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Thomas R. of Bloomington, IN writes...
Hi Michael!
I was invited by the ProScout people, and they keep calling me and trying to get me an agent already! I was just wondering,
is this good? Because I really want to go, but I might not be able to afford it. If I do go, I know they will like me, but
I know there are no guarantees. What should I do???
Mike responds...
Hey Thomas,
Well, I think if they're already calling you, and trying to get you an agent, that is good. I think you should do what feels
right to you. If you get an offer from an agent before going to ProScout, and you feel it's right for you, then go for it.
I will say though, that the regional is very beneficial. So really, the choice is up to you.
Your friend, Michael
Note from Mike's dad:
Hi, Thomas! Though Mike and I are both died-in-the-wool Boiler fans, he is still likely to forgive you for living in the enemy's
backyard even if I am not! (Just kidding! B-town is a LOT prettier than West Layflat, anyway! vbg)
I try to look at it this way... If you are really interested in acting as a career (MUCH tougher than getting a B-ball ride
to PU or IU (despite Crean cleaning the closets at AH!), you will not get anywhere unless you have an agent - and a good one.
It's that simple. With the cost of having to find one yourself (see some of our earlier entries about this), can you afford
NOT to spend the money for ProScout?
The point is, in one weekend, you will be seen by dozens of the top agents at one time. If you get interest, great. Perhaps
you are on your way. If NOT, then you will also be getting valuable feedback that can prevent you from wasting thousands
of dollars chasing something that may not be right for you. Of course, if you are committed one way or the other, then the
money shouldn't matter. Because if you think ProScout is expensive, just wait till you move to LA! Not trying to be rude,
Thomas, but ProScout is a drop in the Old Oaken Bucket compared to the expense of pursuing your chosen career in someplace
like Hollywood or New York. Hope that helps! Best of luck to you! Mike's dad (PU EE '76)
 Daniel of Archdale, NC writes...
Hello Michael and Michael's parents!
I was just personally invited by Chambers Stevens to come to Hollywood and attend his boot camp. I am a 19 year-old small-town
guy and I was wondering what to expect in Hollywood. Do you have any acting advice or even general advice that would hep
me succeed at boot camp? Also, he sent me some scripts to read before I get there and said that we will not go over them in
class. Did he send you scripts prior to coming to boot camp, and if so did you go over them in class? I am going to have
to work two jobs all summer to get the money to go and I have little experience acting, but this is something I am passionate
about and want to pursue. Is the camp worth it, in your opinion?
Mike responds...
Hey Daniel!
The best advice I could give you is to work your butt off. There are actors I had to deal with who just wanted to screw off.
So don't get me wrong, it's cool to socialize, but there's a difference between socializing and wasting time. At the same
time, make sure you don't take it all too seriously. Just be yourself and enjoy the experience overall. As for the scripts,
I wasn't invited to the camp; my manager pretty much set it up for me. When I got done with the first session, he gave me
a monologue to memorize, and we did go over it the next day. Finally, the camp is DEFINITELY worth it. I really don't think
I'd be where I am today if it weren't for Chambers. He is a great teacher, mentor, and more importantly, a wonderful friend.
He really is a good guy. He knows the craft of acting like the back of his hand; so listen to whatever he says. Other than
that, make sure you remember to have fun. Good luck.
Your friend, Michael
Note from Mike's dad:
Hi, Daniel! I just wanted to give you a little background regarding how Michael arrived at Chambers' boot camp. Back at the
ProScout regional, Michael tried out for the monologue competition with Chambers as one of the judges. Since Mike had never
had any formal acting training prior to that monologue (and neither had his mother or I - so we were pretty useless! vbg),
Mike chose a scene out of the original Pirates of the Caribbean where Mike played the Johnny Depp role.
Interestingly enough, Mike was great at mimicking the scene and actually turned quite a few heads of those who were trying
out behind him. Yet even though Chambers appeared impressed, he took the time to give Mike two important pieces of advice:
first, Chambers told Mike the world already had a Johnny Depp so Mike didn't need to try to be another, and second, Chambers
told Mike he should have chosen a monologue that was more age appropriate. Both comments were wonderful pieces of advice.
And while Mike did NOT get a callback to do the monologue, it was Chambers who personally notified Scott Wine (of the Osbrink
Agency - Mike's agent) and 3 other agents about Mike and his apparent potential. Of course, the rest, they say, is history!
When Mike went to Hollywood to interview Cindy Osbrink, she was NOT impressed (because Mike was so reserved and polite - traits
of a good upbringing but terrible for getting an agent!) and initially declined at the opportunity to sign him. Scott recommended
Mike interview Myrna Lieberman (Mike's manager) and she decided to take him on. Of course, since Mike had no acting experience,
she recommended we send him to Chambers' boot camp.
