12 Questions with Bob Schroeder, Senior Agent, Aria Talent

Rachael: What's your sign?

Bob: Sagittarius.

How did you fall into this wacky business?

A friend from college was interning at Jane Brody Casting. She asked if I would come in and "run the lobby" for an audition, because they were short staffed. I worked the full day and never left.

What is something about your job as an agent that would shock actors?

Actors would be shocked that I have less control than the casting directors as far as who gets to audition and who doesn't.

What makes for a great day at work?

A great day at work is one when actors are on time, prepared and where they are supposed to be, which in turn makes clients happy.

What can make your day suck?

Starting the day with phone calls from clients wondering where actors are. More phone calls from actors giving excuses for why they were late, lost or didn't show. Individuals don't realize what their "stories" sound like to an agent who has heard the same thing from 5 other actors that morning.

What is your favorite aspect of working with actors?

I LOVE PEOPLE! MOST actors are people.

As an agent, what is your biggest pet peeve?

There are too many! Can I list 12 pet peeves?

What is one piece of advice you would give an actor right out of college?

Your theater program prepared you for theater. Now it's time for you to prepare yourself for ON-CAMERA.

What is the tackiest thing you own?

Believe it or not I do own something tacky! A LAVA LAMP!

What are you reading right now?

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama, and The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln by C.A. Tripp

If you weren't an agent, what would you be?

A therapist...oh wait...

What is your favorite junk food?

Lays Potato Chips; you can't eat just one.