Compass Theatre Company

For many aspiring actors, it can take some time to build up a name and body of work necessary to land or even get auditions for the most desirable roles/parts. Every famous actor seems to cite one specific project as his or her “big break,” prior to which he or she simply toiled in obscurity like the rest of us. As a means of not only lining pockets, improving one’s craft and getting exposure to wider audiences, many actors turn to TV commercials. Whether peddling used cars, Bud Light bottles or Direct tv deals, sometimes selling inconsequential items ultimately helps you sell yourself to a casting agent through your demonstrated ability to appeal to a target demographic. Many directors will see a person on their TV screen and make the effort to track that person down in order to read for a particular part.Though an actor is unlikely to jump directly from a commercial spot into the lead of a major Hollywood production, credited roles, albeit smaller roles, are often seeking a particular look. Commercials allow for a large selection of people to lay eyes on an actor’s uniquely attractive or distinctive features, in some instances a lack thereof, resulting in additional work for those whose look aligns with a director’s image. Having commercial credits on your resume will also exhibit a basic ability to deliver lines on time with proper blocking and give an accurate showcase as to how an actor appears on film, including his or her ability to express emotion, from subtle to hysterical, in front of the camera. If nothing else, the simple fact a commercials airs shows a level of commitment and manageability, traits often eluding individuals in the entertainment industry no matter how successful.So for any wannabe star in the making, don’t consider commercials as selling out or a setback in your acting career, rather a building block ascending your star to the sky, a rite of passage for many now household names.

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