After Mike's first session, Chambers sent Mike back to our hotel with a brief monologue to memorize by the next day. Since
Mike was not used to memorizing, he sweated bullets all that night trying to find a way to remember his lines! After sleeping
on them, he reviewed them the next morning and went in and blew Chambers away with the way he portrayed the scene. At the
end of the week, Chambers talked Cindy into taking one more look at Mike and proceeded to help him prepare for the second
interview. The result? Mike wowed Cindy and she changed her mind (a RARE occurrence for her - by her own admission!) and
decided to sign Mike after all. Needless to say, Mike has never looked back since.
One more interesting tidbit... for as much time as it took Mike to learn those first few lines in the hotel, Mike now routinely
memorizes many pages of scripts even hours before an audition or shoot. As they say, practice indeed makes perfect! Thanks
for your question, Dan. And best of luck to you! Perhaps Chambers will ask Mike to come assist him during the time you are
out here!
Darius of St. Louis, MO writes...
Hey Mike,
I want to know the best advice you have for a 15 year old male going into ProScout, period. Also, do you have to find your
own transportation there and back from the big event with all the agents? And how is the big event?
Mike responds...
Hey there!
The best advice I could give you is to be yourself. No matter what anybody else tells you what to wear or how to dress, don't
conform to their beliefs. The only people you should truly listen to are the agents themselves or those who actually work
for ProScout. Other than that just look and act as you regularly do. As for getting there and back, you do need to provide
your own transportation. The event at which the agents are present is quite large - when I went, there were roughly 1000 kids,
and that wasn't counting all the parents! Hey, but don't let that psyche you out, because you never know when one or more
of those agents are looking for you. Good luck boss.
Your friend, Michael
Cyndi of Wenatchee, WA writes...
Dear Mike's Parents,
My daughter has been to 2 ProScout invitationals this year and received no (agent) call backs at either one. :( BUT, about
2 weeks after the last invitational, who called my house looking for my daughter but none other than Chambers Stevens!! Kaitlin
received call backs for her monologues at both invitationals and Chambers has personally invited her to attend his acting
boot camp!! We will be going in June and I feel this could be a phenomenal experience for her!! Dad, have you seen what
goes on in any of these workshops and do you happen to know if these are personal
"groomings"? Does Chambers also work as an agent? He states in the ProScout video that he "discovers" new talent and brings
them to LA and "amazing" things happen! Do
you feel that we should be preparing to move in the near future or what? I'm not really sure how to read what this could
potentially mean. Thanks for your time!! Cyndi
Mike's Dad responds...
Hi Cyndi!
Your daughter sounds very talented! Regardless of whether she has received any agent callbacks so far, you should be very
proud of her for earning multiple callbacks for her acting. That is quite an achievement! Mike never achieved one at his
appearance at ProScout. So whatever you do, make sure you let your daughter know how special her accomplishment is and how
proud of her you are - regardless of where it might lead.
Chambers Stevens (and his family) have become personal friends of ours. Mike appreciates all Chambers has done for him.
Without the Actors' Boot Camp, Mike would not be where he is today - it's that simple. Beyond that, Chambers has become one
of Mike's principal acting coaches - working with him on numerous occasions. So yes, I would highly recommend Chambers as
a coach. Your daughter will love him - he is very much like a young kid himself. With his boundless enthusiasm, he really
knows how to connect with kids and bring out their self confidence. In addition, Chambers has often asked Mike to help assist
with some of the sessions. So your daughter should not be surprised if Mike should pop in while she is there!
As for "grooming", I think Chambers takes a personal interest in every kid he works with. He is a certainly successful enough
to where he can choose his clients. However, that does not mean there are any guarantees! While Chambers is a step in the
right direction, he is not a panacea! Your kid will still need an agent, and perhaps, a manager. Chambers does not provide
either of those services - he is just too busy. However, he is very well connected with top agents like Cindy Osbrink (Mike's
agent), CESD, Buchwald, and many others. If your kid has promise, I am sure he would be able to open a few doors. But ultimately,
your child's success depends upon herself - and no one else!
Finally, I would hold off on relocating to LA until such time ALL of the following occur:
1) your daughter completes the boot camp,
2) your daughter remains motivated to pursue acting (on her own, without "encouragement"),
3) she gets either an agent or a manager (or both),
4) you all do some basic research (Acting for Dummies, etc.) and come to grips with both the expense (thousands of $$$) and
time frame involved (could be 2-3 years before the first real job), and
5) take time to discuss and understand the impact and potential toll on your family.
