How do you build lasting relationships with actors and their networks?

1 Respect their time and talent

Actors are busy professionals who invest a lot of time, energy, and money into their craft. They deserve your respect and appreciation, not only for their performance, but also for their preparation, communication, and feedback. When you are casting, be clear about your expectations, deadlines, and compensation. When you are rehearsing, be supportive, constructive, and flexible. When you are performing, be present, attentive, and grateful. Respect their time and talent, and they will respect yours.

2 Communicate your vision and values

Actors are not only performers, but also storytellers. They want to be part of a project that has a clear vision and values, and that aligns with their own artistic goals and passions. Communicate your vision and values to them from the start, and invite them to contribute their ideas and insights. Show them how their role fits into the bigger picture, and how they can bring it to life with their unique skills and personality. Communicate your vision and values, and they will share them with others.

3 Celebrate their achievements and challenges

Actors are constantly learning, growing, and improving their craft. They face many achievements and challenges along the way, and they appreciate your recognition and support. Celebrate their achievements and challenges, both on and off stage. Send them a congratulatory message when they land a new role, win an award, or receive a positive review. Offer them a sympathetic ear when they face a rejection, a setback, or a criticism. Celebrate their achievements and challenges, and they will remember you.

4 Connect them with other opportunities and resources

Actors are always looking for new opportunities and resources to advance their careers and enrich their lives. They value your referrals, recommendations, and introductions to other producers, directors, agents, coaches, or mentors. Connect them with other opportunities and resources that match their interests, goals, and needs. Share your network, knowledge, and experience with them, and ask them to do the same for you. Connect them with other opportunities and resources, and they will return the favor.

5 Stay in touch and follow up

Actors are part of a dynamic and diverse community that thrives on relationships. They want to stay in touch and follow up with you, not only for professional reasons, but also for personal ones. Stay in touch and follow up with them regularly, not just when you need something from them. Send them a friendly email, a social media message, or a phone call to check in on them, to share some news, or to invite them to an event. Stay in touch and follow up, and they will keep you in mind.

6 Build trust and loyalty

Actors are loyal to those who treat them well, who respect their work, and who support their growth. They trust those who are honest, reliable, and consistent, and who deliver on their promises. Build trust and loyalty with them by being transparent, accountable, and responsive. Show them that you care about them as individuals, not just as performers. Show them that you value their input, feedback, and collaboration. Build trust and loyalty, and they will stick with you.