Former talent agent shares why talent isn't everything - with Michael McCracken

Actor Problems

English - January 25, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 120 MB - ★★★★★ - 26 ratings
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Hear some actor industry info from former talent agent, actor, and found of Vagabond School of the Arts - Michael McCracken,

Michael has been in the professional entertainment industry for over 20 years. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Vagabond School of the Arts. Before founding Vagabond School he was a tv/film, commercial and theatrical talent agent (Grossman & Jack Talent, Shirley Hamilton Talent) here in Chicago. As a teacher and coach, he brings his experience as a freelance casting session director (Simon Casting, The Cast Station), SAG-AFTRA Actor (Chicago MED, Hyundai, Lunchables), improviser and musician. He has worked with thousands of actors at Vagabond School, using technique and business knowledge to push their careers forward.

In this episode, you'll hear....

Michael’s story of leaving his job as an agent and starting an acting school

What makes Chicago such a special market for actors

The challenge most actors face coming out of college and entering the industry

What Michael wasn’t passionate about when working as an agent (and what he was)

Factors that go into casting outside of talent

The big component Michael includes in his actor’s curriculum that often gets overlooked in class

Being weary of all the differing opinions on the industry

Why the loudest voices are not necessarily the majority

How actors don’t always know what’s going on with the business side of acting

Two factors that make a headshot stand out

Stay connected with Michael and Vagbond School!