For more than 50 years in Hollywood the question has always been Agent, PLUS a manager if/when/why or why not? Or a Manager then ADD an agent if/when/why or why not? It has never been Agent VERSUS Manager. But since the turn of the 21st century this has become the question and we strongly recommend that if you’re a long time actor or a brand new actor...you need to not miss this conversation, because it can cost you months and years of your career not to mention what it does to your psyche.

Peter Kluge was born and raised in Rochester, New York and had been a professional actor for over twenty years. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Speech from Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio and Fordham University in New York City, he studied acting under the direction of the late Rod Marriot at Circle Repertory Company in Manhattan. His first starring role came in 1984, when he created the part of “Paul Tucker” in the Emmy Award-winning after school special, The Day The Senior Class Got Married (CBS), based on the novel by Gloria Miklowitz. Later, Mr. Kluge played “Mark” on NBC’s Santa Barbara, which led to numerous television and film roles. Credits include starring and guest-starring roles on Ned & Stacey, Mr. Belvedere, Better Days, Roomies, Loving, As The World Turns, The Insiders, Dark Music; The Elvis Presley Story, Honor & Duty, One Life To Live and General Hospital. In 1994, Mr. Kluge, produced and starred in The Los Angeles Premiere of Lloyd’s Prayer, Kevin Kling’s two act comedy and winner of the 1988 Humana Festival. Kluge’s extensive theatre credits include Off-B’way: Equus (Nugget), Dial M For Murder (Max), California Suite (Max); Regional: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Miles), Death (Klienman), Whose Life Is It Anyway? (Eden), etc… He has appeared in over seventy national commercials and has modeled in national print campaigns for Izod, Toshiba, Bon Apetit, Amway, Kodak, Ray Ban, Malboro, amongst others.

In 1996 Kluge founded and served as CEO of GKS Entertainment, LLC, the Los Angeles based music mastering & recording facility, with such clients as Blink 182, Limp Bizkit, Crystal Method , K-Ci & JoJo, No Doubt, etc… For six years GKS duplicated nearly sixty percent of all advanced recordings for the Los Angeles recording industry.

As a natural progression from his interests and business acumen, Kluge started managing talent and co- founded Intrigue Entertainment, LLC where he was responsible for signing & developing several new artists including Ray Proscia (Vanilla Sky, Catch Me If You Can, The Shield, Boston Legal) Victor Webster (Days Of Our Lives, Mutant X), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Passions, Wolf Lake) and Darryl Theirse (Jessie, Philly). In April of 2001 he left Intrigue to start the independent Management and Production firm, Impact Artists Group, LLC and immediately acquired John Wynn (CDUSA), Alicia Ziegler (Cold Case, Old Christine, Shark, Wildfire) Kevin McCorkle (The Island, Cold Case, Company Town), Amanda Tepe (Dexter, Studio 60, Entourage, General Hospital), Johnny Palermo (Everybody Hates Chris, Just For Kicks, ER), Peter Parros (Knight Rider, The New Adam 12, As The World Turns, CSI: Miami), Austen Parros (South of Nowhere, Lincoln Heights, Judging Amy, Crossing Jordan) and Michael Durrell (“V”, Desperate Housewives, Judging Amy, 90210, Alice). When asked about his company, Kluge said, my vision encapsulates a management philosophy lost in recent years. It’s not just about signing this generation’s star talent; it’s about keeping clients in an environment that nurtures personal growth and responsibility. We look for ‘talent,’ not just the next erratic, undisciplined ‘celebrity.’ We are a family – in it for the long haul.”

Mr. Bee worked consistently as a steadicam operator throughout the 1990’s for Feature Films: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Bowfinger, Deep Impact, Titanic, Crazy in Alabama, The Peacemaker and more. In the last few years he has Directed many TV shows including: "Criminal Minds","Jericho","Harper's Island", "Knight Rider", "Sarah Connor Chronicles","Kyle XY", "The Middleman", “Alias”, “ER”, “Supernatural”, “Veronica Mars”, and “Las Vegas”. He Co-Produced the TV series “Third Watch” in 2003. There is a lot to be learned from this man.

