Some people believe that
actors are born with a
natural talent. However,
this is far from the
truth. Although there
are some people who are
naturally talented,
acting is a skill that
must be learned and
sharpened through the
proper training. Actors
are continually learning
and working to improve
their acting traits.
Another common myth is
that actors are
"discovered" and make it
big in showbiz. Most
actors actually have
years of experience in
community plays,
commercials, and small
parts in sitcoms before
they make it to larger
roles in films. To be an
actor, you must have the
desire, passion, and
determination to achieve
your dreams. The
performing arts is a
difficult industry, but
you can be successful if
you are willing to work
hard and be persistent.
If you really love
acting, you will
continue to do it as a
full or part-time job
until you make it in the
industry.
If you have no
experience in acting, or
even if you do have
experience, it's
necessary to be educated
and train in acting.
There are many community
classes you can take to
start your training.
Start out with general
classes and move to more
advanced lessons,
particularly as you gain
more experience on stage
and behind the camera.
Your acting classes
are a part of your
fundamental training as
an actor, but they can't
replace the experience
of performing on stage
in front of a live
audience. Your classes
will complement your
experience on stage.
Regardless of what
theories you learn, it's
important to learn how
to portray a character
and communicate that
character to your
audience. Start out
small, by finding local
productions in your
hometown. You can find
these productions by
looking through your
local newspaper's
entertainment section,
on boards at theaters,
on community boards at
local colleges, and
online.
Although you may not
want to get a Bachelor's
degree in Fine Arts, it
is wise to get an
acting internship.
An acting internship can
provide you with more
one-on-one experience
than general classes can
provide you. Many
internships will provide
you a mentor, a person
who is successful in the
industry and can offer
you guidance, advice,
and valuable contacts.
You can even find an
internship that will
work around your work or
school schedule, so you
can gain experience
without quitting your
present job.
You can also try to
contact other actors and
directors in the area.
Try to build
relationships with
others in your industry
because they can be a
valuable networking
source. A good way to
start building
relationships with
casting directors and
agents is to get
professional head shots
and send them with your
resume to local
directors and agents.
Every few months, update
your resume and send
them out again. This
lets them know that
you're gaining
experience. Eventually,
an agent will see you in
one of your local
productions and sign you
on as a client. Your
agent can then find you
more parts.
Once you have some
valuable experience, and
perhaps have an agent,
you should be moving to
larger parts or getting
the parts that you want.
If you're not, try
making your own film and
sending it out to
casting directors. You
can use it as an
audition demo video.
Some actors have been
able to be cast in
larger parts after their
short film was seen by
prominent directors.
If you truly love
acting and the
performing arts,
continue to gain
experience on stage
whenever you can. Even
if you aren't the lead
performer, you can still
help in other ways, such
as doing costumes, set
design, and doing
technical aspects such
as lighting. Be
persistent and keep
adding experience to
your resume.
After you've gained a
long list of experience,
you may want to move to
a larger city, such as
Los Angeles. You can
choose to do this after
you have experience.
There are usually more
opportunities in L.A,
although it is very
competitive. If you can
keep your energy during
acting and be dedicated,
you can succeed in the
industry.
