Testimonials
Since 1991, The Actors' Network is the only organization of its kind, whose sole focus has been the building and development of a performer's career, through the longest running show business curriculum in US history. We have hundreds and hundreds of successes and stories. Many of our current and former members are very proud of the benefits and results of their membership. Because there are so many elements to membership and therefore many different aspects of The Actors' Network that our members wish to praise us. Please click around and enjoy reading the kind words put forth by our tremendous members over the years.
"Kevin E. West is the consummate professional. He is one of the most ethical, intelligent, talented, pro-active, pro-actor people I've ever known.
Kevin's extensive experiences, passion and ability to communicate make him the best person I know to assist actors.
Hollywood is a business that has a lot of unspoken and ever-changing rules lead to a lot of mistakes which cost actors time, money and emotional strength.
To have someone like Kevin on your side to help you get through Los Angeles without having to make all of the same mistakes... is invaluable."
- Lonnie Hamerman, Casting Director
(Without a Trace, Monk, Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
(Without a Trace, Monk, Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
| Save yourself time and money! | AN Organization |
| Joining TAN was the most important thing I did when moving to LA. TAN has been my college education for learning the show "business" of Hollywood. I have saved myself several years and thousands of dollars in the long run. | |
| Keep on top of your goals | Power Group |
| I learn something new every time I go to Power Group. It also helps me refresh and focus on my goals for the month. It's easy to aimlessly wander and not accomplish anything, but Power Group keeps me on track. I would recommend it to anyone. | |
| Networking Book can be a life saver | Networking Book |
| The Networking Book is amazing because it opens up a huge database of actors who have worked with the agents/photographers/managers/etc that you are researching. I've been able to learn the inside information from a quick phone call to a fellow TAN member. Where else can you get this info?! | |
| The Actors' Network has done nothing short of changing my life. | AN Organization |
| Joining The Actors' Network is the single most important decision I've made in my career since moving to Los Angeles. The benefits have been exponential. I've met industry people who have hired me, learned more ways to be proactive in my career, reaped the benefits of Kevin's straightforward wisdom, and even made many lifelong friends. The Actors' Network has done nothing short of changing my life. | |
| An amazing resource for actors at any level | AN Organization |
| As a lifetime member of the The Actor's Network I have found it to be an amazing resource for actors at any level in our industry. Nowhere else have I encountered such a comprehensive low down on the real business of the business, the support of fellow actors to encourage and inspire you to pursue your dreams, the opportunity to network with an outstanding array of industry professionals, invaluable tips on everything from photos and demo reels, to websites and agents and much, much more. Every professional MUST have a support group, a place to get in the know, make and nurture the relationships that are at the heart of an industry like ours, and to just help keep on track. The Actor's Network and Kevin West have helped me do just that. Thank you so much! | |
| Foundation to comprehend the task of surviving in this industry | AN Organization |
| Hollywood is a complicated and unusual business. The Actor's Network gives the serious actor a foundation to comprehend the task of surviving in this industry. Kevin accents that foundation by sharing his "in the trenches" experiences and his years of expertise of a successful Hollywood career. | |
| Now I have a winning approach | AN Organization |
| "TAN helped me reframe my thinking on acting as a business. Success always starts with approach, and now I have a winning approach because of the lessons learned at TAN." | |
| I love being being a part of a group who makes it happen!" | AN Organization |
| "The entertainment business can be tough and very confusing in LA. I was tossed around so much until I found Kevin and the Actor's Network to set me straight! Its so great and inspiring to hear from people currently in the business the things that can actually help my career instead of hinder it. The Actor's Network looks at the industry as the glass half full, you just have to find your glass. I feel much more grounded in understanding what it takes to make it in this industry. The industry guests really lay it out for me, so I know what they expect and I learn from the topical discussions how to rise to those expectations and surpass them. I love being being a part of a group who makes it happen!" | |
| Save THREE years of footwork ... join TAN! | AN Organization |
