Navigating the Acting Business

Gain the essential business knowledge and preparation needed to succeed in the competitive world of on-camera acting.

The four-week course is designed to provide you with the tools needed to manage the business side of your acting career with confidence. You’ll learn and receive personalized guidance from seasoned industry professionals who will share their experiences and how they have thrived. You’ll work on establishing your unique brand and learn effective strategies for marketing yourself with a standout résumé, headshot, reel, and other essential promotional materials.

The course explores the various facets of representation, including the critical distinctions between talent agents and managers. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, providing you with essential knowledge to navigate union rules and benefits. The course also delves into important considerations when negotiating contracts and provides you with a firm understanding of industry standards.

By the end of the course, you’ll be empowered with the know-how to make informed business decisions to support your professional acting career.

What you will learn:

✔ Develop your personal brand and create effective marketing materials, including a résumé, headshot, and reel
✔ Identify the differences between talent agents and managers, and how to effectively work with each
✔ Gain comprehensive knowledge of SAG-AFTRA, including union rules, benefits, and how to navigate its systems
✔ Confidently manage the business aspects of your acting career, from contract negotiations to industry networking

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What you need to participate:

• Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
• Smartphone or camera capable of video and audio recording
• Tripod or other method to stabilize the recording device
• Word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word, that can create PDF files

How the course works:

Interlochen Online courses are designed to be inspiring and flexible with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule during the week. You will interact regularly with your teacher and peers inside the learning environment. 

You can also participate in an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from the teacher and interact with your classmates in real-time. At the beginning of the course, you will complete a survey indicating your preferred times for the class meeting. The teacher will make every best effort to identify a meeting time that works for everyone. The teacher will also post recordings of the meetings and you can view them when it is convenient. 

The goal is that you walk away not only with practical skills and friendships but that you are inspired and motivated to pursue your art and realize your potential.