Tao of Show Business Workbook

DALLAS TRAVERS
www.taoofshowbusiness.com
Introduction
This Companion Workbook is a free gift to you as a reader of The Tao of
Show Business, written by Dallas Travers. The assignments here are
designed to enhance your experience while reading
The Tao of Show Business.
If you do not yet own the book itself and would like to purchase your own
copy, please visit www.taoofshowbusiness.com.
If you are interested in connecting with Dallas Travers,

please do so by visiting www.dallastravers.com
You can also gain ongoing and extensive access to Dallas

teachings & support by becoming a member of her online
program, The Thriving Artist Circle. Begin you 30-day free membership at
www.thrivingartistcircle.com
Enjoy your journey!
-Dallas
Copyrighted material - All Rights Reserved 2008 Dallas Travers www.taoofshowbusiness.com
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Your Long-Term Vision
Imagine that you are living the career of your dreams.
Ask yourself the question: If I could be anywhere, doing anything,
where would I be, with whom would I be, and what would I be doing?
With that picture clear in your mind, please answer the following
questions below about your long-term vision.
Feel free to use extra paper if you need to!
Craft
How proud are you of your chops? What teachers or peers do you learn from? How do
others respond to your talents? Where do you showcase your skills?
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Creativity
How do you nurture your artist? How do you express yourself? How do you feel about
your creativity?
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Confidence
Describe how confident you feel and how that plays out in your day-to-day life. How
do you deal with setbacks and your inner-critic?
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Finances
What is your financial situation? How much money do you earn?
How does that affect other areas of your life? How do you feel about money?
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Fun
What is your attitude towards life? What do you do in your free time?
Describe how fun plays a role in your ideal life.
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Health
Describe your appearance. How do you feel about yourself?
How do you nurture yourself? What do you gain from your self-care?
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Marketing Tools & Business

Describe what marketing tools you utilize and how they work for you. Who is on your
team and how does your team work for you? How do you feel about your business?
Describe who you are as a professional.
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Personal Growth
How do you continue to learn and grow? What resources, outlets, or people do you
learn from? How do you feel about your personal growth?
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Personal Relationships
Describe your personal relationships. What do you get from them? How do you impact
others in your life? Who are the most important
people in your life and what roles do they play?
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Professional Relationships
Describe your professional relationships.
What do you get from them? How well do you communicate?
How do you feel about your place in the business?
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Service & Community

How do you contribute to your community? How do you give back? What causes are
most important to you?
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Spirituality
How do you define spirituality? What role does it play in your life and career?
How do you feed your spiritual side?
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Keeping this long-term vision as a whole in your mind, please identify your
tightrope moment. If you could pinpoint one specific moment in your future
that might represent the culmination
of your long-term vision, describe what that ideal scene might look like and how
you feel about this experience. What is your tightrope moment?
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Values Appraisal
Rate the importance of each value listed below on a scale of
1 (not important) to 10 (very important). How important is each
value to your life and your career?
Now, consider which FIVE might be most important to you and your life. After
you have selected FIVE values, please rank them in order of importance.
adventure _____ humor _____

authenticity _____ joy & happiness _____
autonomy _____ leaving a legacy _____
charity / generosity _____ love _____
communication _____ loyalty _____
community _____ personal growth _____
connecting w/ others _____ physical appearance _____
control _____ power _____
creativity _____ purpose & passion _____
emotional health _____ relationships _____
fame _____ respect _____
family _____ romance _____
financial freedom _____ security _____
freedom & flexibility _____ self expression _____
friendship _____ self-care _____
fun & fulfillment _____ sex & intimacy _____
green living _____ spirituality _____
holistic living _____ success _____
honesty & integrity _____ trust _____
humility _____ vitality _____

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Values Appraisal
Another way to identify your values is to review your long-term vision
description. Read through your long-term vision description and pay special
attention to the feelings you described. Look for themes, patterns, or specific
values that stand out consistently. What do you notice? What values appear?
How much do you walk your walk when it comes to your values?
How might you use your values to move your career to new heights?
How might your values help you make career decisions?
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S-A-G-E Goal Characteristics
Now that youve identified your short-term goal(s), its time to make sure that
your goal is a SAGE one
Short-term Goal: _____________________________________________
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SPECIFIC
Is this goal easy to measure? Is it time-sensitive? How will you know when
youve arrived at your goals finish line?
ACHIEVABLE
How much control do you have over your desired results? How much do you
believe that you will, indeed, accomplish this goal?
GENUINE
Is this goal truly yours? How inspired do you feel when you consider taking this
goal on?
EXPANSIVE
Describe how your short-term goal fits into the broader picture of your long-
term vision.
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The Time Traveler
First, identify your specific goal along with a specific deadline.
Describe each milestone involved in your journey.
Next, focus on the actions you must take in order to arrive

