How NOT to write to casting directors. CAUTION contains humour.

After publishing this comedy post on my facebook wall and on an actors group on facebook I was pleasantly surprised at how much positive response it received I decided to revive my blog with it. The piece is meant purely for humour and no I did not send the following letter to casting directors. If I make you chuckle my mission is accomplished.

What happens when I attempt to write to casting directors. I rebel and write this instead:




Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss Casting director,

You know why I'm writing and I know why I'm writing so let's stop beating around the bush. Here's my face. Look at it. Note: high cheekbones. They are in at the moment. Real life example Benedict Cumberbatch. Here is my showreel. Cheekbones in action. I would say I'm brilliant but we all know actors have bags of self doubt. Also note massive eyes. They look great on screen. Here's a list of my previous work that you won't really read. So if you found this vaguely amusing throw an audition my way. 

Best, 
Annina Kaski 





I wish letters like these actually worked.

It's in the bag!

Great news! I got the part of the evil queen I auditioned for! That's my December sorted, now to just scrape through November. I can feel a lot of waitressing coming my way. But at the end of the day I will always smile since I know I have a paid part coming my way. It's funny how life surprises you. The other week I was really depressed since I hadn't done any paid acting work this year and doubted I would get anything. Bing. Thank you fairy god mother! I will keep you all posted on how life treats me on our tour in December.

The high of a successful audition.

I had an audition today for a pantomime that is going to be performed during Christmas. It is not the best part in the world but it is one further step in my career and actually performing in front of an audience and the best bit: it's a PAID gig. I left the audition feeling great. I think I gave a great audition, something I have been struggling with ever since I graduated from drama school. To celebrate this I started writing my own list of tips on succeeding in auditions. I will post this list tomorrow as I am struggling to stay awake. Tomorrow my lovelies you will witness my first ever tips and tricks blog post. I'm quite excited.

Oh I nearly forgot the best bit of the role I auditioned for. She's a villain. The evil stepmother. *rubs hands in excitement* If the snippets of the script I read are anything to go by I will immensely enjoy this part! (fingers crossed I get it). I do love playing villains!

Actors, you must learn to juggle!

Life as an actor is mostly a juggling act. For all those thinking about a career in showbusiness be warned it is not easy! But if it truly is your passion don't let my warnings hinder you. When I first told my family about my plans to become a professional actor as a teenager I was bombarded with statements. "Oh that is a HARD career." "Really? Maybe you should reconsider." "There is so much competition in that field." The wave of unsupporting comments was topped of with my grandmother's undying words: "I'd love you to become a doctor!" If you met my grandma you would understand she is not a woman you want to disagree with. At the time I didn't take these comments well and saw it as a comment on my abilities. Nowadays I see the truth in their words. You need determination, perseverance and undieing passion. If you attend drama school all this will be repeated to you countless times. The reality doesn't hit you until you graduate and step into the life as a professional actor. Being a professional actor for most means being out of work more than in work in your chosen field. Unless you are one of the very lucky ones to get a big role straight out of drama school. Damn you Orlando Bloom!
               My life is a constant juggling act between making ends meet and trying to progress in my acting career. Before you make a name for yourself you will be offered a lot of low paid or unpaid work. These have the opportunity to get you valuable contacts but doesn't pay the rent. After I graduated I was surprised to find that flexible part time work is really hard to find. Auditions have a tendency to pop up with little or no notice. I was lucky to find work in a recruitment agency that is very flexible but enough shifts to pay the rent are never guaranteed. It is important you have an employer who understands this. This is why I ventured into nail technology. I am currently negotiating a position in a local nail spa and have told the spa owner this so many times I'm blue in the face. I want to avoid unpleasant situations or accusations of not following a contract at all costs. I still haven't decided whether to accept the job or not. Acting always comes first and I need to keep reminding others and myself of this contstantly. Any actors out there I would love to hear your experiences and methods of keeping your head above water. Good bye for now. I have an audition tomorrow. Break a leg!



For acting and audition tips you might find this e-book useful.