The Actors' Enterprise- Business and Audition Coaching for Actors

FAQs by Actors

"I was a mess before Erin! She listened to my goals and gave me a guideline of how to move forward. She is always available if you have a question or an audition coming up. She truly cares and supports her clients. I have booked more jobs since I've met with her than I ever have in the past. The Actors' Enterprise is a great asset for any actor, at any level. Five stars from me!"

Mariel Matero, actor

"Erin Cronican is a professional in every aspect of her theatre career. She is organized, dedicated, and intelligent. She understands theatre. I highly recommend her services."

Jenni Prisk, LTCL
President
Prisk Communications

"Erin is a patient, caring and encouraging coach. She's full of great ideas, sharp insights and tons of enthusiasm. Working with her has been like having my very own cheerleader behind me as I continue to venture out into the wild world of acting!"

Amalia Peres, Actor

“Erin really helped me nail my cover letters! She also provided a lot of enlightenment into the marketing side of acting and business endeavors in general. She is extremely personable and reliable. She always gets back to me right away whenever I have a question. I HIGHLY recommend her!”

Natasha Yannacanedo, Equity & SAG Actor/Teacher

You have questions?

"We hear only those questions for which we are in a position to find answers." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Click on any question to be taken to the answer, or scroll to read them all:

Question: What makes you different than other acting coaches?

Question: Why does an actor need coaching in the "business" of acting?

Question: How much does your coaching cost?

Question: Why should I get a package of sessions instead of paying one-by-one?

Question: It sounds like you are a talent manager- are you?

Question: Do you barter your services?

Question: What are some of the extra benefits of working with you?

Question: Ok, I want to go ahead and sign up for some sessions. What should I do, and what can I expect?

Question: What if I don't live in NYC- can you still coach me?

Question: How can I pay you? Do you accept credit/debit cards?

Question: I like you, and I want to tell people about your services. Do you have a referral program?

Question: What if I don't want / need the discount. Can I take cash instead, or pass the credit on to someone else?

Question: If you design my website, how much does it cost for me to make changes once the site is built?

Question: I noticed you charge a flat fee for your postcard and business card design. What does that include?

Question: You have a newsletter, and I want to join but I hate receiving too much email. Just how often will you be mailing, and will my email be kept private?

Question: Now that I've used you, how do I list TAE's coaching on my resume?

Question: I didn't find an answer to my question. What now?

Question: What makes you different than other acting coaches?

First, I don't teach you HOW to act. What I deal with is the business stuff you need to know from the moment you say, "I want to be an actor" to the time you get the role. This does include audition skills, since auditioning is more a part of the "business" than it is the "show." But it also includes how to seek jobs, what to say when you are interviewing, how to put your marketing materials together, how to organize your business, etc.

Other acting coaches tend to deal with just the acting part - both for auditions and general actor training. And that is a wonderful thing to have. But doesn't it make sense to also work with someone who can teach you how to "get in the door" so you can put those acting skills to work?

Question: Why does an actor need coaching in the "business" of acting?

There are two parts to a career in acting. First, you have to know how to act, and that is where acting classes come in. But second, and more importantly, you have to know how to market yourself so you can get that job. And that's where my coaching comes in. I can help you devise a plan to reach those agents, casting directors and producers based on what your individual goals are. I can't promise you will get hired (that is out of ALL of our hands), but I can promise that you will be playing the same game that the pros are, which is 90% of the battle.

Question: How much does your coaching cost?

I encourage actors to work over several sessions to make sure that 100% of their needs are met. That's why I offer discounted multi-session packages: 3 one-hour sessions for $135 or 4 one-hour sessions for only $160. You can also book by the hour for only $50. For more details, go to my Rates page.

Question: Why should I get a package of sessions instead of paying one-by-one?

"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring." - Alexander Pope

Sometimes, only learning a little bit about a topic is worse than learning nothing at all, and you are left feeling frustrated and more alone than ever. How many times have you finished a class or coaching session, only to realize you have tons of questions but not enough money to schedule another session?

That's why The Actors' Enterprise offers multi-session discount packages specifically designed by the actor during our free, first time consultation. Having a package available gives actor the space and time to really dive into the "why" rather than simply learning "how."

And... did I mention that it's cheaper?

Question: It sounds like you are a talent manager- are you?

In short, no. While I do coach in some of the same areas that a manager handles, there is one distinct difference: A manager is hired to make these marketing decisions FOR you, and to execute them on your behalf. My job is to teach YOU how to do them so you can be self sufficient. That's not to say that you won't need a manager further down the line. But in the meantime, you'll gain the skills necessary to navigate your own career on the path that fulfills you.

Question: Do you barter your services?

Sometimes. It depends on what you're offering. < - wink wink - >

Question: What are some of the extra benefits of working with you?

I am so passionate about helping actors that I have created several benefits just for students and graduates of TAE:

• Free Support: From the day of the first consultation through the last scheduled session, actors will receive unlimited support via email. Sometimes, you just can't wait until your next session, so use this service to tide you over until your next visit.

