Why Join Actors' Center: For Actors

The Actors' Center Online Hotline is a members-only tool featuring local industry and AC information, including posts on auditions, workshops, employment, funding opportunities, discounts, social/networking events, announcements, and AC member classifieds, events, and services. Hotline information is updated throughout each day as listings are submitted. "Emergency" or "Urgent" casting notices are immediately sent to membership via email to ensure you know about even the most last-minute opportunities.

The Actors' Center sponsors free workshops for members both daytimes and evenings throughout the year at various locations. Workshops are taught by professional actors and/or educators from the Washington, DC area and are designed to help members sharpen and develop skills and build a strong local industry network. Some workshops are designed for trained actors with professional acting experience while others are designed for beginners or those with limited experience. Continuing education is vital to success, helping you to strengthen your skills and develop new ones.

All Actors’ Center members are invited to create a personal casting profile for the AC Online Casting Database. The profile showcases your headshot, contact information, age-range, unions, physical characteristics, training, special skills/experience, and representative resume (optional) and allows 10 credits in each of the following areas: Theater, Film/Video, TV, Commercials, Industrials, Voice Over, and Other. Profiles in the AC Online Casting Database can be viewed, sorted, and favorited by Actors’ Center Associates (producers, casting directors, etc.), giving you additional exposure and a valuable advantage over non-members.

OnCue, the monthly email newsletter from the Actors’ Center, has articles on AC events, acting and audition tips, announcements, League of Washington Theatres and union updates, and the Around Town feature, which showcases recent member activity and achievements.

The AC Lottery Auditions are held each Summer and Fall and are open to members only, offering an exclusive opportunity for AC talent to present to area producers. This day of auditions attracts casting directors from area theatres, casting houses, and production companies. With only one day of auditions each time and heavy AC membership interest, auditions are granted through a lottery system. AC members are notified when lottery registration is online and 132 members are then randomly selected to attend.

The Actors’ Center Play Reading Series affords members an opportunity to engage in the creative process and build relationships with other members. AC produces about four readings each year and opens auditions for readings to all AC members. Readings are directed by leading area directors, typically involve one or two rehearsals, and culminate in a final performance open to the public. Gatherings are scheduled at nearby pubs or eateries before most reading performances, allowing reading and attending members to meet and mingle beforehand.

The Actors' Center holds an annual meeting of the Board and membership to report to membership about that year's activities and to elect new members to the Board of Directors. The annual event is a prime opportunity for membership networking and one of the many ways that AC helps to create a close-knit community of connected actors and artists.

Promote your project through the Actors’ Center! AC members are invited to post information about upcoming shows and performances in the publicly-available Around Town feature which is showcased on the website and in the monthly OnCue email newsletter.

The Actors’ Center has a good name around town, and that's why so many places offer discounts to AC members! From theatre and film classes to show tickets to professional headshot, makeup, and other services, industry discounts are often offered to AC membership. These special offers are communicated through the Online Hotline.

Available in the members-only area of the Actors’ Center website, the Casting Contact Directory includes information for local casting agencies (DC, MD, and VA) and area theaters to give you a headstart when you need to get in touch.

The Actors' Center offers an extensive library which includes scripts, current professional periodicals, books about acting, and more. The library catalogue can be searched online by members and indicates availability of selected materials. All are available to be borrowed by members on a check out basis.