So you’re thinking, what the hell is Kevin talking about. You can’t just “WALK IN” to an office and drop off your stuff. Sure you can, but just like most of the rest of life...it isn’t that you do...it is HOW you do. It isn’t what you say...it is “how you say it.” You want to REALLY change the path of your career. Come get the proper perspective on this form of being pro-active which is SO scary for us but can create such amazing results.

Brian McCabe has been in the agent business for over 20 years now.  Like many people he did not start out wanting to be an agent.  Brian was a stage manager in a prior life and was looking to get involved on sets by doing a comparable job in film/television, being an A.D.  One needed connections, however, to get those jobs he did not have any.  In the meantime, Brian answered an ad in the Hollywood Reporter looking for an "assistant."  In truth Brian did not know what an assistant was, but had performed paralegal work in high school, so figured that whatever it was, he could do it. And thus, Brian McCabe started answering phones part time at the Henderson/Hogan Agency, going full time a few short months later.  A decade after that, Brian actually bought the west coast office of Henderson/Hogan.  There were a few name changes in the following decade, but he owned and ran a talent agency for the entire time. In May 2010, Brian closed up his agency and went to work for Venture IAB.  There were many different reasons for this decision, but primarily because they were doing things that he had wanted to do with his company and doing them well.  Instead of re-inventing the wheel, Mr. McCabe joined forces and took over as the head of the Theatrical Department. Brian never wanted to be an actor, but did get good experience breaking down scenes by being a stage manager, a skill he has used with his clients when they have questions about their sides. Brian even gets the occasional phone call from an ex-client asking for help with their sides. While he is not a coach, nor pretends to be one, he does know scene structure. Brian truly likes actors that underplay a scene as opposed to the ones that do the gaudy roles.  I think it takes more technique to make that work (and sometimes it does not, but he appreciates the effort). Brian would rather see actors who are fearless in the roles they choose and appreciate their willingness to do what it takes to get a role they want.

Yes, we know what you’re thinking, isn’t that a line from “City Slickers?” Indeed, it is. But on this occasion, it is Kevin’s desire to share with you, after many years in Los Angeles and going through half his 20’s, his 30’s and now 40’s something that has never and will never change about “Career Success” as an actor in this marketplace. We urge you to consider attending this, because this is going to be a combination of about 4 different topics mixed into one with a very clear message. Again, don’t miss this.

Mitchell K. Stubbs, a native of Atlanta, began his career with Susan Smith & Associates over twenty years ago. Approximately seven years later Mitchell was offered a position by the bi-coastal agency J. Michael Bloom & Associates. When that agency closed about three years later, Mitchell realized he was ready to hang his own shingle and opened Mitchell K. Stubbs and Associates, which turns twelve years old in July, 2011. Soon after launching MKS & Associates Theatrical, he opened the Commercial Department which represents approximately 250 clients. Mitchell is known for his dedication to his many long term clients, building and nurturing young actors as well as resurging some veteran actors’ careers. Mitchell has negotiated too many film, theatre and television series deals to count. Some past and present clients include David Ogden Stiers, CCH Pounder, Patty Duke, Tom Everett Scott, Paul Giamatti, Kiersten Warren, Wayne Duvall, Sara Ramirez, Marianne Jean Baptiste, Alex Kingston, James van der Beek, and Adrian Grenier.

Film contracts, especially now that so many student filmmakers have confused the acting community as well as the four SAG modified agreements, have become even more confusing. Many performers don't realize their rights clearly defined by our work conditions. Much more so than television issues such as safety, being fed properly, performing stunts or combat, weapons, and animals become a huge part of film contract issues. Then there is the overwhelming issue of nudity, and how the concept of "deferred payments" function. This is a discussion that all universities should offer, but they can't because they don't know and we do.

In 2005, Mark Masten began his career at Maximum Talent Agency, in Denver Colorado, working as an assistant to the Head of the On-Camera Department, Cathy Reinking (Casting Director/former Manager of Casting for NBC). Six months later he was promoted to agent, and shortly after, became Head of the On-Camera Department, booking talent in projects such as Sunshine Cleaning, 3:10 to Yuma, Swing Vote, and the cable series, In Plain Sight. In 2010, he began working as an assistant to Judy Rich and Pat Brannon, at the respected commercial talent agency, Brady Brannon & Rich. Mark was promoted to agent in 2011 and is thrilled to be working alongside such an amazing team at BBR.

