If you are like me and have found yourself stuck (for whatever reason) in Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles or New York are not quite in your peripheral vision, do not despair! After a summer of interning through one of Pittsburgh's largest talent agencies, I have found that there are options available for actors in Pittsburgh. However, before you quit your day job, understand that the lucky few who do make a living as an actor in this area may fit into a specific age bracket. In Pittsburgh most young aspiring actors generally find themselves passed over for those with a few years under their belt. Why? Well, for starters, take a good inventory of the commercials on your local television stations. You will find that the young, hip adults (18-25) are greatly outnumbered by the more "mature" crowd (30-45, even 50+). Now take a look at the types of local commercials broadcasted. For example, let's take UPMC. If they needed to promote their heart transplant unit, they are most likely going to bypass (no pun intended) the healthy, oh-so-cute, twenty year old student, for the elderly man who looks like may actually need the operation! When it comes down to it, most calls come in for "mom" types, business men/women, the senior crowd, and don't forget those adorable toddlers! After all, who can resist a kid with a Heinz ketchup bottle? So what is left for students like us? Besides promotional gigs (and don't knock it, $15/hour passing out Febreez can pay a few bills), there are calls for industrials, voice-overs, commercials, and yes even the occasional soap opera or movie-extra. But of course, the first step is getting into the right agency. The following is a compilation of tips (based on personal insight only) to help you get your foot in the door. Good Luck!

1. Explore Your Options
Go to an open call, see what the agency or company is offering, and more importantly what they expect of you. Most agencies offer open calls through the local papers. Call to get more information on each and compare. See what sounds right for you. **If you do go to an open call, always bring some sort of picture (snapshot or headshot) with you.**

2. You Should Not Pay An Agency!
A reputable agency will not require you to pay for their services. Generally agencies get their money from the commission on the jobs that they book for you. The only things you should be paying for are the pictures and possibly for extra promotion of those pictures (i.e. through a website or model book). Again, this should be a minimal fee.

3. Get Headshot/Model Pictures Taken
While agencies should initially accept snapshots, professional pictures are a much better way to get your name and face out there. Before shelling out money for your pictures, talk to your agency to see what they recommend. Many times agencies will either have an in-house photographer or give you the name of someone they use and trust. Let them know what you can afford, and hopefully they will try to work with your budget. On the low range, a photo session AND reprints of your headshots will cost around $200. And remember, Pittsburgh is a conservative town! Girl/boy-next-door shots are the way to go!!

4. Take Classes For On-Camera Acting If Available
Many times agencies will offer their own classes, but again check on prices before you sign up. Classes should almost always be optional and not mandatory when signing with an agency.

5. Don't Sign A Contract Without Reading And Understanding It Thoroughly!!

Vocabulary every actor/model should be familiar with:

Headshot: an actor's picture, generally taken from the shoulders up. Traditionally 8x10 photo, black and white, and usually contains the actor's name towards the bottom of the picture.

Comp Card: a mini-portfolio, generally used for models. The card size varies (usually 5x6), with a full body photo on one side, and 3-4 examples of other "looks" (either from photo shoot or clips from actual bookings) on the other side.

Contact Sheet: a sheet or two of photos taken from your photographer, given so the talent may choose which photo(s) they want for their final headshot/model shot. It is a good idea to let your agency help you choose which picture is right for you.

Slate: stating your name, and possibly agency, on camera before you audition. Tip: always smile for your slate!

Go-See: actually going to the client so that they may see you up close and personal. This more or less pertains to models.

Booking: getting the job! The client will call to book a talent through the agency.

Voucher: the invoice that you, the client and the agency sign containing the rate (how much you get paid) and time you worked.

Industrial: a training or promotional video for a company. Example: A Bath and Body Works employee training video, or a video sent out by the Limited Co. to potential clients.

Voice-over: a recorded voice heard over television and radio commercials, or in industrial videos.