I am an actor (on stage, screen and voice over booth) and director who also loves to share the information and experience I’ve gathered in my 18 years of making a living as an actor.

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When I first embarked on the process of moving from student actor to professional actor I really had no idea how to make the transition. I am the only actor in my family. So I didn’t have anyone I could turn to for guidance. Sometimes, when I encountered people who were further along than I on the biz path, I tried to ask them for advice and they were pointedly NOT helpful. They were evasive, derisive - as if they were afraid if they pointed me in the right direction I would take something away from them. And I thought, “ Well this is ridiculous! If I ever figure any of this stuff out I’m going to teach it.” Fortunately, I did figure some things out, and I did cross paths with some helpful people, too.

    With my hard earned understanding of the Biz, I decided, in addition to continuing my acting career, I would also help others learn the survival skills, avoid the pitfalls, and grasp the opportunities that I picked up along the way, and which have helped me, and many other theater professionals, create the lives we want. So I began the Business of Showbiz to share these lessons. At first a support group where actors could share stories, get validation, and learn from each others experiences, The Biz evolved into a larger workshop, then private consultations, an Empowered Actor tele-class, and eventually a monthly column in Theater Bay Area Magazine.

    I believe that a rising tide raises all boats. The more prepared we all are the better our market looks to casting agents, and that is better for everyone. I enjoy helping artists avoid some of the time consuming and costly trial and error that most actors have to endure. As I said earlier I was fortunate to cross paths with wonderful people who taught me valuable lessons on how to make my dream into a career. Now I can be one of those people for you!

(For Velina’s complete bio click here.)