Shawna McCormack – Agent/Producer/Writer – is currently head of the Commercial Print and On-Camera divisions at The Bella Agency – Los Angeles. Shawna began her career in entertainment as a casting director for film, TV and Theatre in NYC. Among her credits are feature projects with Oscar nominated director Taylor Hackford (Dolores Claiborne), Peter Segal (Naked Gun-The Final Insult) and cult favorite Slava Zuckerman (Liquid Sky).

Shawna spent time as a franchised talent agent with the Waters & Nicolosi Agency as head of the Soap Division, before moving on to open her own talent management company Trinity Entertainment, representing actors, directors and writers. In 2002, Ms. McCormack was brought in by Right Down Broadway Productions to exec-produce their off-Broadway play A Late Supper. Also under the Trinity banner, she wrote, produced and directed The Mogul Dynasty/Throne or Coffin, a documentary shot on location in India. In 2004 Shawna formed MacArt Films, Inc. which currently has several feature projects in various stages of production and development.

This is one of the FIVE MOST IMPORTANT discussions you’ll attend all year at The Actors’ Network. Do NOT miss it!! The world of Breakdowns has changed drastically since the year 2000. Understand how good agents and managers use them. Additionally with the myriad of New Media projects, SAG Ultra Low Budget films and shorts, plus the utter insanity of online project submissions via BackStage, Actors Access, LACasting.com and NowCasting.com many actors are very confused, overwhelmed and just plain LOST when it comes to “Legit” Breakdowns versus electronic submissions etc.

Most importantly come learn invaluable insight into how you can look at Breakdown information very differently and have it be more effective for you. Of course Breakdowns are not available to the general acting public but knowing and understanding this key aspect of our industry better will really help you sleep at night. The perception that what is on the Breakdowns is everything in Hollywood is false, and the worse perception is that everything on the Breakdowns is actually accurate and still casting. The two realities couldn’t be further from its perception.

90 Minutes in length: NO Latecomers and NO leaving early, as is always the case with 3rd party Guests attending TAN.

Strictly limited to this to 45 reservations!

This is a rare moment at TAN, but we truly have found a way for you to “help your career and help yourself” at the same dang time. We have been in and around this city for years. We’ve seen every possible MLM (multi-level marketing) company that has come and gone. We typically do not endorse such things, but in this case...we just HAVE to. Send Out Cards is a company. You can buy its service, which is in DIRECT line with the TAN philosophy of odd-size marketing for yourself, as well as potentially choosing to make it a business and have a new form of income. Send Out Cards - Building Relationships & Create A Business...One Card At A Time!!

The SOC sign-up is facilitated by TAN Lifer, Peter Bedard, who is an actor and producer who discovered Send Out Cards through a friend who was writing on the George Lopez show. Send Out Cards (SOC) turned out, after hearing Kevin’s philosophy on actor-marketing, to be the perfect way to implement the TAN philosophy, build relationships and create a "fan" base. Peter will show you how to create an actor card online which is then mailed (HARD COPY) to his target list as an odd sized mailer through the USPS. SOC has a full data base, custom design card program, calendar system, gift giving system (when was the last time you sent brownies to your favorite casting director?), and the cards are printed in your handwriting font with your signature. SOC prints, addresses, stamps, licks, and mails the cards for you. Imagine doing a target list campaign mailer in 20 seconds totally customized and personalized! We will only be able to accommodate non-TAN friends of yours if the room isn’t full. So feel free to add a name or two to your EMAILED reservation, BUT if you do not hear from us confirming them...then the reservation will only be for you. IF YOU GOT THE TIME DON’T MISS THIS!!

