GARY MASON

443.624.3014

gary@gary-mason.com

Wisdom

Are You Sending Mixed Signals With Your Headshots?

Acting, Encouragement, Marketing, Wisdom

Ever look at your headshots and think, “Who is that person? Because it sure doesn’t feel like me.”

You’d be amazed how many actors (especially those of us starting later) sabotage themselves right out of the gate with confusing, outdated, or just plain awkward headshots. And then wonder why they’re not getting called in. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue — you might look fantastic, but it’s the wrong signal for the gig.

Your headshot is basically your business card in this industry. It’s the first impression you make, the thing that pops up when casting scrolls through hundreds of thumbnails. And it needs to scream: “This is who I am. This is the story I can tell. You can trust me to walk onto your set and be this person.”

So let’s figure out if yours is doing that — or if it’s quietly torpedoing your chances.

Do Your Headshots Match Your Casting Type?

I’ve seen this so many times. Someone gets gorgeous photos that look like they belong in a fashion magazine — moody lighting, flowing hair, intense gaze. Problem is, they’re most likely to be cast as the friendly next-door neighbor or the dependable nurse.

Your headshots should sell the types you’re actually right for, not the fantasy you wish you could book. If you’re a warm, slightly sarcastic best friend type, show that. If you look like you could be a judge or a CEO, get shots that highlight your authority.

And for the love of coffee, don’t try to cover every possibility in one session. Those “maybe I’m a biker? Maybe I’m a barista? Maybe I’m a royal from 1742?” sessions just confuse casting.

Are Your Photos Current (Like, Actually You Right Now)?

If your hair is now silver but your headshots are chestnut, you’re gonna get side-eye the second you walk in the room. Same goes for weight changes, new glasses, or aging in general (which, by the way, is normal and beautiful and not a problem).

Casting directors aren’t worried about age — they’re worried about surprise. They want to know that the person walking in matches the person on the JPEG. Keep your shots updated every couple years, or any time you make a major change.

Do They Feel Like You?

Your headshots shouldn’t feel like an awkward prom portrait. They should feel like someone could have snapped them on your best day. Natural, relaxed, authentic. The more your essence shines through — that spark that makes people say, “Oh yeah, that’s Gary” — the more likely you are to get called in.

That means working with a photographer who gets it. Someone who talks to you, pulls you out of your head, captures your vibe. (No need to be a mannequin with forced expressions. You’re an actor. Act like yourself.)

Are You Showing Range (But Not Chaos)?

It’s smart to have a couple different looks that fit your type: maybe one warm and approachable, one with a little more edge. But keep it all on-brand. Don’t do a glamour shot, a hunting lodge camo shot, and a law firm partner shot all in the same portfolio. That’s just confusing.

Think about the roles you’re most likely to book — then tailor your shots to that. Make it easy for casting to slot you into a story.

Be Honest With Yourself (Or Ask Someone Who Will Be)

Sometimes we’re too close to our own faces to judge. If you’re not sure whether your headshots are helping or hurting, ask your acting coach, your agent, or even a brutally honest friend. Show them your shots and your self-submissions. Ask: “Would you call me in for these roles based on these photos?”

You might learn that the picture you love most is actually the least effective. It stings, but wouldn’t you rather know now?

Ready to Tighten Up Your Branding?

Your headshots are a huge piece of your actor brand. If you’re not crystal clear on your type — or how to figure it out so your photos don’t send mixed signals — that’s exactly what we cover in my Working Actor Starter Kit. It walks you through defining your brand, getting the right shots, and building a package that makes casting directors pay attention.

The short version?
Make sure your headshots look like you, sell the stories you’re right for, and give casting the confidence to say, “Yep, that’s our person.”

Why Stage Work Still Matters (Even If You’re Focused on Film & TV)

Acting, Encouragement, Wisdom

Confession:
I didn’t come up through the theater world. My first serious training was on-camera — which is a polite way of saying I used to treat stage work like it was a quaint hobby for people who didn’t know how to hit a mark.

But here’s the hard truth that punched me in the ego:
Stage work will make you a better film and TV actor. Period.

Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re probably thinking, “I’m too old to be learning new tricks,” or “I don’t want to memorize a whole two-hour play for an audience of twelve people and a squeaky chair.” Fair. But if you’re serious about leveling up as an actor — and actually getting booked — you can’t afford to dismiss the theater.

Let’s break down why.

Stage Work Builds Muscles the Camera Can’t See

Film is about the eyes, the tiny flickers, the mic catching every micro-sigh. The stage? It demands your entire body, your voice, your breath control. It’s a full-contact sport.