Even after all that, I would likely look into either a part-time (pilot season) or split-living arrangement (what we did)
until it's clear your daughter is A) having some success, and B) still enjoying acting.
Relocating a family to LA is not only expensive but can put unusual strains on relationships - from siblings who may not understand
why your daughter is getting "special" treatment to parents who dip into their kid's earnings to make ends meet (not a good
idea!!!) to you or your husband having to make a job detour at a critical time in one's career! There a LOTS of other considerations
you will need to discuss - from who is going to drive your daughter to all the auditions, private coaching, and workshops
- as well as be on set with her if she gets a role - to where you will live and how often you will return home to visit the
rest of the family. Keep in mind Hollywood is littered with broken families. That should be reason enough to be very cautious
about taking too many big steps too soon.
But with all that said, if you were to ask me if all of the expense, stress, anxiety, and sacrifice has been worth it, I would
say yes - but only because our son is happy and doing what he loves. For while it is certainly surreal and a little overwhelming
to see your kid on national TV or in a major movie, all the money and fame in Hollywood wouldn't mean a thing if he were miserable.
As a result, the ultimate question every parent should be able to answer is this: if your child loses interest in acting,
can you - yourself - let it go and walk away without any regrets or making your child feel guilty in the process? If you
cannot, you have a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y no business coming out here to begin with. A family is far too precious a gift to have
it destroyed by vanity, greed, and unwarranted expectations. While my wife and I believe in the importance of dreams, we
also recognize that without the family, those dreams would be meaningless.
Anyway, sorry for the soapbox. Your daughter sounds very blessed to have the talent she has and the parents who are willing
to help her achieve her dreams. Good luck to your daughter and to all of you in whatever you do!
April of Leighton, AL writes...
Okay. So I'm guessing you went to a ProScout event. So how long ago was it you went? And have you done anything since? Like
if you went for acting, have you had any roles yet? I was just wondering about how long the time span was between your audition
and actually getting something. Thanks. Bye
Mike responds...
Hey April!
I went to ProScout about four years ago. As a result, I was signed by one of the top kids' agents in Hollywood. Since then,
I have booked a variety of commercials & print jobs, a few movies, and a few guest and co-starring roles on television. It
took me about a year after I went to ProScout before I got my first job. However, it varies for each person. There are no
real certainties in acting and, not to mention, not much job security either. Your friend, Michael
Note from Mike's dad:
Hi, April! In response to a few of your questions, you can find more detailed information by going to Mike's Resume and Bio
pages on this website. I am sure you will find what you may be looking for.
Keep in mind, Mike had virtually no experience with acting prior to arriving in Hollywood. As a result, he has faced a few
more challenges than other kids who have already had significant acting experience before coming out here. Still, from all
indications, his progress has been nothing short of remarkable. While Mike is correct that there is nothing for certain in
Hollywood, it is not unusual for it to take 5-7 years before an actor starts getting a few breaks. I have heard numerous
people claim it takes at least 3-4 times in front of any given casting director before they will even remember you.
The bottom line is that this is a very competitive business that takes a lot of time, money, and patience in order to succeed.
If you have all of those issues covered, you have a chance. Nothing more. Take care!
Brett J. of Winston-Salem, NC writes...
Hi Michael and Parents! My daughter Laken sent in a question for Mike a few weeks ago. Your response has really helped her
out. My question is, what should Laken do with her hair? It is very long (down to her waist.) Should she pull it up in a
pony tail or just make sure it is away from her face? She french braids it during her basketball and martial arts tournaments
as well as during her other sports. I know they want to see the raw product but I was not sure about what she should do with
her hair.
Also it said in her letter from ProScout that she only needs two pictures, a head shot and a full body shot. But does she
need to take like 20 copies of each shot?
Thanks for any help! Brett J.
Mike responds...
Hey Brett!
Don't worry. I would just have her keep it out of her face and style it however you both see fit. She will do fine. Your
friend, Michael
Note from Mike's dad:
Hi, Brett! Don't worry too much about the hair. As Mike said, the agents will want to see her face so if she can find a
way to wear her hair while keeping it out of her face, she will be okay. If she has bangs, it's okay as long as they don't
cover up most of her face. Beyond that, the style isn't really important as long as it is something that is natural for her
personality. Too many times, parents spend far too much time and money to come up with exotic (and inappropriate) hairdo's
and outfits only to come up empty. Your daughter's best asset is her natural self. Don't be afraid to let that show through!
And if she gets to the regional and suddenly gets cold feet or a little intimidated by all the other kids and how they look,
take her away from the hotel to her favorite restaurant (we went to Chili's with Mike! vbg) for a little while to help her
get settled down.
