So you want to be an Actor? Here are some basic steps to take to become a Professional Actor. With a little hard work and determination, you can turn a hobby into a profession.
Classes
Start out by looking for an Acting Technique class. Even if you think you have natural talent, there is still something to be learned and it's necessary for your resume. Every teacher has their own style, so compare classes and find one that's right for you. Next, find a Scene Study class. You will learn about working with other people, auditioning and creating a character. You will also learn more about what your "type" is. Your personality will help you define your "type" and what role you would be most cast in. Whether you are a leading man type or character type, this will help you find roles to audition for. If you have troubles finding a class right away, check out Book on Acting to start your training.
Audition Preparation
It's a good idea to have a monologue ready, especially for theater auditions. If you are auditioning strictly for film and TV, you won't need one very often, but you never know when an agent will want to see one. Have one comedic and one dramatic monologue memorized and practiced. Cold Reading is another audition skill to work on. There are classes on this technique, but you can also improve your cold reading skills by practicing and auditioning more often.
Headshots
A good headshot is your calling card. You will need one for every audition. Shop around a few headshot photographers to see different styles. Have a dramatic shot and one with a great smile. And try a few different outfits, such as casual, business-casual and professional. Have quality reproductions done at a professional photo studio.
Experience
Once you have pictures and a couple classes down on your resume, you will want to get some experience to add to your resume and also to create a demo reel of your work. Craigslist is great for student film auditions and indie films that won't pay much, but necessary for building experience and a network of contacts in the business. Add each finished project to your resume. Make sure to get a finished copy of your work on CD or DVD in order to create your demo reel. This is helpful in finding an agent and also for getting more work. Online casting websites are used by all the major Casting Directors. Get an account with one or all of these main casting websites - Actors Access, Nowcasting and Casting Networks.
Marketing
Treat the Entertainment Business like any other business. Marketing is very important to an Actor. You are your own Marketing, Sales and Public Relations Department. In addition to submitting for auditions, you must send out regular mailings of your headshot with updates on your career. Keep the Casting Directors and Agents interested and they will call you into their office.
Do your research! Just like any career, training and education is important. There are many great how-to books for the Acting Business at any level. In addition to talent and skill, a long acting career requires patience, determination and faith. Enjoy the journey and stay positive!
Classes
Start out by looking for an Acting Technique class. Even if you think you have natural talent, there is still something to be learned and it's necessary for your resume. Every teacher has their own style, so compare classes and find one that's right for you. Next, find a Scene Study class. You will learn about working with other people, auditioning and creating a character. You will also learn more about what your "type" is. Your personality will help you define your "type" and what role you would be most cast in. Whether you are a leading man type or character type, this will help you find roles to audition for. If you have troubles finding a class right away, check out Book on Acting to start your training.
Audition Preparation
It's a good idea to have a monologue ready, especially for theater auditions. If you are auditioning strictly for film and TV, you won't need one very often, but you never know when an agent will want to see one. Have one comedic and one dramatic monologue memorized and practiced. Cold Reading is another audition skill to work on. There are classes on this technique, but you can also improve your cold reading skills by practicing and auditioning more often.
Headshots
A good headshot is your calling card. You will need one for every audition. Shop around a few headshot photographers to see different styles. Have a dramatic shot and one with a great smile. And try a few different outfits, such as casual, business-casual and professional. Have quality reproductions done at a professional photo studio.
Experience
Once you have pictures and a couple classes down on your resume, you will want to get some experience to add to your resume and also to create a demo reel of your work. Craigslist is great for student film auditions and indie films that won't pay much, but necessary for building experience and a network of contacts in the business. Add each finished project to your resume. Make sure to get a finished copy of your work on CD or DVD in order to create your demo reel. This is helpful in finding an agent and also for getting more work. Online casting websites are used by all the major Casting Directors. Get an account with one or all of these main casting websites - Actors Access, Nowcasting and Casting Networks.
Marketing
Treat the Entertainment Business like any other business. Marketing is very important to an Actor. You are your own Marketing, Sales and Public Relations Department. In addition to submitting for auditions, you must send out regular mailings of your headshot with updates on your career. Keep the Casting Directors and Agents interested and they will call you into their office.
Do your research! Just like any career, training and education is important. There are many great how-to books for the Acting Business at any level. In addition to talent and skill, a long acting career requires patience, determination and faith. Enjoy the journey and stay positive!
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