When you do theater, you learn to:

  • Project and sustain energy for two hours straight.

  • Physically embody a character from head to toe.

  • Stay present and reactive without an editor to bail you out.

Even if your next gig is a two-line co-star on CSI: Retirement Village, all of that bleeds into your on-camera work. You’ll be more grounded, alive, and interesting. That’s what books jobs.

You Can’t “Call Cut” Onstage

In film, you can flub a line, crack a smile, adjust your scarf, and they’ll fix it in post. Not so much in theater. If you blank out on stage, you’ve got to keep moving. That forces you to develop real-time problem-solving chops — and confidence.

Because once you survive forgetting your lines under hot lights in front of a live audience?
Self-taping in your living room becomes a breeze.

It’s the Best Acting Class You’ll Ever Take

Seriously. Even the most advanced acting workshops can’t replicate what it’s like to live inside a story, night after night. You get to explore the same character in new ways every performance, responding to different audiences, discovering new beats.

That kind of repetition and discovery is gold for your craft. If you’re working on becoming more castable (or just more interesting to watch), there’s nothing like it.

If you’re not sure where to start building those skills, my Working Actor Starter Kit is a solid foundation. It’ll walk you through finding training, getting your first credits, and figuring out your brand — so by the time you step onstage, you’re not guessing.

You Build Community (Which You’ll Need in This Business)

Let’s be real. Acting can be lonely. Especially if you’re starting a little later, or if your family and friends think you’re nuts for chasing this at your age.

Theater gives you a tribe. Those late-night rehearsals, tech weeks, inside jokes — they create bonds that last way beyond opening night. And connections matter. Casting directors, agents, indie filmmakers? They come to small theaters looking for fresh talent. It’s not just romantic — it’s practical.

Stage Credits Still Impress on a Resume

Even if you’re chasing film and TV, solid stage credits show casting you’re disciplined, trained, and not afraid of hard work. It rounds you out. It signals you’re not just some flash-in-the-pan hoping to get famous on a Netflix teen drama.

The Rush is Unmatched

Finally, let’s talk pure fun. There’s nothing like the adrenaline of a live audience, the hush before a scene lands, the laughter or gasps. It’s intoxicating in a way film sets rarely are.

It reminds you why you wanted to be an actor in the first place — not just to get jobs, but to tell stories that move people right there in the moment.

So Should You Abandon Film and TV?

Not at all.
But don’t be so focused on the camera that you miss the best training ground in the world.

If you’ve never done a play — or it’s been 20 years — consider auditioning for a local production. Or take a scene study class that performs for an audience. Even just reading plays out loud with friends can sharpen your instincts.

Your film and TV work will thank you for it.
(So will your creative soul.)

Ready to get serious about your acting journey?

If you’re still piecing together how to actually start — from finding the right classes to getting your first credits — grab my Working Actor Starter Kit. It’s built for beginners and late-starters, and gives you a clear roadmap so you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the casting wall.

When the Callbacks Stop Coming: How to Handle the Quiet Seasons

Acting, Wisdom

So… you’ve been auditioning. Maybe even booking a few things. And then, out of nowhere:

Crickets.

The callbacks stop.
The self-tapes slow down.
Your inbox suddenly feels like a very quiet, very polite ghost town.

If this is you right now, take a breath. You’re not broken. You’re not secretly terrible. You’re not “too old” or “too late” or whatever your inner saboteur is whispering.

You’re just in a quiet season.
And every actor—yes, even the ones with blue checkmarks—goes through it.

Why It Happens (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)

First, let’s get this out of the way:
A dry spell doesn’t mean you’re failing. It usually means one of three things:

  • The industry is shifting (hello, summer slowdown or holiday lull)

  • Casting is focused on different types right now (which has nothing to do with your talent)

  • It’s just your turn to ride the part of the wave that dips before it rises again

The casting world doesn’t move in a straight line. It loops and stalls and hits gas at weird times. Sometimes you’re everyone’s type. Sometimes you’re no one’s. That’s the game.

The Spiral Is Real (But You Don’t Have to Stay in It)

The silence can mess with your head. You start rewriting every audition in your mind. Wondering if your agent is ghosting you. Scrolling social media and seeing everyone else post their “big wins” while you’re just over here re-labeling self-tape files into folders called “Almost.”

Been there.

The trick isn’t to avoid the spiral. The trick is to recognize it fast and step out of it sooner.

How? With questions like:

  • What’s still in my control right now?

  • Is there a new skill I can work on while things are slow?

