Let’s face it, everyone—there’s a ton of confusion out there on how to define yourself as an actor. The entertainment industry sees actors as a product because at the end of the day it’s a business that needs to generate money from their “brands,” which are you the actor.
Finding your niche can be a challenge, trust me. But fear not, because understanding your “type,” is a powerful tool that can open doors, land you solid representation, and guide you toward roles that truly resonate with your talents.
But where do you begin when it comes to “typing yourself?”
Define Your Type
As an actor myself who struggled for YEARS trying to figure out how the industry wanted to “buy me.” I understood that in order for me to nail the marketing side of my acting career, I need to figure out my type.
Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself to help figure out your type or “brand”:
- What kind of characters do you naturally embody?
- What qualities does your appearance and demeanor suggest?
- Are you the quirky sidekick, the charismatic lead, or the brooding antihero?
Take a deep dive into your strengths, weaknesses, and the roles that resonate with you and write them down in a notebook.
Snag the tools you NEED to nail your auditions with confidence every time, so you can reclaim the driver’s seat of your career, with the Working Actors Toolkit!
How Do You Know if You’ve Defined Your Type Correctly?
1. Self-Awareness: If you’ve taken the time to think about and understand your strengths, weaknesses, and the qualities that set you apart, you’re on the right track. Your type should resonate with who you are as an individual and an actor.
2. Alignment with Roles: When you define your type the right way, you’ll find that the roles you’re drawn to and naturally excel in are closely related to your defined type. These are the characters that feel like an extension of your personality and abilities that help you easily understand their point of view.
3. Feedback from Industry Professionals: If casting directors and coaches like myself, agents, or mentors consistently give you feedback that aligns with the type you’ve identified, it’s a strong indicator that you’re on the right path. Positive feedback or being repeatedly called in for auditions for specific types of roles validates your definition.
4. Consistency in Auditions: Your auditions start aligning more closely with the roles you’ve associated with your type. You’re called in for auditions that make sense for your appearance and the qualities you’ve embraced as your brand and type.
5. Cohesive Marketing Materials: When you’ve defined your type correctly, your headshots, resume, and online presence all reflect a consistent narrative. These materials should communicate the essence of your type and give casting professionals like myself a clear sense of who you are.
6. Comfort and Confidence: You feel comfortable and confident when discussing and embodying your type. There’s a sense of authenticity when you step into roles that fall within your defined type.
7. Versatility Within Type: While your type provides a specific niche, you’re also aware of the variations and nuances that exist within it. This showcases your ability to bring different facets of your type to life.
8. Adaptability: Your defined type shouldn’t limit you to one-dimensional characters. Rather, it should act as a guide while allowing you to adapt to a range of roles that still align with your overarching brand.
9. Progression and Growth: Your understanding of your type evolves as you gain experience and insights in the industry. It’s not a static label but a dynamic representation of your acting journey.
10. Industry Validation: When industry professionals, such as agents or casting directors, acknowledge that your defined type resonates with how they see you, it’s a strong indicator that you’re on the right path.
Remember that defining your type is a continuous process. As you gain more experience, your understanding might refine or expand.
Stay open to feedback, be willing to experiment, and most importantly, trust your instincts. Your authenticity and genuine connection to your type will resonate with the industry and lead you to the roles that truly align with your skills and presence.
So, the next time someone asks you, “Can you describe your own type?” you’ll confidently respond, “My type is…,” and be able to easily share your unique essence with them. Remember, when you’re comfortable with your type, the industry will be too.
Snag the tools you NEED to nail your auditions with confidence every time, so you can reclaim the driver’s seat of your career, with the Working Actors Toolkit!