A native of Los Angeles, Alicia Ruskin traveled the world before settling back in LA. As a theatre major she attended Brandeis University, The Sorbonne in Paris and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. During this time she performed at the Kennedy Center and on tour with the USO in Germany and Italy. After graduating with her MFA she moved to New York where she worked on local stages and toured in musical theater productions throughout the United States. After leaving acting Alicia started on the reception desk at Kazarian/Spencer & Assoc as was promoted to agent 18 months later. She is currently head of commercials and a partner at the agency. She lives in Valley Village with her husband Larry, a high end cabinet maker, and their several pets. Alicia is a member of the Television Academy, a published poet, an active supporter of local theatre and in her spare time enjoys gardening, cooking and movies.

While we both understand and promote the (4) basic pillars of TAN: Guests, Topics, Power Groups and Resources (Website), there is so much more to this organization. Are you using it? Are you taking advantage of all the ways that TAN can truly change and affect your career and your overall experience as an actor in THIS city of angels. Be open to the fact that there are many ways to become a working actor, and many small pieces of amazing information you can glean from your fellow TAN member. Don’t miss this.

As of 2012 this is now an ACTIVITY, which means NO LATECOMERS & NO leaving early!

It is 90-minutes in length.

This is an opportunity to discuss any issues and concerns you may have regarding your career or pursuit. It's a great time to discuss situations that may have occurred or will occur due to your pursuit. Get other actors perspective on your issue so that we all become more prepared and informed about our careers. An issue can be as simple as asking about an acting coach to as difficult as how to handle an agent who is asking you out on a date.

Josh Einsohn (www.imdb.com/name/nm0251867/) grew up in Dallas and then attended Washington University in St. Louis, graduating cum laude with a major in Drama and a minor in English. When he first started in the film/tv industry, he worked in Production on such projects as Bottle Rocket, Alien: Resurrection, and Contact. It was on that last movie where he met Casting Directors, Victoria Burrows and Scot Boland. In 2001, Josh made the jump from Production to Casting…under the tutelage of Victoria and Scot. After working on everything from “Strong Medicine” to The Polar Express, Josh left to work with Laura Schiff on his favorite show of all time, “The West Wing,” as well as Golden Globe and Emmy Winner, “Mad Men.” In the past several months, he has worked on the pilots “Rizzoli & Isles” (TNT) with Stacey Rosen and “Hitched” (CBS) with sit-com casting legend, Marc Hirschfeld (“Seinfeld”, “Married, With Children”). He has just completed working with one of the top Casting Directors in the business, Debra Zane (Oceans 11, 12 & 13, Road to Perdition, Catch Me If You Can, to name a very few), on Fast & Furious 5 and “Tilda” an HBO pilot, directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) and starring Diane Keaton and Ellen Page. Next up is "Mister Sunshine" (ABC) with Casting Director, Lauren Grey.

TWO HOURS IN LENGTH (Do not park at a meter, park on a side street, as you may not leave to feed your meter) NO LATECOMERS! NO LEAVING EARLY!

-You are not required to bring material. We ENCOURAGE you to attend and take notes.

-You do not have to have a reel or raw footage to attend. However, if you wish to have your footage or edited reel viewed during the session it must meet the following requirements:

-Material must be rendered as a video file, and burned on DVD-R so it may be viewed on a DVD consumer electronic player in the studio. QuickTime and mpg files are not acceptable as they can only be viewed on a computer.

-No viewing of demo material online.

-Raw footage MUST BE cued up and/or you MUST time code counter mark so that we can quickly fast forward to the portion for viewing.

This activity combines both the Philosophy of an actor’s Demo Reel, as well as terrific insight on the process to editing a successful Demo Reel.

Attending this activity will give you a perspective on the way industry players view actor Demo’s. Demo Reel Editing may attend when you have material you'd like viewed and on which you would like comments.

All day event

Andy Henry has over a dozen years in casting, having worked on 6 pilots, 9 features and over 400 episodes of television, both 1/2 hour comedy and 1 hour drama.  First as an associate and then a full CD, he worked on 180 episodes of the hit series, CSI, casting in excess of 3,000 actors.  He has extensive experience reading with and directing actors for auditions, and has served as a private coach on a very select basis for the past several years.  He is now on his own as in independent CD prepping several feature films as well as freelancing with some of the top feature CDs.  He also offers his expertise as a private coach.