Actor Hugh O’Brian is said to have coined “The 5 Stages of an Actor’s Career;”

1. Who is Hugh O’Brian?
2. Get me Hugh O’Brian.
3. Get me a Hugh O’Brian type.
4. Get me a young Hugh O’Brian.
5. Who is Hugh O’Brian?

We’re in contact with hundreds of highly-experienced, resilient people who have made a career in the arts – and they’re having difficulties getting back into the field.

Some of it is ageism. Boards use headhunters to find smart young guns to lead departments or organizations — only to find that instead, they’ve hired brilliant 2-year placeholders with few people skills, entitlement issues, little flexibility, and quick parachutes.

Studies show those >50 stay longer than those under <40, are more productive, have better improvisational skills and flexibility, and are likelier to bring success.

Forget headhunters.  Do your own search.  Hire someone better than you.