As for the pictures, I would only take a few backup sets of each photo just in case either of you lose them. Certainly not
20 copies unless you are as much of an airhead as I am. (In which case, you might want to back up the truck! vbg) Seriously,
if she gets a few callbacks, the agents might want a copy of each but most of them will be more than happy to have you send
them additional copies later. At least that is what happened in Mike's case.
Good luck to both of you! Your daughter is very lucky to have a dad who supports her in so many ways!
Darius of St. Louis, MO writes...
Hi Mike. I wanted to ask a question. I have kind of a really bad acne problem and wanted to know if that would be a turn off
to the agents or ProScout. Also, I am 15 going on 16 in a couple of months and I want to know if I have to bring my parents
to the invitational because they agree with my decision to follow my dream and insist that I do so.
Mike responds...
Hey Darius!
Not quite, ProScout tries to focus more on your personality rather than your looks, but if you come out to Hollywood, it could
pose as a bit of a problem because out here people are a little more superficial. So if you head out here, you might want
to try to clean it up as best as you can. Your friend, Michael
Note from Mike's dad:
Hi, Darius! Just a few notes to add to what Mike said...
First, the nature of both acting and modeling involve appearance. In the case of modeling, the models (and their outfits)
represent an ideal - something to inspire us to go out and purchase something. In that context, agents will tend to look
for people with few physical imperfections such as complexion issues. Oddly enough, they will often look for a unique physical
characteristic which will set them apart from others - like big eyes, a long nose, etc. But complexion issues don't usually
mix with modeling.
However, acting is a different matter. In acting, projects tend to mirror real life around us. So sometimes, having a complexion
problem is not that big of a deal. Virtually everyone has to deal with acne when they're young so it won't shock anyone in
Hollywood. However, don't be looking for the romantic lead or hero-type roles as they tend to go for the ideal stereotype
much like in modeling. But a complexion problem, on its own, will not end all your hopes. It won't help, but if you have
other aspects to your personality that can make up for minor, temporary complexion problems, I wouldn't worry.
With that said, you also need to realize that Hollywood is rapidly transitioning to HD (High Definition) format. And with
all the additional resolution, minor complexion problems are much more difficult to cover up by a good makeup artist. As
a result, there is growing pressure on actors to take exceptionally good care of themselves in order to reduce facial imperfections
from acne to wrinkles. As Mike said - it's superficial - but when millions are on the line, that's just the way it goes.
Hope that helps you!
One last note about going to ProScout without your parents. I am not sure whether you will be allowed to attend as a minor.
You might want to check with ProScout before you commit to going. On the other hand, if your parents support you, then one
of them should be more than happy to go with you in order to sign releases and/or other legal documents that you, as a minor,
cannot sign. Whatever happens, good luck to you, Darius!
Dylon of Olympia, WA writes...
Okay, so I am 16 years old and wondering if ProScout is a good thing to do. My mom works at an agency and has friends telling
her that ProScout wouldn't be the best way to get into the business. I, on the other hand, think it's great and it wouldn't
hurt to try it. I need extra help...what do you think?
Mike responds...
Hey Dylon!
I personally think that it's worth a try. ProScout is a very helpful organization, and the people who work there are incredibly
professional. I have been asked this many times and all I can tell you is that it worked for me. They are highly recommended.
Your friend, Michael
Note from Mike's dad:
Hi, Dylon! This is a variation of the same question that refuses to go away! I don't know who your mother's friends are
but ProScout is likely the most cost effective way to determine whether you have a fighting chance at getting into the business.
Sure, there are other ways. If you want to go to Alaska, there are different ways you can get there, too. But if I wanted
to go to Alaska, I would fly so I could get there faster and cheaper (considering gas prices) than driving!
Let's do a little math here, shall we? At ProScout, you get to strut your stuff in front of 30-40 different top agents from
around the country. All on the same weekend, too. I'm not sure what the current cost of a ProScout regional is these days
but it is likely still less than $1000. No sweat.
Okay, so let's say instead of ProScout, your mom listens to her "friends" and decides to try the "scenic route"! Okay, to
do that, you need to send headshots, resumes, and maybe even a DVD with some video footage of you in action. A good photographer
is going to cost at least $100. Next, to make good quality glossy prints of your headshots (NOT some cheesy ink-jet nonsense,
either! lol), you will likely drop another $50.00 or so. Figure another $50 for DVD's (???) and good color copies of your
resume.
Well, now we're up to $200 and we haven't sent out a thing yet. No sweat, right?