  • Have I checked in with my agent or mentor with an update (instead of a panic)?

  • When was the last time I rested—not collapsed, but actually rested?

Quiet Seasons Are Fertile Ground

It may not feel like it now, but this stretch of quiet might be the best thing for you. It gives you time to:

  • Refine your materials

  • Sharpen your self-tape skills

  • Take that class you’ve been putting off

  • Reconnect with why you started this in the first place

Or better yet—create something.

Get a few actor friends together and come up with an idea. Film a sketch. Shoot a dramatic scene. Try something weird or funny or raw. You don’t need thousands of dollars in gear or a film degree—just your phone, a little time, and a willingness to play.

Maybe no one else will ever see it. That’s fine. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s momentum.
Creating keeps the muscle warm.

If You’re in a Slump, Here’s My Advice

Don’t rush to fill the silence with noise. Fill it with intention.

This might be the moment to work on your internal game—the mindset piece that doesn’t get celebrated on Instagram but is the real reason people stay in this business for more than five minutes.

Or maybe you’re craving structure. A plan. A to-do list that keeps you focused while you wait for the next call.

Either way, I’ve got something for you.

  • Start Where You Are – If the slump has you questioning everything, this is the mindset reset you need.

  • The Working Actor Starter Kit – If you’re ready to do something, this guide is packed with practical tools to keep you moving and building even between bookings.

Want to read more before jumping in?

Heads up: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).

Why You Might Not Be Ready for an Agent (Yet)

Acting, Encouragement, Wisdom

Every actor wants an agent. I get it. It’s a milestone. A badge of legitimacy. Proof you’re no longer just “trying”—you’re doing.

But here’s the truth:
If you chase an agent too early, you might burn that bridge before it’s ever built.

Agents aren’t looking for potential. They’re looking for proof.
Not that you’re talented (though sure, that helps), but that you’re:

  • Already doing the work

  • Already booking (or at least actively submitting)

  • Already showing up like a professional

In other words: They want to join a moving train. Not push one up a hill.

Here’s How to Know If You’re Not Quite Ready Yet

This isn’t judgment—it’s clarity. If any of these hit home, it might be worth pausing before you start emailing breakdowns.

  • You don’t have headshots that match your type

  • Your resume is mostly blank (or includes high school plays and “mom told me I’m good”)

  • You haven’t booked a role in the past year—paid or unpaid

  • You’re not consistently submitting yourself or looking for auditions

  • You’re still figuring out if you want to do this long-term

None of these mean you’re doomed. They just mean the foundation isn’t built yet.

Why Rushing Can Backfire

Reaching out to an agent too early isn’t just ineffective—it can actually work against you.

If you send an underwhelming submission, they’ll remember it. And when you’re finally ready to try again? You’re already on their mental “not ready” list.

It’s not fair. But it’s real.

You only get one “first impression” with most reps. So make it count.

What to Focus On Instead

While you’re building toward that agent conversation, here’s what actually helps:

  • Sharpen your casting type and brand

  • Get great headshots that reflect that

  • Book a few solid credits (student film, indie short, co-star—anything with a speaking role and footage)

  • Submit consistently on your own (yes, even after you get an agent)

  • Take classes, build relationships, and stay visible

  • Update your materials and track your growth

Agents aren’t the goal. A sustainable career is.
An agent should be a trusted member of your team, not your only plan for success.

Need Help Figuring Out If You’re There?

If you’re still in the “building” phase—or stuck in the “what now?” loop—I’ve got two resources that can help:

Want the full breakdown before you dive in?

Heads up: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).

5 Tools Every Beginner Actor Over 50 Should Have

Acting, Encouragement, Wisdom

Starting an acting career after 50 isn’t brave. It’s smart. You’ve lived, you’ve seen things, and you’re not here to play games. You’re here to explore something new—and maybe a little wild—that you didn’t get the chance to chase earlier.

Now, acting is one of those professions that can look intimidating from the outside. But the truth is, it’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And presence is something you’ve probably been cultivating your whole life without even knowing it.

So let’s talk about the tools that will help you step into this world with confidence. Nothing fancy. Just real-world essentials that will help you show up like you belong—because you do.

A Simple Self-Tape Setup

These days, most auditions happen through self-tapes. You film yourself at home and submit online. Sounds easy… until you realize “home” isn’t a film studio and your dog thinks every dramatic pause is a cue to bark.

The good news? You don’t need a studio. You just need to be seen and heard clearly.

