What you should do...

1. Don't take the advice you get about this business - whether it be from an acting coach, books, other actors, or even this site - as gospel. There are very few rules in this business and everyone does things in a slightly different way, so take what you can use and leave the rest.

2. Do your research. On everyone. If you're going to an interview with an agent, find out as much about them as possible - who they represent, what kind of reputation they have, how long they've been in business etc. If you're going on an audition, find out what you can about the producers, the director, the project itself, who else has been cast. Know who the major producers, directors, actors, casting directors, etc are in your area and in as many cities as possible.

3. Read. Anything and everything. Plays, novels, acting-related books, the newspaper... keep up with what's happening and keep learning. Reading not only adds to your knowledge bank, but it also builds your vocabularily and gives you something to talk about when you meet people.

4. Volunteer to help out with whatever you can - workshops, plays, festivals. You'll be able to meet a lot of people and you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how things are run.

5. Don't procrastinate. If you're asked to call someone or send them something, do it ASAP. Take full advantage of every opportunity right away.

6. Don't assume anything - always confirm audition dates and times, check details about your call times, and just make sure you have all the facts straight about whatever it is you're doing. I once ended up at a studio on the outskirts of the city for an audition that was actually supposed to take place downtown... thankfully, I'd left early enough to still make it there, but I would've prefered to not be stressed out when I arrived! As one of my guy friends always says, "Assumption is the mother of all screw-ups". (Actually, he used a slightly different word than "screw-ups", but this is a G-rated site)

7. Meet everyone you can - Whenever you hear about a party, premiere, meeting, discussion panel, ANYTHING, do your best to go. The more people you know, the better your chances are of hearing about what's going on.

8. Be punctual - ALWAYS be on time and reliable. It's a common courtesy and will make you look good, too.

What you should know...

1. Know the union rules. Get a copy of the production agreement from the union (whether it be SAG in the US or ACTRA in Canada) and read it - or at least keep it handy so you can refer to it. The more you know about what's expected from you and your employer, the less chance there is of running into trouble.

2. What goes around, comes around. Always treat everyone you meet with respect, because you never know who you're talking to.

3. There's more competition out there than you think. You're going to have to work really hard to beat out the hundreds of thousands of other actors out there, so keep taking classes, networking, and learning.

4. It's better to start out where you are instead of moving to a major city right away. Actors who live in places like Los Angeles and Vancouver have been doing this all their lives and have a lot of experience. You won't be able to compete if you have nothing on your resume when you arrive, so stay in your home town until you get some classes and a few plays - or maybe even films and TV roles - on your resume.

What you should see...

1. Watch as many movies as you can, especially the classics and ones with the brilliant actors (Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Meryl Streep, etc.).

2. Watch well-written and well-acted TV shows, such as Cheers and Frasier.

3. Go to lots of plays. It's best to take another actor with you so you can discuss what you liked and what you didn't like and why - it's a great way to learn what works!