at the one-quarter mark along your goal-getting journey.
After you arrive at your one-quarter mark, identify what actions

you must take in order to arrive at the halfway point.
Continue this process until you accomplish your desired goal.
Today is ____________________________________ and my current status
regarding this goal is ___________________________________________________
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One Quarter Mark Date_________________________
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The Time Traveler
Finish Line Date_________________________
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Immediate Actions Date
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The Inch Worm
After you have rated your current level of satisfaction in each area of the Artist
Wheel. Please complete the Inch Worm Action Plan Process
to improve any are you choose from the Artist Wheel.
Artist Wheel Area ___________________________________________________
Current Rating ________________ Goal Rating __________________
Describe what your Goal Rating might look like _______________________
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What specific actions must you take in order to achieve this goal? When will you
take these actions?
Action Date
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The Possibility Web
Refer to the Possibility Web instructions in your The Tao of Show Business book
and complete the Possibility Web Process below.
Goal:
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Ask the opposite questions

and identify possible answers & actions here
obstacles include
(list them here)
Ask the opposite questions

and identify possible answers & actions here
Actions I will take

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Vision Board Grid
business confidence
spirituality & & &
service marketing personal
tools growth
YOU
relationships &
wealth communication
health,
craft & wellness, fun &
creativity enjoyment
body
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Limiting Beliefs
Here are some sample limiting beliefs. Refer to this list and explore what
limiting beliefs you may be buying into.
It takes money to make money I'm tough to cast

I'm not good enough I need more credits
The entertainment industry is hard Hollywood is fake
I can't have it all This business is cut-throat
I'm too old to make it There's too much competition
It's all about the craft There are no more original ideas
It's only about business I have to impress people
I must sell my soul to get anywhere I must stay positive
People in this business are shady It's all about luck
There's not enough time I can't have a day job that I like
Life is too short All actors are waiters
I need more money Actors are flakey
I should be different My family should be supportive
This business is crazy I only want to make art
Actors are desperate Movie stars have no privacy
I have to work hard Success changes people
Artists are meant to struggle I must play the game
I'm not ready Being an actor is hard
It takes ten years to make it I only get one chance
I'm too fat / thin / short / tall I might be blacklisted
Agents are sleazy I must have an agent
People are selfish I must have a SAG card
I should be more successful No one understands me
I must follow the rules It's all about looks
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Limiting Beliefs
Please consider your own limiting beliefs.
Explore them by answering the following questions.
1. Identify an obstacle or belief that prevents you from taking action or

accomplishing a goal.
2. How does this belief serve you? What does it protect you from?
3. How does this belief harm you? What does it prevent you from?
4. Setting aside any emotion or opinion about this idea, how TRUE is this belief?
5. How do you know that?

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6. Who would you be / what might be different if this belief ceased to exist?
7. What is an opposite idea that might also be true?
8. What must you do to find out which belief is true for you?
Example
Belief: Im too old to make it in Hollywood.
This belief protects me from really putting myself

out there and possibly experiencing rejection.
It prevents me from taking risks and moving my career forward.

This belief feels true. People say it all the time, but I guess I cant know
if its true for ME.
Without this belief I would be happier, more free, and probably more successful.
Opposite statement: I am not too old to make it.

In order to discover if this belief is true, I must put myself out there
and just go for it.