| 10 years after I joined, I still use the info I learned from the topical discussions about target lists and mailings. I also remember the support I got in the Power Groups which helped me to achieve career goals. I tell every actor new to LA to do themselves a favor and join The Actors' Network. I also tell my young adult acting students who know the craft but don't understand the business to join. Simply put, I tell everyone that they can save THREE years of footwork trying to navigate Hollywood on their own by simply joining The Actors' Network. | |
| Solidify the business aspect of your acting career | Kevin E. West |
| "Kevin E. West’s topical discussions on goal setting, research, and marketing inspire me to take a more proactive approach towards my acting career. Every class painstakingly reminds me to stay focused because of the low odds of becoming a consistently working actor. The guest speakers that include agents, managers, producers, casting directors, and directors also provide valuable insight into the entertainment industry. The Actors Network teaches you how to solidify the business aspect of your acting career." | |
| If you spend your money on one thing as an actor, spend it on TAN. | AN Organization |
| Hands down, The Actors' Network is the single greatest source of information for actors in the city. I tell everyone that if I were King I would make every person join TAN for at least 6 months. Every success I've had in this city can in one way or another be tied back to The Actors' Network. Kevin is incredibly intelligent, the other actors are all stellar, the industry guests are wonderful, and Power Groups keep my career going. If you spend your money on one thing as an actor, spend it on TAN. | |
| Just to let you know... | AN Philosophy |
| And i know you have gone through it before, so you know 1st hand, but long story short, i was thinking of you and TAN as i am sitting in my dressing room, for the pilot that i tested for, didnt get, was given guest star role, written out, was asked to be a featured extra, was kept out, then rushed back as that guest star, and then given a series regular contract for this role... untitled martin lawrence pilot for cbs. So this is officially my first series regular role, and just like i sent you a note from my trailer of my first studio feature, i really am not sure if i would be here without you, the people i have met at TAN, and everything i have learned in my time there. Sooooo extremely grateful, and i just wanted to say thanks again. Cant wait to tell you all about it in person. Your younger angrier you, kurt | |
| Being part of a Power Group has completely changed my career | Power Group |
| ...Joining TAN and being part of a Power Group has completely changed my career and the way I approach my career. When I go to auditions, classes, or networking parties, it's inevitable that I run into a fellow TAN member and I love being part of a community of motivated and like-minded people. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for how much you and the network have positively impacted my life. | |
| TAN Techniques led to booking | AN Philosophy |
| Did a targeted mailing to Gwen Hillier and she booked me on work this week for "General Hospital". | |
| booking | Networking Book |
| Because of TAN and it's power group meetings I focused and contacted cd's that I wanted to work with. And with tenacity I got an audition and booked a co-star on Criminal Minds | |
| Thank you!!! | ETips |
| About 8 months ago you sent out an e-blast (which I clearly always read) that included a blurb about Andrea Quinn's Accomplishment Group for Women. I was so frustrated with my career that I decided this wacky life coaching stuff might be worth a shot. I joined the group and am now in my 7th month (out of a total of 9). I can't tell you how much it has helped me both personally AND professionally! Since January I have booked SIX jobs: the lead in an indy short, a great supporting role in an indy feature, a recurring role in a series of viral videos for DumbDumb Prod (Justin Bateman and Will Arnett's company), an episode of LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES, an episode of CRIMINAL MINDS, and on Friday I was pinned for a role in a pilot for ABC that would recur if the show gets picked up!!!! I can't thank you enough for indirectly introducing me to Andrea and her group. You have such a gift for being a conduit of knowledge and I am so grateful to have received that particular e-blast on that particular day. Just wanted to let you know how much you've helped me. I hope all is well and wonderful in your world. Thanks again!!! | |
| Attacking Commercials Success! | AN Philosophy |
| Wissam Saliba and I followed Kevin's advice and physically went to the commercial casting facilities. Day 1 were the facilities located in the valley. At On Your Mark Studios I noticed an audition going on for Just Dance 2 (the Wii Game) and thought I fit the type that was there - young urban girl. I waited around to get more information, asked another auditioner about the project details, and then went and talked to the session runner. I said exactly what Kevin told me to say, and the only question he asked was who's your agent. I answered and he said yes! He was super relaxed. Then I went in and danced --very cool experience! 1 win for Attacking Commercials! | |