• Strong Community: TAE students are invited to join the “TAE Pros” Yahoo Group, designed to provide a forum for TAE students and graduates to communicate with each other. This forum also includes casting notices, job opportunities, and tickets offers.

• Charity-Minded: TAE coordinates events and encourages volunteerism with several high profile charities in NYC and beyond.

• Discounts: TAE students receive discounts on lots of services, and the list is growing daily! Just show your TAE receipt to a participating service, and receive $$ off!

Question: Ok, I want to go ahead and sign up from some sessions. What should I do, and what can I expect?

First, email me to set up your free, 30 minute consultation. This will give us a chance to get to know each other, and I can lay out a proposed plan depending on what your needs are. Then we will take out our calendars to set up your sessions, which can either be set over several days, or several weeks, or if you want to book the session like a "master class" we can put all 3 (or 4) hours into one day.

Question: What if I don't live in NYC- can you still coach me?

Sure I can! Most of my coaching is very easy to do over the phone. And when we do our free consultation, we can discuss your options and make sure that my coaching will be perfect for you.

Question: How can I pay you? Do you accept credit / debit cards?

I accept cash or check (made out to Erin Cronican) or, if you'd like to pay by credit / debit card we can do so through ProPay and you'll just cover the $5 service fee.

Question: I like you, and I want to tell people about your services. Do you have a referral program?

Yes, I do! I believe in thanking people for passing on my info, so I created a referral program: Refer someone to TAE and when they book their first 3 or 4 session package, you'll receive $5 off your next session. Make sure to tell them to mention your name when they book! There is no limit to your discount- refer 7 people and get a $35 credit. 14 people, a $70 credit (and so on.)

Question: What if I don't want / need the discount. Can I take cash instead, or pass the credit on to someone else?

Alas, no. Referral credits are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. It was a good try, though. =)

Question: If you design my website, how much does it cost for me to make changes once the site is built?

When you need to make your first set of changes, you'll pay $50 towards one hour of work (think of it like a retainer.) If the first set of changes only takes 10 minutes, you will then have a remaining credit of 50 minutes towards more changes. When you use up your first hour of changes and have more changes to make, you'll pay another $50 and repeat the process. It's simple and affordable, and guarantees that your site always remains updated.

Question: I noticed you charge a flat fee for your postcard and business card design. What does that include?

For both postcard and business card design, the flat rate includes the design work and the printing of your first set cards (100 postcards or 250 business cards- and for postcards.) We will bounce design ideas back and forth until we have a design you think is perfect for you.

We have multiple design and printing options which have their own rate: Advanced Design options, like multiple photos or printing on two sides and Advanced Printing options (like glossy coating or heavier weight paper.) Those are chosen by you up front, so you will always know exactly what you are paying for.

You will then be given your design file in PDF and PSD format, which you can then use to have future sets of cards printed. The printing house I use is ridiculously affordable, and I will show you where / how to set up the printing on your own for future sets of cards, or you can take the files to another printer of your chocie. This means that you never have to pay the design fee again- you ONLY pay for printing- a major savings!

I will also give you a version that you can put on your website, forward via email or attach to your email signature.

Question: You have a newsletter, and I want to join but I hate receiving too much email. Just how often will you be mailing, and will my email be kept private?

First of all, if you join my newsletter list, your name / email or other private information will NOT be shared with anyone outside of The Actors' Enterprise. You manage your own subscription, so if you click "unsubscribe" on the email I am actually not allowed to email you again. Secondly, it is my commitment that the newsletters are fresh, in the moment, and to the point. This, hopefully, will keep you from getting bored or feeling like I am wasting your time. Here are the descriptions of the newsletter, as well as approximately mail dates:

TAE Tips & Hints Newsletter- For performers or those who like to live vicariously through performers! This newsletter is sent every 4 weeks and includes helpful hints and tips about the business of being an actor, success stories from current clients and industry professionals, and answers to questions that come up from list members. It will be fun, energetic, and will hopefully be a motivator for you to get out there and get some BUSINESS for yourself! It also includes general updates about The Actors' Enterprise, events sponsored / organized by TAE, as well as major updates about the staff, clients or the community at large.

Question: Now that I've used you, how do I list TAE's coaching on my resume?

Coaching in any area of the arts can be listed in your "Education" section. Here is a suggestion of how it can be written:

Audition Technique / Career Coaching - The Actors' Enterprise (2009s-Present... or whatever your dates.)

Question: I didn't find an answer to my question. What now?

There are a couple of different ways to get your questions answered. One, you can click to email me or call me at 917 - 574 - 0417. You can also click to view my blog- I have lots of articles and posts there that can help actors with the process of figuring out the business. While you're there, leave a comment so that I know that you visited! And please do let me know if there is any way I can be of service.

Have a question you want answered here? Contact me and check back to see when it gets posted!

For quick business tips and hints, check out the TAE Blog and Join our Newsletter.

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