Every promising performing artist asks themself that single question. Our veteran SAG/AFTRA actor/instructor guides you toward the answer in this virtual classroom based on his own decades-long stage and screen career.
By Perren Page
THE MANY FACES OF PERREN: As an actor with a whimsical, mischievous side, Perren Page has kept his face in front of audiences on stage and in front of the camera for the better part of four decades. (Above) On the set of “M*A*S*H”
Exactly what is this animal we call “showbiz,” and why are we so drawn to it? Well, we’re fascinated because “showbiz” encompasses the field of entertainment. As performers (both potential and practicing), though, we need a fuller understanding of the term. To do so, let’s break the word down to “show” and “biz.” Showbiz is, indeed, a business — big business — ranging from studios, agents, casting directors, managers, and publicists to writers, producers, directors, wardrobe, makeup, and performers. About 90 percent of showbiz is the “business” part, while the remaining 10 percent is the “show” part. Do your homework as performers through classes (John Robert Powers, Barbizon, etc.) and competitions (IMTA, MAAI, iPOP!), and the “show” can be very rewarding to your “biz.”
That said, the question on the mind of anyone reading this column who is seeking to enter the world of showbiz relates to the “breaking into” part, because, apart from performance skills, there are a number of issues to consider as you set out to become a star. In the rest of this column, I’d like to lead you through a couple of virtual classroom sessions, similar to the real ones I lead at John Robert Powers in Norwalk, Connecticut. Using your imagination, pretend you are now one of my students. Fasten your seat belts, as off we go....
CLASS #1: INTRODUCTIONS
You will be introduced to two people today: Me (in the form of my acting experience) and you. Let’s see how much you know yourself. First of all, why are you here in this acting class? To be on TV, be in the movies, be a star, become famous, make lots of money, or become an actor/actress? All are good answers. Let’s examine that last one — actor/actress.
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