| Big THANK YOU and looking forward to another many years ahead! | AN Organization |
| I almost forgot, but today is my 5th anniversary since arriving in LA. Reflecting back on the past 5 years, friends, audition frequencies, and relationships have come and gone, but TAN has always been a consistent entity in my life. I still remember... i believe it was the third week of November 2005, right after I signed up, that Kevin greeted me by name and that meant A LOT to me; I can't express it in words. Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU and looking forward to another many years ahead! | |
| Meeting and Phone Call because of TAN | AN Organization |
| This week on Wednesday, I got a meeting with a manager because he saw me in the Directory that TAN sent out to various Industry players. Also, last night, I got a personal phone call from a producer who finally check out my demo reel because of a post card I sent him. I sent the postcard because I went to Kevin E. West's topical discussing mailings! Thank you TAN! | |
| Thank you to TAN! | AN Organization |
| I just wanted to send a thank you...because the Actor’s Network is such a freaking great place in my actor life, that I am not sure where I would be without it! | |
| Appreciation for TAN | AN Organization |
| I was just talking to a fellow member about how much we appreciate The Actor's Network... we'd be lost without it. I know TAN may hear this all the time, but thank you so much for everything TAN stands for and for being the most important organization an actor in LA could ever dream of. | |
| Rainy Day Drop-Offs work | Kevin E. West |
| “I just wanted to let you know that your advice to do a rainy day drop-offs worked out really well for me! I took you up on the challenge, and started with casting offices in my neighborhood but ran out so decided to hit up a few agents/managers instead. Out of 5 drops to agents and managers, I ended up with 2 meetings and I signed with one of the theatrical agents that week.! Thanks Kevin!” | |
| TAN is one of my favorite things I've gotten involved in while in L. A. | AN Relationship |
| “...I truly appreciate everything I've learned from Kevin and Paulo. I also value all the relationships I've gotten through TAN, whether from the "player" guests, or from fellow member actors. It's one of my favorite things I've gotten involved in while in L. A. ...” | |
| The success of your vision has shortened the steps on the actors road to success | AN Organization |
| Congratulations on all you've achieved with TAN. The success of your vision has shortened the steps on the actors road to success. Your hard work and charisma also brings to TAN the people and resources that most of us would never encounter on our own. I have and will continue to introduce TAN to everyone who has the talent, drive and desire to be a successful actor. Sincere thanks, Summer Walters | |
| TAN provides easy transition for NYC actor | AN Relationship |
| “...wanted to thank you again for the last 9 months of TAN. TAN has not only helped my transition from NYC and surrounded me with some excellent people, it's also taught me how to run the business of me.” | |
| Guest Speaker leads to audition | Guest Speaker |
| “I went to TAN to listen to Joseph Middleton. He was casting for a film, Fairgame, at the time. I asked my manager to submit me. Joseph's office sent me sides and a script to Fairgame. Since he's casting in NYC, I offered to work as a local hire and taped my audition to send to him. I'm so grateful to TAN and my opportunity to audition for Joseph.” | |
| Guest Speaker gives member perfect commercial rep! | Guest Speaker |
| Thanks so much for bringing in Laura SooHoo (Reign Agency) to TAN. She's awesome. Met with her today and after many tries have finally found the perfect commercial rep. TAN ROCKS. | |
| Exceptional guest, sets a new standard | Guest Speaker |
| “Just wanted to let you know that I think Jody was an exceptional guest...she sets a new standard. She was so giving, didn't hold back and extended the session to answer as many questions as possible. She really gave us a lot of good information and...there was such an energy in the room and an excitement...many of us were actually talking at length afterward on our way to our cars. Definitely bring her back. All the best always!” | |
| Actor grateful for Topical Discussions | Topical Discussion |
| “Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your topical today. I don't say it enough but I truly admire and am grateful for what all you do...this is an extremely tough business and it is a godsend that you are here to help other actors. Best to you always.” | |
| TAN is the great Biz Organizer! | AN Organization |