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Clearing Your Limiting Beliefs
A belief is just a thought or an idea. You can change your thoughts. Therefore,
you can choose your beliefs. This exercise is designed to help you release your
limiting beliefs and live without them once and for all.
Step 1 On a piece of paper, write down your limiting belief. Write down
any thoughts or emotions that arise when you think about this
belief. Explain how this belief has served you in the past. Explain
how it has also harmed you.
Step 2 On a second piece of paper, explore how your life or career

might be different without this belief. Describe it in full detail and
include as many of your senses as you can. Who would you BE,
to have all these things? What beliefs would you need to have
to BE that person and to have all those fantastic things? Put as
much feeling into it as you can.
Step 3 When you have finished, look over both sheets of paper, and
make a decision as to which you prefer. If it is the positive one,
then take the other and say, "I release my need for this belief. It
no longer exists in my world.
Step 4 Get rid of this piece of paper. You may chose to lock it in a box,
burn it, mail it to a mysterious address, or tear it into shreds.
Destroy this paper in whatever way is most meaningful to you.
Step 5 Take the second piece of paper, make a conscious choice that this
is now your TRUTH, put it in your purse or wallet and carry it
everywhere with you. That is powerful enough to clear anything.
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Living Mantras
Take some time to craft your very own Living Mantras. Just think about what
you desire or what youd like to change and jot down some inspiring questions
that reflect the new results you want to generate.
After youve created your mantras, you may consider creating
Living Mantra Cards that you can take with you in the car, on the subway,
or anywhere you go.
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SPECIAL BONUS:
Save on Dallass highly acclaimed CD, Living Mantras:
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Concrete Commitment
Creating a Concrete Commitment is pretty simple, but youll need to practice it a
bit in order to create one thats right for you. Please answer the following
questions and create your Concrete Commitment.
After youve created your Concrete Commitment, share it with at least one
person each day for the next 30 days.
1. What specific career or life goals are you currently committed to?
2. How does this commitment fit into your long-term vision or your values?
3. Who are you as an artist? Set aside what you do and think about who you
are outside of your career aspirations.
4. Whats happening right now regarding this goal or commitment?
5. What personal accomplishment or characteristic are you most proud of?

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6. How does this accomplishment or characteristic relate to your goal?
7. What you most excited about or looking forward to right now?
Please complete the following statements.
I am a _____________________________________ committed to _____________

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This is important to me because ________________________________________

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Right now, Im doing ___________________________________________________

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Im looking forward to __________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ .
Sample Concrete Commitment

Im an actor and I love being able to impact people through story telling. Acting
is my way of encouraging people to think outside the box. Right now, Im
working on building my demo reel. Im excited to have it completed because I
think itll help me land more auditions and ultimately work on bigger projects.
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Sideliner Exercise
As much as I wish you could you just cant control the actions, opinions, or
thoughts of other people.
The Sideliner Exercise will help you align your expectations of others with who
they really are, not who youd like them to be.
Please complete the following statements.
I wish _____________________________________ would behave differently by

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I need them to change because _______________________________________

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This is not their job, though. Instead their job is to ________________________

______________________________________________________________________ .
If I accept this truth and let them do their job, I am now free to do my job, which
is _______________________________________________________________
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Three things I appreciate about this person are _________________________

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Now, I will expect this person to do their job, and do it well .

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Sideliner Exercise
My core Collaborators are:
I will add value to our relationship by doing the following:
I would like to add the following people to my list of Collaborators:
I will reach out to them by:
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Your Collaborators
You can keep track of your team using several different types of computer
software such as Outlook (for PC users) or Bento (for Mac).
You can also utilize your email address book or even
an old-fashioned address book.
Just begin keeping track of who you know, how to contact them,
and when youll get in touch.
I also like www.performertrack.com, www.theactorsoffice.com, or
www.actorgateway.com
Collaborator's Name phone:

email:
How I Know Them other:
date:
email:
date:

email:
date:
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Your Collaborators
email:
date:

email:
date:
email:
date:

email:
date:
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Your Collaborators
email:
date:

email:
date:
email:
date:

email:
date:
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Your Shadow
Think about your pesky Shadow. How do you feel when your Shadow rules
your life? Wouldnt it be great to use your Shadows energy in a way that
catapults you forward rather than keeping you stuck?
Try this exercise out to redirect your Shadows energy.
Think about an early experience (kinda like Dallass spelling bee story) when
your Shadow may have first appeared. It is not important that you pinpoint the
precise moment your Shadow was born.
Just think back and select any experience that comes to mind.
What happened?
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What did your Shadow learn from that experience?
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How has your Shadow worked to protect you from experiencing that again?
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What else does your Shadow protect you from?
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What does your Shadow prevent you from doing, saying, accomplishing or
believing?
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How appropriate is your Shadow today? How much (if at all) do you need your
Shadow to continue to protect you?
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If you could give your Shadow a new job, what would that be? How might you
like to redirect your Shadows energy to serve you in more constructive ways?
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Write down all of the nasty ideas, distractions, insults and fears your Shadow
tells you. Take all the time you need to really explore your Shadows voice.
After youve written down your Shadows script, its time to create your
Shadow. Draw it, design it, build it, paint it, sew it, or find an object that
represents your Shadow. Identify what your Shadow says to you, how it holds
you back, and what it looks like. Be creative.
After youve designed your Shadow, its time to have a little talk. Tell your
Shadow, Hey thanks, but you dont have to be such a jerk about protecting me.
Im quite all right without you. Instead, Id really like you to (give your Shadow
a new job). You could use your Shadow to motivate you, to inspire you, or to
build your confidence. Remember, this little sucker is a really good worker, so
give your Shadow a job thatll help you.
With your Shadows new job in mind, REDESIGN your Shadow.

