*This is not talking about acting tools but things you can use to put yourself and your craft out there for the right people to see it.*
A little while ago, the only Actors that could showcase their talent for casting directors and agents where those that went to high class drama schools. The talent showcase was and still is a part of the curriculum.
The school invites PR managers, agents and casting directors to come and watch their students display all they have learnt. They do this with the hope that their students can book jobs or get representation by an agent who can get them in front of the directors.
Not a lot of people could afford to attend those schools so it was hard for lots of them.