The Actor's Elevator Pitch
How many times have you been stuck in an elevator with a random person? You’re at a hotel or an office building and don’t want to climb up five flights of stairs, so elevator it is. Totally natural! Unfortunately, once those doors close, there’s no going back. Either it’s incredibly awkward or, if you’re lucky, you end up having a really nice interaction! Worse case scenario, it’s a person who you definitely do not want to see, but you`re stuck with them while you ride five floors up.
As an actor, impressions are so vital. I wish it wasn't so, but a first impression can make or break you. I’ve heard that it can take less than 8 seconds for a person to make a first impression of you.
So what do you want people to remember about you? That’s what the elevator pitch is all about.
An elevator pitch is a 30-60 second personal spiel about who you are, what you’ve done, and where you want to go. The idea is that you could give your pitch to a stranger on an elevator ride. You have to be careful not to ramble on, but pack in enough information to successfully sell yourself.
Now why would an actor want to sell themself? In the performance world, standing out in the crowd is key. And as easy as that sounds - it’s not. People think that being popular is what's hard, but the truth is, going against the grain is even more difficult.
Having an elevator pitch that is strong, sweet, concise, and well-rehearsed is an excellent tool. Imagine bumping into a well known casting director in a public bathroom. Instead of a messy greeting while you try to remember your name, whip out your professional elevator pitch and leave a great first impression.
So, how do you write an elevator pitch? Here’s one version of a template:
Hi, my name is (your name), and I’m a student/studied at (this college/program/etc). I love to (do this thing I’m passionate about) because (this is the reason I like doing this thing). (Here is a cool thing I did recently!). (Closing hook/question).
Always end your pitch with an open loop, a way to keep the conversation going. Something like asking for a business card or inquiring about possible opportunities that might be coming up at their business.
I had to write an elevator pitch for a class I’m taking this year, and this is what I came up with:
Hi, I’m Rosie and I’m a current college student! I’m a big theatre nerd, and I love to perform on stage because it challenges my physical, mental, imaginative, and social abilities. I was recently in a local musical where I was the only performer under 18 years old! I’m on the lookout for some more professional performance opportunities and would love to know if your program is hosting auditions or masterclasses soon.
If I had to edit my pitch, I would add some more details about where I go to school. Maybe I would highlight some recent roles, and make it a little spunkier. I want to showcase my fun and sparkly personality!
The two key parts of an elevator pitch? Memorable and concise. Don’t ramble on! Get to the point. Speaking of which, I should probably end this post soon.
The last thing I will leave you with is that nailing an elevator pitch isn’t easy, and your pitch will most likely change over time as you grow and change as an actor. So don’t get too attached to your first pitch - be ready to upgrade it as you become more and more of the pro you were born to be!
As always, thank you for reading! Remember to stop and smell the roses. Curtain up!
Rosie
Great advice, Rosie! I am going to start working on my elevator pitch now!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, per usual, but I admit that I can't help but imagine a scenario in which someone pitches themself to a fellow elevator rider who turns out to have no theatre connections and is just a random person---that's just the kind of thing I would accidentally do
ReplyDeleteWell, in that case, at least you got some more practice in!
Deletevery true! And as they say, practice makes...a result
ReplyDeleteWise, wise words. 😉
DeleteI wish I’d have had an elevator pitch March 15th 2004!
ReplyDeleteI was in NYC along with my two daughters riding the elevator in the hotel where we were staying.
The elevator stopped, the doors opened as a man with an earpiece peaked in. The next thing we know, in walks Prince and his wife, and his Security team. He was being inducted into the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame that evening! A little bit starstruck, all I could get out was congratulations, have you performed yet? He politely smiled and answered, thank you and no, he had not performed yet, but was on his way over to the event.
Just think, if only I’d had an elevator pitch I might have been able to ask for passes lol.
It was quite memorable! You never know who you might run into in an elevator:)
That is SO COOL! Prince is amazing, I just watched his Super Bowl halftime show performance where he sings 'Purple Rain' in the ACTUAL POURING RAIN and it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen, I definitely recommend. It's such a small world and you're right, you never know who you're going to run into. And even though you didn't score yourself some passes, you did score an awesome story, and sometimes you just have to experience the moment you're in and not worry about the role you play in it. Thank you for sharing! :)
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqaRRJ_-684