| “...I was a determined but disorganized stumbling actor and I was introduced to The Actors' Network. This organization has absolutely morphed how I operate as a professional, and this month my persistant patience really came to fruition. I booked my first commercial, (Dominos) and I booked my first co-star role on The Eleventh Hour, finally becoming SAG. The blossoming of me working professionally really started 7 months ago when I met Orion Barnes from Rogers Orion Talent Agency at The Actors’ Network. I followed up with him and 2 weeks after he spoke at TAN he was my first theatrical agent. This year has been amazing for me and I believe the business skills I have developed from your organization have been the catalyst to me working in this town, so thank you. Thank you for sacrificing so much to create The Actors' Network. I just wanted you to know how much it means to me.” | |
| TAN provides solid foundation for actors | AN Organization |
| “... I tell EVERYONE I meet in this business... what a wonderful blessing TAN was to me when I first got here. Some of my closest friends here in L.A. are folks I met at TAN and Power Group. What you've done is so incredibly awesome, and really, THANK YOU!! Thank you for your vision...so grateful to you, and I'm proud to be a 'Lifer.' Kecia Cooper | |
| TAN gives actor jump start on career | AN Organization |
| “...I wanted to thank all of you for creating such a fabulous organization. Getting started here in LA would have been so much harder without you all. I moved to LA with a few goals - all that have been met. I am a mainstage member of the Groundlings. I have a commercial and theaterical agent. I audition lots. I'm booking commercials and a theaterical job here and there. Life is good and I can't wait to see what comes next. I'm grateful to Actors Network for giving me a jump start.” | |
| Valuable information gained from Industry Guest Speaker | Guest Speaker |
| Bob Del Valle was an awesome guest! His depth of experience allowed him to give a lot of really great information about the behind-the-scenes work that goes on in TV shows, and he had some great tips for actors on improving their knowledge base. Plus his handout with information about what to do on the set was invaluable. | |
| Kevin’s advice keeps actors on track | Kevin E. West |
| “... thank you for keeping it real, telling it like it is, and bridging the gap between what is offered at TAN and the applicaiton of it, that's where the real gold is. Since my last private with you, I have booked a National Commerical...have had several meetings with a manager...thank you...” | |
| TAN results in industry relationships | AN Organization |
| “Congratulations on your 17th anniversary with the Actors' Network! I appreciate your ongoing efforts on a daily basis. Thanks to the Actors' Network and the credibility that accompanies responsible membership, I have been able to develop many relationships with industry professionals who might otherwise have remained inaccessible to me. This is a privilege for which I am very grateful and never take for granted. Thanks to your willingness to share your industry relationships with the membership, I have now made meaningful contact with a number of great agents...” With sincere thanks, Paul Bond | |
| Kevin E. West Knows What He's Talking About: Just Do It Already | Private Consultation |
| Kevin E. West knows what he is talking about - the real question is - are you going to do it? My private consultation mixed with all the resources from my TAN membership proved to be invaluable tool and investment for my career. Kevin is funny, concise, tells it like it is, and gives you the information, advise, and encouragement whatever your goals are. The thing that sets Kevin and TAN apart - is a philosophy and mindset. I secured commercial representation and have used this time during the strike to be some of the most productive and proactive times of my career in Los Angeles. Don’t listen to the hype - listen to a real professional and take charge of your career. Missy Hairston - TAN Member | |
| Tax recommendation | AN Member |
| If you want your taxes done professionally, look no further than lifetime TAN member David O'Shea. He has done my taxes for the past six years and his rates are very reasonable. Plus, he gives a discount to TAN members. He books up quickly so don't wait too long! | |
| TAN offers the support actors need! | TAN Reputation |
| I for one have had a great time here, whether it's been finding things that help with my work, or finding people who are on the same level of life as I am. I think this is a great organization or I wouldn't have been part of it for these last, few years. Congratulations Kevin. By the way, you too are a reason I'm here. You're supportive, helpful and inspirational. Brian Baldini | |
| TAN Website | Topical Discussion |
| The upated entire green room is just utterly outstanding. It's so full of good and useful information. Every TAN member should be checking it three times daily, even on the weekends. And especially if they are out of town. It's the most multi-faceted and user friendly bulletin I've ever encountered online. If an actor cannot afford to join TAN right away, he/she should at least skip a couple of meals to be an online member because it would be completely worth a growling stomach for a few days. They'd be too busy doing stuff for their careers to eat. eric. | |