That means:

  • A smartphone or a digital camera (if you’ve got one lying around, use it!)
  • A tripod to keep things steady or a mount for your iPhone if you’ve already got one.
  • Soft lighting that flatters without flattening. Or this if you want to get fancy.
  • A clean, uncluttered background (a neutral wall or gray fabric backdrop works great)
  • And decent audio—your phone’s mic can do the job, but a lav or plug-in mic helps

Camera-Friendly Clothes You Can Move In

No, you don’t need to dress like the character. But you do need to look like someone who understands the assignment.

For self-tapes or headshots:

  • Solid colors are best—blues, greens, and burgundy tend to pop on camera
  • Avoid logos, busy patterns, and anything with sparkle or noise
  • Find a few shirts or tops that fit well and make you feel confident on camera

One or Two Good Acting Books

Most acting books assume you’re 22 and fresh out of a BFA program. That’s not you. You want something that’s grounded, readable, and not dripping in academic jargon.

If you’re looking for a good place to start:

A Profile on a Legit Casting Site

You can’t get cast if no one knows you exist.

Setting up a profile on a reputable casting site is the digital equivalent of introducing yourself to the industry. It’s where you list your experience, upload a photo, and start looking at what roles are out there.

The most trusted platforms:

Comfort with Rejection (That’s Not Really Rejection)

You are not going to book every role you audition for. In fact, most actors—famous or not—hear “no” way more than “yes.” And if you’ve had a career in literally anything else, you probably already understand this better than most.

But here’s the mindset shift: it’s not rejection. It’s selection.

Think of it this way: if someone goes to a restaurant and orders chicken, they didn’t “reject” the steak. They just picked what fit best in that moment. Same goes for casting.

A Little Encouragement to Get Started

If you’ve read this far, you’re not just casually curious—you’re genuinely considering this thing. You’ve got a spark. A pull. A desire to try something that maybe feels a little scary and wildly exciting at the same time.

And if you haven’t already subscribed, I’ve got a free guide that walks you through the basics—Beginner’s Guide to Breaking Into Acting After Retirement. It covers the gear, the mindset, and the shortcuts I wish I’d known when I started.

You can grab it here if you haven’t yet.

Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).

What REALLY Happens on a Film Set: A Day in the Life of an Actor

Acting, Wisdom

Spoiler alert: it’s not all red carpets and Oscar speeches.

So you finally booked the gig. Your agent calls. You scream. Your neighbors worry. You spend 90% of your energy choosing what to post on Instagram and the remaining 10% trying to act casual when you tell your barista, “Yeah, I’m actually shooting something this week.”

But what actually happens once you set foot on a film set? What does a typical day look like? What kind of beautiful chaos are you walking into?

Let’s break it down: from call time to wrap, here’s what a “day in the life” really looks like for an actor on set.

Call Time: AKA, The Time You Secretly Set Three Alarms For

First, let’s talk call time—a deceptively cheerful little term that determines how early you need to be camera-ready and functioning like a human being.

If your call time is 6:00 AM, congrats! That means you need to be on set, signed in, caffeinated, dressed, and ready for hair and makeup by 6:00 AM. Which really means waking up around 4:30 (and praying your face wakes up with you).

Pro tip: Always arrive 15 minutes early. This isn’t just good manners—it’s industry survival. Be the actor who is professional and pleasant before sunrise, not the one production has to track down while everyone’s clutching coffee and side-eyeing the clock.

Hurry Up and Wait (and Wait… and Wait Some More)

Once you arrive and get through hair, makeup, and wardrobe—which, by the way, is its own little whirlwind of wigs, contouring, and mysterious beige clothing labeled “Urban Casual #4”—you’ll likely be sent to… your trailer. Or a folding chair under a tent. Or a suspiciously quiet hallway near the bathroom. Ah, the glamour!

Now you wait.

This is the unsexy truth no one tells you: most of your day is waiting. Waiting for the crew to set up lights. Waiting for other scenes to wrap. Waiting for lunch. Waiting because it rained. Waiting because it didn’t rain. Waiting because someone forgot the llama. (Yes, it happens.)

So what do you do during all this waiting? Stay alert. Stay ready. Review your lines. Stay off TikTok unless you want to miss your cue and become an embarrassing cautionary tale. (Don’t be that actor.)

Rehearsal: The Calm Before the Chaos

When it’s finally your time to shine, you’ll usually start with a rehearsal. This isn’t a full-throttle performance—it’s a chance for the director, camera crew, and lighting team to see how the scene plays out.

You’ll “walk and talk” through your lines, get your blocking (your physical movements), and maybe hear the director mutter “Hmm…” while staring into the middle distance. That’s normal. They’re visualizing. Or wondering why they got into this business. Could be either.