Replace all of the ugly, mean, fearful, or sad energy with positive and fulfilling
images, colors, and words.
Keep your new Shadow close by to remind you that YOU are in charge of you.
You dont need to fear any longer cause your Shadow has your back.
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Qualities Questionnaire
Please consider your Personal Danny DeVito and answer the following questions
about your consistent qualities.
Doing so may shine some light on how you can pinpoint your Danny DeVito
and carve out your unique niche.
1. How are you different from other actors in your age range? List physical
characteristics as well as internal qualities or special talents / skills.
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2. How are you similar?________________________________________________
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3. What qualities did you possess as a kid that are still true for you in
adulthood?
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4. Among your peers, how are you perceived? For example, are you the
planner in the group, the funny one, or the person people trust most?
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5. How do your family members perceive you?
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6. What is the general first impression you leave with people?
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7. What are people surprised to learn about your personality after they get to
know you?
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8. What feedback do you consistently get from industry professionals,

classmates, etc. about how you might be cast?
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9. What five actors of the opposite sex are you similar to? What characteristics
do you share with them?
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10. If you were an inanimate object, what might you be? For example, a shiny
red sports car, a painters easel, or an expensive pen.
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Castability Survey
On the next three pages, youll find a Castability Survey.

Make at least 5 copies of this four-page document and ask 5
different people to complete the survey for you.
After you have received your completed Castability Surveys, please review what
feedback you got. Take a blank survey and use that to compile all the
feedback onto one sheet.
You can do this by placing a hash mark next to each
word every time it is selected.
Now, consider the following questions to help you uncover

your Personal Danny DeVito.
1. What five adjectives and roles were selected most often?
2. Eliminating the obvious choices (ie: grandma if you are only 22 years old),
what five adjectives and roles came up the least or not at all?
3. What common thread or theme do you notice about the feedback your
received in your surveys?
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4. What does this information tell you about your Personal Danny DeVito?
5. Given how other people see you, what message might be missing from your
current headshots?
6. How does the survey you completed for yourself compare to the surveys
others did for you?
7. After youve compiled the information, please write a concise description of

your Personal Danny DeVito in three sentences or less.
8. What taglines or key words represent your Personal Danny DeVito?
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Castability Survey
instructions for survey-filler-outers
This is a fun exercise for your friend or loved one to get a clear idea about the roles they
are likely to book in film and television as well as how other people perceive them.
Please take the time to fill out this survey and have some fun!
Step One: Start by circling up to 15 of the adjectives on page 1 that describe characters
or roles your friend might play. This is just a snapshot of who they are on one given day,
so dont stress out too much. Just have fun.
Step Two: Visit page 2 and again circle up to 15 roles your friend could play. Given
who they are...where are they likely to first be cast?
Step Three: Now, review and answer the questions on page 3. Again, have fun with
this. Keep in mind that you may only circle ONE of each of the options listed. The final
question on page one asks that you write a character description. Here are some
samples
Each description should include the following info:

character name and age
at least TWO adjectives
job description
relationship w/ another character identified
conflict and/or resolution
(Sara) Early 30s. A simple, hardworking woman. Shes a single mother of 4 kids and is
clearly overwhelmed. Shes got 3 jobs to make ends meet, one of which is to drive a Head Start
Bus.
[NICK SAVRINN] A Berkeley-educated, attractive, Caucasian attorney in his early-mid 30s,

he works with an organization called the Liberty Project and is an eager, intelligent crusader
who cares more about humanity than making money.
[MICHELLE LATHAM] 32-40, beautiful, sexy, classy, powerful, intellectual tough

