Hi Bonnie!

Thanks so much for your time; I know it’s even more precious as you’re on tour with Self-Management for Actors!

Sincerely,
Not-a-Dumb-Blonde

Not a dumb blonde at all, with this question! Oh, but I so get your frustration! We actually had someone in my class earlier this year who is a stunning, natural (but highlighted) blonde and we talked about the whole issue of being attractive, blonde, female, and over 30 in this industry (and in this town). You attend auditions. You look around in the waiting room. You know there are a TON of you. A TON.

And that’s the issue. It’s not so much about the type situation, although I do see your manager’s point and I really like that you have a manager who is willing to discuss such issues with you and go to the trouble of mocking up a before and after of your headshot (very cool). It’s actually more about the numbers, the competition, what is expected of the blonde women over 30 we see on TV every day, and — yes — the type of roles you’re targeting.

The gal in my class went red and her bookings skyrocketed. Is that because of her new hair color? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe the bigger issue is that she was suddenly in a smaller pool of actors, getting in front of buyers for a different type of role. People who would never be looking at her (as a blonde) for the types of role she could go out for as a redhead were now getting exposed to her, and that is where her talent could shine. She’s no more talented now than she was as a blonde, but as a blonde, she couldn’t even get seen on certain roles, because they weren’t going to go blonde with that particular role (for whatever reason).

So, let’s say you try brunette on for style. Give it TIME, if you do it. Don’t try it and then get discouraged if you’re not booking right away. Give yourself whatever number of months or years to really stick with it. Get the new headshots. Get out your postcards and get into workshops to be sure your buyers are aware that it’s the same, talented YOU, but now with a new look.

Yes, this is looking to be a huge investment (which is why I’m suggesting that you give it more than a season to work for you). But if you consider that one co-star booking on a major network episodic takes care of every penny you’ve spent at that point, it makes sense. Bonus: You have your manager’s support! That can go a long way.

Is it “fair” that you have to even consider changing up your look? Nope. Nor is it fair that there’s weight to gain or lose for “greater castability.” Nor is it fair that you were top of the list after auditions and then they ended up going with a name actor instead. I’ve talked before about the fairness of it all. Sigh. It is what it is.

But for your type and the roles you’re targeting, I think this may be a good choice. Get in there; book. Teach them what you can do. Then once they’ve learned you are low-risk in the talent and professionalism department, you can take your hair color back, unless it’s now so much a part of your brand that you want to keep the darker locks. Heck, look at most of the busy, working actors out there. They change up their hair for every project! And once they’re at the level where their talent is not in question and their risk level is zero, changing it up is just a part of the deal! (And on the studios’ dime.)

I’m not suggesting you change it up every project, yet. I’m saying I’ve seen it absolutely be a huge difference, for actors to change hair color for their brand. Then they get known. Then they can do whatever they want. If you’re still trying to get known? Now’s the time to pick a lane to drive in and FLOOR it. 🙂

I vote yes on your new hair color. Lemmeknow what you end up doing!

Bonnie Gillespie is living her dreams by helping others figure out how to live theirs. Wanna work with Bon? Start here. Thanks!

Originally published by Actors Access at http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/001409.html. Please support the many wonderful resources provided by the Breakdown Services family. This posting is the author’s personal archive.