Now we need cover letters, 9x12 envelopes, and labels to make them look professional. Let's say your color inkjet is a good
one and capable of at least that. So that's another $15 for enough paper, envelopes, ink, and labels to do the job for 30-40
mailings. Now, we have to mail all this stuff. Let's say you're lucky and can get all that to qualify for regular postage
- $0.41 a pop. That's another $15 for 30-40 mailings.
So now you send out all this stuff and your mom is out only $230. Pretty good savings, huh! Your mom's friends are looking
pretty smart right about now, aren't they? Well... not quite.
Let's say that you get lucky and every one of those 30 agents all want you to fly out and see them in person - all at different
times and at different locations. If each trip requires 2 round trip airline tix, an overnight hotel room, rental car, meals,
and gas - all on short notice (agents, remember???) - that means EACH trip would set your mom back around $1200 minimum.
That is, unless you live in LA or NYC!
So how about we let your mom's friends do the rest of the math? After they add all that up, your mom might suggest her friends
pay the bill if they think it's so cheap to do it yourself.
But if she's like me, my guess is that she will go for the cheaper, faster route and leave the sightseeing to her friends!
lol
Good luck to you and your mom, Dylon!
Laken J. of Winston-Salem, NC writes...
Hi Mike! My name is Laken. I am a soon-to-be-13-year-old girl that is going to the ProScout Invitational in Atlanta in May...
I have no idea what type of monologue to do. My dad said I should do something that is close to my age and what I am like
in real life... But he has also said that he knows nothing about acting... He just knows sports! (lol) I am so lost... Can
you tell me where I might be able to find a monologue to do or maybe point me in the right direction? Thanks for any help!
Laken J.
PS - See you on the red carpet someday!
Mike responds...
Hey Laken,
Your dad may only know sports, but the advice he gave you is spot on. You might want to consider doing what he suggested,
mainly because it will make you much more comfortable when delivering the monologue. This is important, because the more
comfortable you are, the better it will be. I searched around for you and found a couple of sites that might be able to help
you out:
http://www.actorpoint.com/monologue.html
Besides these two websites, a very good friend of mine (and my acting coach), Chambers Stevens, wrote an excellent book
of monologues that helped me when I was starting out called, Magnificent Monologues For Kids. There is also
a teen version, with the same name. Just look it up on Amazon, or at Barnes and Noble. I hope that helps! Your friend, Michael
Note from Mike's dad:
Hi Laken! Say hi to your dad for us. I completely understand his perspective. When Mike was discovered, he had not had
any acting experience whatsoever. In fact, he had been quite a talented basketball player whom I coached on several teams
as he grew up. So when he was discovered, I had a lot of ideas (!!!) but not much knowledge. When it came to acting, I had
no clue! With basketball, football, and baseball, I could preach to Mike with the best of them! Which is likely part of
the reason he left sports! lol
Seriously, good luck to both you and your dad!
Michelle of Moreno Valley, CA writes...
Hey Michael. I am going to attend a ProScout event and I am nervous about my script. Does our script have to be perfect? I
am also nervous about my size - I am a teen, 5'4" and thick. I just thought I might not get chosen because of my size.
What should I do? I am a nice girl and have a great personality. I don't know - I am confused.
Mike responds...
Hey Michelle,
It's perfectly normal to be nervous about your monologue, God knows I was! Just make sure you don't over-analyze, you
will psyche yourself out if you do that, which is bad news bears! Just be comfortable with what you have, and roll with it.
As for your size, do not worry about that at all. If you have a great personality, agents will see that before they care
about your appearance. Don't worry, and have fun. Your friend, Michael.
Note from Mike's parents:
Hi Michelle! You and every other person who may not have "model looks" should note there are plenty of people
of every age, shape, size, and color in movies, television, and commercials! Take a look at some of the celebrities on imdb.com
sometime. You will be surprised how many are blessed with your height and size. And that is just scratching the surface.
For every celebrity on imdb.com, there are likely hundreds of other actors/actresses with the same characteristics. Your
appearance, alone, will certainly not hinder your chances at an acting career!
As Mike said, it is more about your personality. Acting requires a wide range of capabilities in one's personality in
order to be effective at both drama and comedy. If you have a natural, outgoing personality with great communication skills,
you have a fighting chance. Don't worry about making mistakes, either! Mike did great but was not chosen as a monologue finalist.
Yet he still managed four callbacks with all of the agents interested in representing him.
As Mike continues to say, have fun! Whatever happens to you in life, make this a memory worth enjoying! Good luck to
you! Bob S. (Mike's dad)
P.S. - if you are going to the upcoming ProScout Orange County regional in April, Mike is tentatively scheduled to be
there. He was invited to make another guest appearance.
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