple, but should contain the following:

Your Mission - What is your particular vision life and your career? I'll give you a hint…you have to be passionate about it.

Product - What specifically is it that you sell? What is your Brand? Why do people hire you?

Support Team - Who are the people in your life who will help you accomplish your vision?

Marketing - What are your personal strategies to meeting Directors, Casting Directors, etc? Do you have a mailings plan? Are you taking class with them? Are you on Social Networking Sites like Facebook? Do you audition for them? Are you creating your own showcase material and putting it on YouTube?

Market Analysis - What shows are you right for? Where do you fit?

Financials - How much income do you need to live? What percentage of your income are you setting aside to fund your acting expenses, living expenses, and savings for the future?

It's important to realize that it's never too late to create and practice your business plan. That's right. I said practice your business plan. Small business ownership is about practice - trial and error. You learn by doing, much like you did learned the craft of acting. Business skills are another craft that most actors must learn in order to succeed. Oh and how do we learn Craft? Through repetition - Thank you Mr. Meisner.

Our 5 week class Turn Your Craft Into Your Business, where we guide you in creating a complete one year business plan starts up again on April 29th!

Be on My Team by Jodie Bentley

For years I thought I could do everything myself. Whether it was saving money, or ego, or not enough time, or whatever other excuses I could come up with --I tried to do it all. From teaching myself to do a pirouette, to working on my monologues, to correct vocal technique- and I will be the first to say I wasn't as successful then at any of it! It took me awhile to realize the importance of having a team. A team of coaches I could turn to at a moment's notice, so I am always fully prepared and empowered for what comes my way.

So what do coaches do? They allow you to take your ideas and refine them, strengthen them and streamline them. It is easier for someone else to see what we are missing. We need that outside eye, both in our craft and in our business, to open us up and get us to that next level. A coach should be a heartfelt supporter, someone who is working with you so you can be the best you can. As actors we need coaches. Can you imagine an Olympic athlete without one? Being our own product even intensifies that. Coaches give us new ways of looking at things, especially when you can't see the overall vision. I have said it before and I will say it again - Erase the go it alone mentality!

I wouldn't be able to belt an 'F' without my voice teacher, and I know I owe many many many call backs and bookings to my vocal coach and acting coaches. A life coach I worked with had such a way at zeroing in on what I needed that we were able to strip away old beliefs about myself I was holding on to. The folks at Acting Success Now, made me examine my mind in ways I never had so I could stop the self sabotaging I was doing. I wouldn't be where I am today without every person I have worked with and hand selected to be on my team. You know what, I bet they feel the same way. The wonderful thing about a partnership with a coach is you both get to grow together and truly help each other.

We all are striving for excellence in our craft and in our business. Now is a perfect time to find, create and use your team. Let's all be fully prepared and excel in our auditions, and interviews. With vocal coaching or dance, we all know it is a learned behavior in our muscles, and the body needs to learn it through repetition. And learn it correctly under the watchful eye of a coach. Honestly, the same can be said of career coaching or acting coaching as well. Train, learn, and embody business principles and acting technique, feel it in your muscles. Own it, embrace it, it will become a part of you. And you will be focused and fearless!

My favorite thing is when my agent calls with an audition 2 days away that is perfect for me, with 12 pages of sides and 2 songs to learn. I just go to my team list and call one of my coaches.