| Christensen books feature thanks to TAN tip | AN Audition |
| I just wanted say thank you because I got a great part in a feature that I learned about from TAN - THE PRINCE, directed by Beni Atoori. We had rehearsals last week and I'm shooting over the next few days. I am having the best time and I never would have known about it if it weren't for your organization. Thanks again and I hope to tell you all about it soon! | |
| TAN provides guidance for actors | AN Relationship |
| I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you. You have made this year such a joy and have been my trusty navigator during my voyage through the troubled waters of LA. This place is a blessed sanctuary. I feel proud to be among your ranks. Have happy holidays and I'll see you all in the new year. Dave Levine | |
| TAN Member mentioned in Backstage West | AN Relationship |
| Just wanted to let you know that I had a small mention in Jean Schiffman's column in Backstage West. It's in the November 30th edition and discusses actors returning to the craft after long periods of time (pg 12). This is a result of responding to the e-bulletin from TAN. Thank you for creating this opportunity for me to get some exposure. Paul Bond | |
| The benefits of our years of great relationships coming through at The Actors ' Network... | AN Audition |
| "While I was at The Actors’ Network a phone call came in to the Network from CD friend, Joseph Middleton: "if you know any funny, young, ethnic guys, send them down now to audition for Legally Blonde 2". An hour later, I'd booked my first feature film job, and without an agent! It's these kind of TAN relationships that non-members are missing. Lifetime Member, Amir Talai | |
| Members of The Actors ' Network are pro-active, successful and helpful to each other... | AN Relationship |
| "After producing nationally syndicated specials and working on other independent projects, SUZETTE CRAFT is back in front of the camera. This Actors' Network member recently made her prime time episodic debut on CBS top-rated show, The District, followed up with Jerry Bruckheimer's CSI Miami and Michael Mann's Robbery Homicide Division opposite Tom Sizemore and shot the short film, Woodpeckers. Plus, you can catch her as Co-Host of the award winning PBS Series Mastering the College Experience and on television commercials. She just booked on WB's Angel." ----Suzette Craft | |
| TAN Guest Speaker leads to new representation | Guest Speaker |
| To recap the story I told you a while back, I came in to see casting director Barbara Divisek. At one point she was talking about how agents submit their clients to her. I asked how non-represented actors got to see her, and she said they generally didn't. After the session, she asked me if I was completely unrepresented. I said I had commercial representation, but not theatrical. She gave me Eileen O'Farrell's phone number and said she could probably use me. I called Eileen two days later. Barbara had already talked to her. We met shortly thereafter, and we are now working together on a trial basis. Nobody said it could be that easy! Thank you, TAN! | |
| TAN odd-sized mailers get actors noticed | Topical Discussion |
| The very first week I sent a buckslip to Bialy/Thomas for "The Unit" resulted in a call to read for a nice co-star (couple of scenes). As I walked into the room, having never met Sharon B., she held up the buckslip and said to me, "see sending postcards works..." The buckslip had said, "check out my 60 second demo online." and sure enough, she went to my site, watched the demo and called. Besides doing a good, clean thoughtful read, we had a nice chat about theater and directing, and that I went to college with her ex-husband -- 100% positive meeting. | |
| Guest Speakers one of most beneficial aspects of TAN | Guest Speaker |
| I have always felt that access to industry guests was one of the most beneficial aspects of TAN membership. TAN provides a wonderful forum for actors and other players in the business to interact in a professional and mutually beneficial manner. After attending such an event with Hugh Leon many years ago, I pursued and developed a relationship that has benefited me to this day. Had I not attended that seminar, I would never have known what a terrific guy he is. You just can't get that kind of interaction from an industry listing book! -Paul Bond | |
| Every Actor Should Be Required to Attend Topical Discussions | Topical Discussion |
| EVERY SINGLE ACTOR WHO MOVES TO HOLLYWOOD SHOULD BE FORCED TO TAKE ANY AND ALL OF THESE!!! These have opened my eyes to aspects of this business both sobering and inspiring. They give the actor back a power that he/she may have given away by being told "how hard this business is." It takes the SH*T out of BULLSH*T and leaves one with the desire to take the BULL by the horns. Practical, managable and possible- actions and approach to step by step reaching for your dream. | |
| A goldmine of information! | AN Binder |
