In this article we're going to discuss how to get started
if you want to have a career in one of the most competitive
industries in the world, acting.
If you want to be an actor the first thing you have to understand
is that everyone and their grandmother thinks they can act
and wants to be an actor. The competition you will face will
be monumental. With that in mind, here are some tips on what
to do if you want to have a career as an actor.
For starters, you must understand that there is no one way
to become a successful actor. Some very famous actors were
discovered while doing other jobs and just happened to be
in the right place at the right time. Yes, there is a lot
of luck involved in this business. In addition to that luck
you'll need connections and a lot of determination. Here
are a few ways to get your foot in the door.
Just about every town in the world has a small theater where
they put on local amateur performances. Take advantage of
this even if you're really only interested in film or television.
The truth is, acting is acting and it doesn't change much
just because you're on a stage instead of in a film or television
studio. Any practice that you get is only going to improve
your chances of getting the gig that you're looking for.
Also, many agents and casting directors go to these small
theaters looking for talent. There's always the chance that
they're going to spot you.
Next there's student films. If there is a college in your
hometown, most likely they have a performing arts program
with students involved in doing their own films. Film students
are always on the lookout for talented actors to appear in
their films. You could very well be just what they're looking
for. They probably won't be able to pay you anything and
the film itself will probably be pretty bad but it will be
good experience for you. Just make sure you get a video tape
of your performance and keep in touch with the student director.
You never know where this might lead.
Another way to get your foot in the door is to be an extra.
Many times when a movie studio is filming on location shots
they need extras such as people in a crowd. Go down there
and tell them that you're interested in being an extra. You
never know what this could lead to. The casting director
may just like your looks and ask you to come in and read
for a speaking part, if not for this film, for a future one.
Plus, this will give you great experience as you will get
to see what a professional film set looks like and how things
run. Every little bit helps.
Then there are independent films. Many of these companies
can't afford to hire experienced actors. This is a very good
chance to get your foot in the door. Plus there is always
the chance that one of these independent films will take
off and be big hit. It has happened. You could very well
be the next overnight success because of it.
After you've built up a bit of a resumé doing the things
above, get yourself an agent and put together a portfolio
for him to shop around. That's his job. He'll have more contacts
than you and a much better chance of getting you something.