How To Become An Actor
So you think you’ve got what it takes, to be on an actor? But the big questions are
How do you get there?
What are the steps?
Well, first things first. Becoming a successful actor/actress does not happen overnight. No matter where you are on this planet, you can be an actor/actress. All it takes is a little bit of research, time, patience and persistence. However, that said unless you are very lucky and are spotted or are in the right place at the right time, you will need to work hard training and getting as much experience as possible.
The majority of people hoping to become professional Actors/Actresses go to drama school, take acting lessons or join acting classes. Not only should you join a drama school, take acting lessons but once you have started your acting lessons, you will then need to get yourself a good reputable Agent.
Drama Schools and Classes
Drama schools and classes are a great place to start as they are cheap to attend and generally easy to find. However, some are better than others and it is advisable to look around and talk to former students that have attended one of the acting schools you intend attending before you put down your hard-earned money.
There are many reasons why attending a drama school is a good idea and it will allow you to learn some of the basic techniques such as auditioning for parts. Simple camera techniques such as hitting your marks and how to cheat your head will allow you to feel confident at your auditions and will help make you look professional as though you know what you are doing and understand how to present yourself.
Gaining Experience
Gaining experience is essential and a good way to gain more experience is to start perform in local productions. Most local towns have some kind of amateur Dramatics company and if there’s a production in your town, a community production or a church production, get involved with it! It will cost you nothing but will provide yo with a good solid grounding and place to home your acting skills.
It doesn’t matter which part you audition for, just audition and see what you are offered. It could be the lead part, it could be the third guy/girl from the right, it could be the part of a tree leaf, who cares, its experience and that will help build your resume. So the more work you get, the more talent will emerge in that actor/actress within you.
Extra Work and Background Artiste
A great way to learn about the industry and how it works is to become a TV/Film Extra or Supporting Artiste. This will not only teach you the ins & outs of the industry and the Etiquette you need to know but it will also provide you with an income in the process.
Student And Independent Films
Most towns and cities have colleges and universities that have Media Studies courses involving film making. Get in touch with your local college or university and ask them if they have such course and if so, do they require any actors/actresses for their upcoming films. Although you won’t get paid for your time, it is a really good way for you to gain experience and will provide you with more credits to add to your CV/Resume.
Research
The Internet is a great place to do your research so go online and start to research different plays and different monologues.
Acting Coach
If you can afford to pay for an acting coach, that’s always a great way to improve your acting skills. However, this is an expensive exercise that not everyone can afford to do and if you cannot afford a private acting coach, don’t worry as you can always gain experience through other channels.
Photographs
Once you try looking for an agent, they will usually ask you to provide them with a set of photographs. You will need to get professional looking photographs (usually headshot photographs. also known as head and shoulder shots).
Resume
If you have previous acting experience, it is advisable to put together a resume listing all your previous jobs.
Auditions
Auditions are part and parcel of becoming a successful actor/actress and yes, although they might be something you do not enjoy, you still need to attend them. Even the most famous actors and actresses, still have to audition for some parts! You can discover all the latest auditions in relevant publications and websites such as The Stage and Television or Backstage.com.
Etiquette
As you learn your trade as an Actor/Actress, it is also good practice to become familiar with the Etiquette required on set. You might be a great Actor/Actress but if you do not respect the etiquette, then people will not want to hire you.