businesswoman. Michelle is now her firms new boss, but is forced to weigh her feelings of true
love against a life of great monetary wealth and privileges when she falls in love with her
assistant.
page 1.
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Castability Survey
circle up to 15 of the adjectives that describe roles I am most likely to play
clever organized unforgiving clumsy wry

chic outrageous nervous cocky witty
charming passionate narrow-minded compassionate wise
cautious patient nave competitive wild
carefree pensive mysterious confused whimsical
candid pessimistic muscle-bound connected well-meaning
calculating playful mild-mannered conservative weird
brooding poised methodical controlling weathered
breezy powerful melancholy cool weary
breath-of-fresh-air practical maternal/paternal courageous wealthy
breakable precise manipulative cowardly warm
brainy pretentious malicious crass vivacious
bombastic prissy lovable crazy virtuous
blue collar private larger-than-life creative uptight
bitter proper kooky creepy trustworthy
beautiful proud intimidating crooked tortured
backwards puzzled intense dainty thoughtful
authoritative rebellious intelligent dangerous supportive
attractive regal inquisitive deceitful successful
athletic reliable innocent delicate submissive
assertive resolute infectious dense stylish
articulate ruthless industrious dependant studious
arrogant savvy impeccable depressed stubborn
approachable secretive icy devoted street smart
anxious self-righteous honorable ditzy stoic
annoying sexy homespun earnest outstanding
animated sharp heroic earthy openhearted
ambitious sheltered hardened easy old school
aloof sincere gutsy egotistical obnoxious
alert sly guarded elegant gleaming
air-headed smug grounded eloquent genius
aggressive snooty grieving energetic frustrated
adventurous solid greedy flighty frantic
adorable spoiled gentle fragile connected
abrasive spunky generous surprising confident
page 2.

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Castability Survey
circle up to 15 of the roles you would cast me in
abusive spouse artist philosopher goody two shoes
accountant attorney pimp/hooker hypochondriac
addict corporate climber plastic surgeon ingenue
adventure seeker corporate exec. political activist janitor
alcoholic couch potato politician jersey girl
All American guy/gal crooked cop popular guy jokester
ambulance chaser daddy's girl prankster judge
animal lover dancer professor know it all
annoying sidekick detective psychiatrist label-whore
anthropologist diner worker psychic leading man/lady
art dealer nurse psychologist librarian
assertive boss nut-case public defender lost soul
average Jane/Joe paramedic rebel love interest
backseat-driver pastry chef receptionist mafioso
back-stabber perfectionist red neck mama's boy
bartender personal trainer reporter Martha Stewart type
baywatch-honey petty thief roadie med student
beat cop pharmacist rock star missionary
bible thumper supportive spouse rookie cop mogul
bohemian talent agent sales clerk mom
book worm telemarketer schemer moocher
bookie therapist school teacher mortician
bossy bitch tomboy scientific expert mover-shaker
brown-noser trailer trash sculptor Mr/Ms. Right
bureaucrat trouble-maker secret agent musician
bus driver trust fund baby serial killer nave do-gooder
busy-body unlucky in love shy guy/gal nanny
chef UPS guy/gal singer New Yorker
chiropractor wallflower single parent nosey neighbor
coffee-shop regular welfare mom/dad slacker philanthropist
computer geek white collar criminal small town girl/guy eccentric airhead
computer tech writer smooth operator bachelor(ette)
conspiracy theorist yoga instructor social worker entrepreneur
construction worker hair stylist socialite environmentalist
gossip heart breaker soldier fashion designer
grad student heckler sports fanatic feminist
graphic designer lovable loser stallion/starlett firefighter
guy/gal next door high school coach store clerk foot doctor
hi-roller high school dropout stripper frat boy/sorority gal
homemaker super hero good listener
page 3.
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Castability Survey
How old am I? (circle one)
18-22 22-26 26-30 30-34 34-38 38-42

42-46 46-50 50-54 54-60 60+
What is my most admirable quality?
What might surprise people to learn about me?
Whats my biggest weakness?
Circle One: blue collar / white collar

married / single / marrying kind?
conservative / liberal
college grad / high school diploma / GED
welfare recipient / socialite
suburban life / city dweller
Write a detailed description of a role I might play (samples on page one)
page 4.
46
Character Breakdowns
Please write or find a character breakdown (description) that describes how you
might be cast in the genres listed below. Be as specific as possible. Heres where
you get to illustrate how your Personal Danny DeVito fits into the genres and
stereotypes in the industry.
Sample Character Breakdowns
[MIKE CHANEY] Strong and intimidating man in his late 40s to early 50s. A
former bully, Mike is a successful entrepreneur who owns a garish house just
outside Minneapolis. Hes a bit of a wanna-be mobster, but thats all an act.
[LETICIA GOMEZ] 30 to 35, Hispanic. Paula is from a poor Catholic family in