Rehearsals are where you show you’re collaborative. Ask questions if you’re unclear. Hit your marks. Don’t go full Daniel Day-Lewis and demand silence while you “feel the emotional weight of the hallway.” Save that for take two.

Rolling… and Rolling… and Rolling Again

Once everyone’s set, it’s go-time. The assistant director calls, “Rolling!” and you’re on.

Here’s what you probably didn’t expect: You will do the same scene. Over and over. And over again.

Sometimes it’s your fault (line flub, weird blink, emotional meltdown mid-scene). Sometimes it’s not (mic picked up a plane overhead, lighting changed, a background extra walked into frame eating a banana).

Mostly it’s because each take focuses on a different camera angle—wide, medium, close-up. Sometimes you’ll have to cry real tears, three times (or more) in a row, with a boom mic dangling two inches above your head. Glamorous, right?

Stay present. Stay fresh. Don’t get robotic. Don’t “save it for the close-up”—you never know which take will make the final cut.

The Director: Your Guide, Your Guardian, Your GPS with Opinions

Working with a director is kind of like having a scene partner who talks in riddles, asks for “more tension but less effort,” and occasionally speaks to you like you’re a houseplant that just needs more sun.

That’s not a dig. Directors are juggling 5,000 things. They’re managing the story, the style, the pacing, the lighting, the performances—and trying to keep the whole shoot from going off the rails because someone parked a catering truck in front of the shot.

Be adaptable. Be directable. Don’t take notes personally. If they ask you to “pull it back 20%,” that’s not an insult—it’s guidance. If they say “try something different,” don’t panic. They’re just exploring. Help them help you.

Also? Don’t be a diva. Save that for your memoir.

Crew Members: The Real MVPs of the Set

Actors get the spotlight, but the crew is the backbone. The grip who rigged that impossible camera angle? MVP. The sound tech who made sure you could be heard whispering in a hurricane? MVP. The PA who keeps you on schedule and somehow finds your lost shoe between takes? Absolute MVP.

Be respectful. Be gracious. Learn names. You don’t have to know the difference between a gaffer and a best boy (though bonus points if you do), but you do need to be kind.

Your job is to be a professional. Their job is to make you look good while herding cats and dodging lighting rigs.

Lunch: The Holy Grail

Let’s talk about lunch. It’s more than a meal—it’s a full-blown event. People have STRONG feelings about catering and craft services. And honestly, after six hours of pretending to be emotionally shattered while standing in fake rain, you’ve earned that lukewarm chicken and side of questionable kale.

Here’s the trick: Don’t overdo it. You will be expected to act again. Possibly soon. And nothing kills a performance like trying to deliver lines mid-food coma. (Looking at you, double-serving-of-mac-n-cheese people.)

Navigating the Chaos with Grace (and Grit)

Let’s be real—film sets are organized chaos. Schedules change. Weather shifts. Scenes get cut. Your close-up might suddenly become a group shot with a goat and three toddlers.

You’ve gotta roll with it.

The best actors I’ve worked with aren’t the ones who always nail it on the first take (though, hey, that’s impressive). They’re the ones who adapt quickly, keep a good attitude, and support the people around them—even when things get weird.

Because they will get weird.

Wrap: The Sweetest Word You’ll Hear All Day

When the assistant director calls “That’s a wrap!” you feel it in your soul. It’s like the bell ringing on the last day of school, but your backpack is full of self-doubt, emotional exhaustion, and leftover snacks from craft services.

You thank the crew. You change out of that itchy costume. You start mentally rewriting every choice you made that day.

And then? You go home. You crash. You do it all again tomorrow.

Because that’s the job.

Final Thoughts: The Work Behind the Magic

Here’s the truth they don’t show in the blooper reels or behind-the-scenes featurettes: acting on set is work. It’s gritty. It’s unpredictable. It requires stamina, focus, humility, and emotional flexibility.

But if you love it—really love it—none of that matters.

You’ll put in the hours. You’ll embrace the chaos. You’ll cry on cue next to a wind machine and call it Tuesday.

And at the end of the day, when you see that tiny moment you filmed six months ago light up the screen, you’ll know: every early call time, every retake, every weirdly timed snack break—it was worth it.

What surprised you the first time you stepped on set? Share your stories in the comments—especially the awkward ones. (You know those are the best.)

Until next time, stay curious, stay humble, and don’t eat too much mac and cheese before your close-up

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Feel free to connect with me on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s build a supportive community who can share insights, laughter, and encouragement as we navigate this exciting world together!