The Star of Space Jam, Michael Jordan referenced his mentors Forest Whitaker, Ben Affleck and Oprah once by saying, “As an actor, a solo mission doesn’t really happen that often...somebody that’s been through it before that’ll reach back and give you some sound advice is so valuable...and I’ve been pretty lucky to have some good people.” Actors like Jordan that started out in a completely different career path are just one good example of why the best thing you can do for your career in Detroit is to find someone to mentor you as you begin trudging the trenches in acting.
Your teachers in acting school are actually a great way to start making connections in Detroit that may later lead to someone that you can have in your network or even ask to mentor you as you continue down the path to a successful acting career. One of the best resources you can gather for yourself are getting to know your skilled instructors and making friends with your peers as well. Knowing people that are already active in the entertainment industry can be a huge help to your own development. You may even be able to get private consultations with that instructor if your acting school offers that to students. Be present in your classes and show enthusiasm, your teacher will see your dedication and remember that later. Ask questions and even sign up for extra workshops and most importantly stay in touch with your teachers even after you have graduated. They are the first step in creating your network in the entertainment industry in Detroit.
The difference of just asking the right questions will amaze and wow anyone these days. Take for example the 90s singer and songwriter Lisa Loeb, she found this out for herself when she got the gig in Reality Bites (1994). When this happened she actually lived next door to the lead actor in the film, Ethan Hawke. She gathered her courage up and handed him her demo tape which after listening too Hawke passed on to the director of the film Ben Stiller. In this day and age when data for just about anything is easily obtained at the click of a button, people really devalue just asking. Make a list of your favorite actors and find out with a little research of where they may be doing an event; ideally something that involves a discussion panel. Make a list of intriguing questions and ask, you may even just ask them to be your mentor there in Detroit. You will never know unless you just ask someone.
As an aspiring actor, the importance of networking can not be stressed enough and it is not just about building contacts so you can find work in Detroit. Networking can be another great way to find others that are further along in their career and someone to learn from as well. You can network with ease just by attending acting workshops, conferences, film screenings and perhaps even join an improv group and use the internet and social media to your advantage. There are groups on facebook that you can join and you may even find multiple mentors on discussion boards.
Sometimes the mentors you really want may actually be unreachable however, books can provide some great mentoring as well and you don’t have to worry about them having a busy schedule. There are good benefits to be had by using a book for your mentor or using a guide like Sanford Meisner on Acting. You can improve what you already know about acting without having to worry about trivial things like time constraints or having to deal with another actor's agent or security personal, to get the mentoring you need. To be a successful mentee, you should be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask the tougher questions as you make your way down your career path in Detroit.