Brownsville, Texas, and she's a very carefully put-together woman. Religious,
industrious, and optimistic. Paula is a local news anchor who tends to take her
job a little too seriously. Shes always on point and overly-perky.
[TRACY BLAKELY] Female, late 30s, sweet, nurturing. She is a grieving mother
whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. After a painful trial, Tracy
forgives her daughters killer and asks the judge to practice leniency in his
sentence.
One-Hour Drama:____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Sitcom:________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
47
Independent Film:____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
TV Guest Star:_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Id represent the following products in commercials :_____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
My Dream Role:________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Id love to mirror the careers of (list at least three actors):
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
48
People often say I remind them of: ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Common themes among the roles I play are:___________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
49
Press Release Checklist
Follow the checklist below to make the most out of your press release
Date Action Item Notes
Write Press Release
Set Up Google Alert
Submit Press Release
Collect Articles, Blurbs, etc.
Forward Articles to my Hit

List & Fan Club via Email
Create Fancy-Shmancy One

Sheet Using INK
I Collect
Send One Sheet to my Hit

List & Fan Club
Add One Sheet & Press

Release to My Press Packet
50
The Four Fundamentals
Cover Letter Recipient(s)
1 6
2 7
3 8
4 9
5 10
Connection: Why I'm targeting them

1 6
2 7
3 8
4 9
5 10
Commitment: Brainstorm at least three goals or values
Angle: List at least three reasons WHY me
Action: What I want

51
Demo Reel Action Plan
Material to Review & Select Scenes/Segments Date
Scenes or Monologue to Shoot Date
Editors to Interview Date
Completion Deadline: ____________ Web Upload Deadline: __________
Other Tasks / Notes Date
52
Rule of Seven Game Plan
Desired Goal:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Target Person/People:
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
Ships Log
Ship One Date: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ship Two Date: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ship Three Date: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
53
Ship Four Date: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ship Five Date: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ship Six Date: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ship Seven Date: ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Whats Next?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
54
55
Practice Imperfection
For the next two weeks, do one thing imperfectly. Record your imperfect action
below and write about your feelings or experiences.
Day One: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Two: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Three: ____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Four: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
56
Day Five: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Six: ______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Seven: ___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Eight: ____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Nine: ____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

57
Day Ten: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Day Eleven: __________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Day Twelve: __________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Thirteen: _________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Fourteen: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
58
You survived! How has practicing imperfection impacted you?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
59
Stop, Drop, Dig, & Roll
Think about a recent crisis or emergency and apply the Stop, Drop, Dig and Roll
to uncover an easier way to handle emergencies.
My recent crisis was: ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Describe the story of this crisis. How did you feel? What did this crisis mean?
What motivation did you or the other people involved have? Really allow
yourself to describe the details & the drama.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
60
Stop, Drop, Dig, & Roll
Put the story aside and identify the facts involved in this crisis.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What commitments or values do you hold that make this crisis a crisis?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Looking at your commitments or values, what actions can you take to move
through this crisis next time?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
61
Break Through Resistance
Make a list of at least three actions youve been resisting.
Identify the date you will take each action and go for it!
For the next seven days, do at least one thing that scares you.
Action item Date Action Item Date
Action Emotions, experiences, results
Day
1
Day
2
Day
3
Day
4
Day
5
Day
6
Day
7
62
Do Whatever You Want!
For the next seven days, plan to make no plans. Do whatever you want. Each
morning, just ask yourself, What do I want to do today? Allow yourself to do
those things. Record your choices on the next couple pages and notice your
thoughts, feelings and experiences when you truly do whatever your heart
desires. Have fun!
Day One: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Two: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Three: ____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Four: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
63
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Five: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Six: ______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Day Seven: ___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
64
Get Your Priorities Straight
When you feel overwhelmed or unorganized, heres a system to align your
actions with those tasks or goals that are most pressing.
Please complete the following Prioritizing Exercise.
STEP 1: Write a to-do list. Please list all activities or tasks that need your
attention. This might include tasks you are presently working on
or tasks still waiting for you.
STEP 2: Ask yourself, How important and urgent is this task in the next
few weeks? Then rate, on a scale of 1-10, each item by level of
importance and urgency. Most important items receive the highest
numbers.
STEP 3: Identify your top 3-4 tasks.
STEP 4: Outline what necessary actions you will take to accomplish each of
your top 3-4 tasks and schedule time to do so.
STEP 5: At the end of each day (or so), review your priority list. As tasks
are completed, remove them from the list and allow the following
tasks to move toward the top of the list. Your goal is to complete
your top 3-4 tasks each day. If any top tasks do not get completed,
they simply move to the following day.
STEP 6: Continue this process as your work through your to-do list.
Task Importance Urgency Total
65
Task Importance Urgency Total
Top 3-4 Priorities:
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________
Todays Actions:
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________
66
Should Exercise
Should is one of the most damaging words in the English language. Every time
you use should, you are, in effect, saying wrong.
Either you are wrong or you were wrong or you are going to be wrong.
Think about all the ways you should on yourself. Select 4-5 specific shoulds and fill
them in below.
I should ________________________________________________________________
I should ________________________________________________________________
I should ________________________________________________________________
I should ________________________________________________________________
I should ________________________________________________________________
How do you feel when you think the thoughts above?
Now, remove the word should and replace it with could.
If I really wanted to, I could ____________________________________________
67
Knowing you could do, have, or be these things, what actions do you choose to
make to create change?
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
Lets look at how you should on others. Think about your expectations or
judgments of 2-3 people in your life and complete the following statements.
___________________________ should / shouldnt (do, say, think, feel)_______

