How do I prepare for CMTC?

CMTC Website - Make sure that you review the entire CMTC website so you are well informed and educated about the convention process. Everything that you need to know about CMTC as an attending model, actor, entertainer or parent is on the site and your questions will be answered if you take the time to preview the site in its entirety. Check in with the website regularly for updates.

Study your trade - Watch Fashion Television, Fashion File, read fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Flare, Fashion, YM, Seventeen etc... You can also read the fashion and entertainment sections of newspapers.

Local experience - Take EVERY opportunity to audition and participate locally to gain experience. Agents attending convention are expecting to meet with new faces and do not expect for contestants to have a lot of industry experience however, practice makes perfect and if you have the opportunity to participate in a local fashion show, theatrical play etc... take advantage of it!

Models - If you have professional pictures or a portfolio, bring them to convention with you. If you are a new face or do not have access to a professional fashion photographer in your area with industry experience, bring a clear and natural headshot, a full length snapshot and any additional snapshots that show your photogenic potential. The cost of being photographed by a local photographer should be minimal, no more expensive than having your picture taken at a photo studio. If you think you are being quoted an extremely high fee for photos and prints, shop around and check references. If you do not have professional pictures, agents interested in representing you convention weekend will make arrangements for you to develop your portfolio through professional top fashion photographers upon signing.

Actors - Bring with you a clear and natural headshot photo or snapshot and copies of your resume. Your resume should contain the following information; name, address, phone number, e-mail address, age, height, weight, hair colour, eye colour, hobbies, interests, special skills (i.e. activities that you are good at such as sports etc....), training and experience (if applicable).

Bring comp cards (for models) or if you do not have comp cards, bring laser copies of your photos with your name, age and stats/measurements clearly listed on the back. Talent, bring with you Talent Headshots & Resumes listing your experience and training. You want to leave something with each and every Agent/Scout that is interested in representing you.

Practice as much as possible to prepare for the competitions that you are entering. Read and review the CMTC Competition Criteria, Rules & Regulations.

Competitions - Only enter competitions that will show you at your best showcasing your potential as a Model or Actor. You should feel comfortable and confident in your competition selection. Simply said, if you can't sing, don't enter singing and if your body is not at its best, don't enter swimsuit.

Develop a healthier lifestyle - Eat healthy foods according to Canada's Food Guide. In modelling, your body is your business so exercise to stay in shape, have energy and be the best possible you!!

Wardrobe - DO NOT OVER DO IT WITH WARDROBE AND ACCESSORIES! Simply said, too much is just too much! Keep your wardrobe simple so it will not distract from what you want the agents to notice which is YOU! Wear casual, body conscious clothing that projects your personal style. Models, do remember that you are involved in the fashion industry and you should look your model best!

Grooming - Your body is your business so it should go without saying that because you are pursuing a career in the spotlight you should always strive to look your personal best and practice good grooming habits. Your hair cut and style should be current and up to date with the trends. Your haircolour should be even and your hair kept trimmed. Your nails should be well groomed and manicured. DO NOT WEAR TOO MUCH MAKE-UP. Your make-up, nail colour etc.... should be very natural and neutral. The agents want to see your face and your features. Be warned that if you do wear too much make-up it is not unusual for an agent to ask to see you with a clean face!

Personality - Ask any agent and they will tell you that personality is THE MOST IMPORTANT quality that a model or actor can possess. There are a lot of beautiful and talented people out there and a great personality can set you apart from the rest!! The era of the "diva" is out and agents and clients want to work with grounded, down to earth, natural, professional and intelligent individuals with a positive personality. Convention weekend, don't forget to SMILE because everyone will be watching YOU!

Good grades in school - Agents will ask you and your parents about your grades and efforts in school. Parents, the agents need to know if your child is not taking school seriously!

Seek sponsors - Set sponsorship goals for yourself. Present sponsors with a sponsorship letter, brochure or flyer introducing yourself and explaining CMTC. Individuals and local businesses that know you will want to support you and you can raise the convention fees as the majority of CMTC contestants do every year. Initiate and participate in fundraiser projects to raise convention funds such as raffles etc....