| A goldmine of information! Any idea I ever had about approaching organization as an LA actor and more has been taken to the one thousandth degree. The studio maps, the breakdown of the town saves immeasurable time and effort. Worth the price of admission alone. | |
| He’s a dynamo of information | Kevin E. West |
| I don't want to boost his ego any more than needed, BUT the guy is a dynamo of information and sobering inspiration. He awakens your focus and can-do attitude. | |
| Power Group Encourages Internships | Power Group |
| Upon starting my my power group, I heard about people doing internships. So I started doing them myself, and they have led to representation, firm close relationships, and auditions. Granted, knowing that you are not attempting to gain representation or a job from interning, it just seems to happen regardless. Without TAN Power Group, I feel that I would have never thought of my most useful marking tool, interning, PERIOD!! Or at least it would have taken me a lot longer than I would have wanted it to. | |
| TAN gives member tools for career advancement | TAN Reputation |
| If a successful career in Hollywood is comparable to climbing Mount Everest, then the Actors' Network is a reliable base camp with the tools and resources necessary for the ascent. Thank you also for making it your mission to provide a blueprint which actors can use to build whatever kind of career they desire. There is not a day that goes by when I am actively pursuing my career that I don't do a Kevin E. check in. By saying that I mean that I often consider how you would respond in a given situation and I factor that in to my final decision. In particular, I have learned that "no" is an acceptable response in Hollywood and that no one player will make or break my career. Paul Bond | |
| Job obtained through Etip! | ETips |
| I booked a commercial for RC Willey by submitting to a listing on an etip. The casting director is a lifer TAN member, and said she loves to hire TAN people. | |
| Guest Speaker leads to work for Porter Kelly | Guest Speaker |
| Industry guest Melissa Martin stopped me after she spoke at TAN and said, "Why haven't I ever seen you in my office?" I sent her a postcard the next day, and the next week I had an commercial audition for her and booked the spot. Melissa calls me in all the time now, and I recently booked another spot with her. | |
| PG Challenge pays off | Power Group |
| One month the theme was to get a general with a CD. I set my sights high and through a friend of a friend, I was able to sit down and have a great talk with Mali Finn. This could have happened earlier had I thought of it but it was the "challenge" of Power Group that got it done. Pat Battistini | |
| TAN E-Tip leads 8 weeks of work! | ETips |
| Anne Von Hermann sent out an e-tip about a Fox show. After 3 auditions and call backs, I booked the role. I was fortunate enough to spend 8 weeks in Maine shooting and being cast in six episodes of a netork TV show. Pat Battistini | |
| Power Group fan list leads to industry relationships | Power Group |
| There are several things that I've used after learning them at TAN that have been awesome for me and the development of my career. The biggest one is creating a fan list for myself. It has lead me to some awesome contacts and it requires me to regularly think of what I'm doing and how it is affecting my career. I regularly send out an update (once a month) to industry contacts, friends, fellow actors, etc. that announces what I am doing. It has created some wonderful relationships for me and people have already transitioned from thinking of me as just a hypnotherspist to an actor who is also a hypnotherapist. | |
| Guest Speaker leads to work on General Hospital | Guest Speaker |
| After seeing Gwen Hillier (CD for General Hospital) speak at the Network, I sent a follow up thank you, along with my headshot. Two months later, they called me in for background work. I earned some money, learned a lot on the set, and a made great contact there which will lead to other employment. David A. Cooper | |
| TAN Internship gives member Theatrical Representation | AN Internship |
| I took on a TAN internship with a theatrical agent, even though I was already represented elsewhere. I thought it would be a great chance to learn that end of the business, without any hidden agenda. As it turns out, my former agent released me. Fortunately, the relationship I had built at the internship led to my being signed at that agency. Within two months, I had booked my first TV co-star --the direct result of a TAN internship. David A. Cooper | |
| Power Group leads to work! | Power Group |
| Through being in Power Group, I've had two breakouts. One is the film lincolnvsbush done with Pat Battistini which can be found on iFilm.com and is now one of the leading comedy shorts of all time on iFilm. Two: Lew Dauber, my current PG Buddy has written and produced three different Lincoln Live shows we've done to rave reviews. We're currently working on a short docu revolving around Lincoln and the chaplaincy during the Civil War. | |