________________________________________________________________________
I need this because ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
68
Where else might you be able to get these needs met?
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
What actions or changes can YOU make in order to meet these needs for
yourself?
What choices do you choose to make about these shoulds?
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
I choose to ____________________________________________________________
69
Take Immediate Action
THRIVING ARTIST CONTRACT
I ___________________________________________ commit to
creating my own unique success path starting today.
I promise to take consistent action toward my goals.

I will always trust my own instincts, ask for help,
and offer support to others.
I promise to celebrate the journey.

I promise to bring balance to my life and live my own
Tao of Show Business.
In honor of this commitment, I will complete the following

inspired action within the next 24 hours:
_____________________________________________________________
____________________________ _________________________
Signature Todays Date
____________________________
Print Name
70
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DALLAS TRAVERS

If you are interested in connecting with Dallas Travers,

You can also gain ongoing and extensive access to Dallas

Enjoy your journey!

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Feel free to use extra paper if you need to!

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Marketing Tools & Business

Service & Community

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adventure _____ humor _____

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How might your values help you make career decisions?

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Short-term Goal: _____________________________________________

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Next, focus on the actions you must take in order to arrive

After you arrive at your one-quarter mark, identify what actions

Continue this process until you accomplish your desired goal.

Today is ____________________________________ and my current status

regarding this goal is ___________________________________________________

One Quarter Mark Date_________________________

Half-Way Mark Date_________________________

Three Quarter Mark Date_________________________

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Immediate Actions Date

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Artist Wheel Area ___________________________________________________

Current Rating ________________ Goal Rating __________________

Describe what your Goal Rating might look like _______________________

Ask the opposite questions

Ask the opposite questions

Actions I will take

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It takes money to make money I'm tough to cast

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1. Identify an obstacle or belief that prevents you from taking action or

5. How do you know that?

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7. What is an opposite idea that might also be true?

This belief protects me from really putting myself

It prevents me from taking risks and moving my career forward.

Opposite statement: I am not too old to make it.

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Step 2 On a second piece of paper, explore how your life or career

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4. Whats happening right now regarding this goal or commitment?

5. What personal accomplishment or characteristic are you most proud of?

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7. What you most excited about or looking forward to right now?

Please complete the following statements.

I am a _____________________________________ committed to _____________

This is important to me because ________________________________________

Right now, Im doing ___________________________________________________

Im looking forward to __________________________________________________

Sample Concrete Commitment

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Please complete the following statements.

I wish _____________________________________ would behave differently by

I need them to change because _______________________________________

This is not their job, though. Instead their job is to ________________________

Three things I appreciate about this person are _________________________

adventure _ humor _

Current Rating Goal Rating __

I am a _________________________ committed to _