Scientology actively tries to recruit celebrities and aspiring actors in Hollywood. They have tried such tactics as standing outside the gates of
Central Casting passing out flyers offering workshops in finding an agent and how to get ahead in the film industry, advertising in magazines such as
Variety,
Backstage and
The Hollywood Reporter, and displaying posters of film stars saying "I am a Scientologist... come in and find out why". The approach is to promote Scientology as
professional development. Aspiring actors would often be referred to
Milton Katselas for acting lessons. Katselas, a
Scientologist who kept L. Ron Hubbard's photograph on his desk, ran his
Beverly Hills Playhouse with strict Scientology principles, and the acting school was "an unofficial feeder" to Celebrity Centre in the 1990s and 2000s. Professor of religious studies
Hugh Urban spoke about Scientology's appeal to celebrities in an interview: Scientology isn't the only new religion to seek out celebrities to help promote their movement. Sociologists have posited that emulating celebrities is an important part of an individual's
identity formation, explaining the significance of a group having celebrity members. Journalistic and media sources claim that Scientology is "The Church of the Stars" or a "star-studded sect," although there are likely more Hollywood celebrities in other religious traditions. One reason for this is the Celebrity Centres, which are unique to Scientology. Most members in these facilities are not celebrities, however many of the members are part of the entertainment industry. == Expectation to proselytize ==