Computer Geek's Corner

"In the last column, we talked about how vital the smart cellphone is to your acting career. This column will discuss applications (apps) already pre-installed (native) or to download. Apps are like mini-websites built for a specific purpose. In order to launch/operate, some must have Internet access.

"Cellphones have some apps already pre-installed, such as:

"Maps — The night before your audition, plug in the address of where you are going, even if you have been there before. In case there is an accident, construction, traffic or whatever, you can easily find an alternate route without having to type it in.

"Video Recorder/Voice Memo — use the microphone in the video camera part of your phone to record yourself reading the other person’s part of the script. When it comes time for your character to speak, just silently mouth the words. Now you don’t need a scene partner to work on the memorization. Your roommate will thank you.

"You can easily download other apps to extend your phone’s capabilities. I suggest downloading them to your main computer and then synching them to your phone, but you could download them directly to your phone.

"Essential Free Apps to Download:

"IMDB — The industry standard website for info on most any movie created. Ever. This is a great way to kill some time while waiting to be called to set.

"Final Draft reader (for iPhone) — Most scripts are written by this software. This reader allows you to view/read them.

"Adobe Acrobat reader — Scripts are often emailed in .pdf format.

"YouTube (owned by Google) — Can be used for researching a role or to watch your favorite commercial. For iPhone and Android.

"Actor’s Calculator (website, not app) — Used to figure out how much money you are making (while waiting to be called to set).

"Just about any software application on your computer has a free/reader version available for your cellphone. Just search the name, add “app” and type of phone you are using. Eg: “IMDB app iPhone.”"

None of the apps or software programs in this article are endorsed or verified by SAG-AFTRA and are solely my recommendation.

This item was originally featured in the August 2014 local newsletter.