Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Learn to act
• Part 2 of 3: Does the job
• Part 3 of 3: Market yourself

Every actor or actress has to start somewhere - and you can now! Whether you are interested in television, film or theater, breaking through as an actor or actress is exciting but also quite a challenge. If you're willing to learn, work hard and dedicate yourself to your craft, your acting career will be off to a flying start before you know it.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Learn to act

1. Take acting classes. If you want to start acting, ask yourself a simple question first. Do you see acting as a hobby or a career? It's easier to get started if you have what your goal is (even if it's not a fully developed plan, but more of a general idea). Decide what kind of acting you would like to study first - theater, musicals, improvisation, television, film, etc. - and research teachers and classes in your area.
   • Commit to those classes for at least six months, and give yourself a chance to warm up. If you love it, keep it up. After you have completed the initial classes, it is important to take classes in other acting areas to see if you are interested in a different form of acting.
2. Go to plays and watch movies. While you will need to take classes and gain experience, you can learn a lot about acting too, just curling yourself up on the couch for a movie night! Study your favorite movies to learn all about key techniques - such as character development, posture, diction, acting and reaction - from your favorite movie actors and actresses. Going to a play is a great way to see stage actors and actresses at work. Absorb everything you see!
   • If you want to work in movies or commercials, this is the way of acting you will need to study. Choose your favorite commercials or movie scenes and try to play them.
   • If you want to play in the theater or in musicals, study plays and musicals. Try to find out what the actors are doing well and what they could improve. Apply what you learn while watching to your own acting.
3. Get to know other actors. Acting is more of a group activity than a solo hobby, so get used to collaborating with others. Many actors like to rehearse each other's lines, or to talk about their creative process and share experiences. Try to get to know and learn from a few other actors. They can even give you tips or point out upcoming auditions.
4. Do not immediately enter a market where competition is fierce. Being an actor in a big city like Los Angeles or New York is difficult enough for artists with decades of training and experience. If you are an actor with no experience, it is usually best to start in your hometown. Almost every city has a local theater company, and this is the perfect place to start. You can also partner with film students or local filmmakers if you are more interested in films and television.
   • If your hometown happens to be a big city, that's fine! Focus on auditions for small theater companies, or for indie films. There are still small theater groups in big cities where you can get a lot of experience.
   • If you have decided that you want to become a serious actor, move to a major city for the best education. Wait with this step until you have decided that you want to take acting to the next level.
5. Volunteer at a local theater. Small, local theaters are always looking for volunteers to help with sets, costumes, props, etc. As a volunteer you can observe actors rehearsing, familiarize yourself with the acting world and get to know people who work in the theater world.
   • Do a monologue next time the theater has auditions again! You already know everyone, so it's the perfect place to start auditions. They probably also give you some good feedback.

Part 2 of 3: Does the job

1. Go to auditions. What new actors need more than anything else is experience. You will probably have to start doing free work, but you will also gain experience with it and can add any role to your resume. For example, if a local car dealer needs an ad, sign up as a volunteer. Go to a college and audition for their plays or student films. Such free projects will help you build your resume and getting used to auditions and performances. There is no better way to learn to act than by actually doing it.
   • Actors usually go to hundreds of auditions, and will only be called back by a few. When you start acting, the auditions can be better learning experiences than actually being cast for a role. Embrace the learning experience of each audition and ask for feedback from the casting directors.
   • Look online for casting calls. There are a few reliable websites for TV, film, commercials, etc. - backstage.com and projectcasting.com are a few well-known ones. Theater auditions can also be found at backstage.com.
   • Check the websites of the theater in your area, as well as Craigslist.
2. Say yes to almost any role. As a starting actor it is important that you gain experience, take on various roles and work on your resume. Even if a particular character is different from the roles you usually play, adding that role will expand your resume. This shows casting directors that you are versatile, easy to work with and enthusiastic about your involvement in different types of projects.
   • If you are asked for a role that is completely contrary to your morals or values, then you do not have to respond. It's totally okay to turn down roles that make you uncomfortable.
   • As your career and resume grow, you can become more picky about the roles you play and the jobs you accept. Until then, try to work as much as possible!
3. Learn some special skills. If you're an actor with no experience, auditioning against seasoned professionals can be challenging and potentially a little intimidating. This is where special abilities can come in handy. Skills such as horseback riding, speaking multiple languages, playing tennis or singing can eventually land you in the role of another actor. You never know when a character will be asked that will require your special abilities, so always keep working hard to develop new abilities.
4. Audition for commercials. Whether or not your dream is to star in commercials - auditions and acting in commercials will give you a lot of experience working with cameras and on sets. This is an important exercise for bigger roles in the future.
5. Become an extra in a movie. Being an extra in the movie is a great way to dive into the world of acting and make a little money. Getting around and progressing as a budding actor can be frustrating, especially financially, so keep your eyes peeled for calls for extras. You get to know people who work in the film world and can add another film to your resume.
   • Many calls for extras are posted online in casting calls, but you can also contact agencies that specialize in casting roles for extras. You will need to provide them with a portrait photo and resume. You can contact these agencies by phone and email, or visit them in person. Find out which agencies can be found in your city.

Part 3 of 3: Market yourself

1. Have headshots (portrait photos) taken. Headshots are professional photos that every actor needs. Headshots must be included in your audition application, along with your resume. Have a few headshots taken so you have several to use for different auditions. Make sure they are professional, but don't be afraid to show off your personality.
   • Headshots are necessary for any type of acting; movie, commercials, plays, musicals, etc.
2. Create a portfolio / resume. A portfolio is a document with your acting experience, education and other work experience. Make sure your portfolio looks professional as you will be using it for auditions with directors, producers, agents, managers, etc. Filling your portfolio as a new actor can be difficult, so it is important to participate in many auditions take, star in a movie or volunteer at a local theater. All of these things will be great additions to your portfolio.
   • It is also important to create an online portfolio. As the technology develops, more and more directors prefer to look at your references online, as opposed to a paper portfolio. Fill out your portfolio on multiple casting websites, you never know who will meet your portfolio / resume.
3. Turn your acting experience into a video reel. A reel is usually a 2-3 minute long video showing some of the best work you have ever done in your acting career. It is important to get footage of every reel you have done so that you can add it to your reel. Your reel is a great way to showcase your acting skills, versatility and experience.
   • Make sure your reel is available online and in batches.
   • Hire a professional to make your reel for you. It is an important marketing tool, so it should look polished.
   • Update your reel every time you get new footage. Your reel should remain the best representation of yourself possible, so keep it updated.
4. Find out what your type is. While it is admirable to have a broad reach as an actor, it is also important to know your "type". We are all born with a certain look, and there is no denying what you actually look like. It is you as an actor to determine that appearance, strengthen it and use it to your advantage. For example, are you the tight, fast young lawyer, or a slow guy in your early thirties? Are you the popular girl or the art nerd? Knowing your type can be a clue to yourself to go through certain auditions and this can help you develop your character's strengths.
   • You can always play roles that are beyond your type, but knowing and mastering your type is a great way to break into the industry.
5. Network with people in the acting world. It is often said, "It's not about what you know, though Who you know. "This is predominant in the acting world. Get to know people like other actors and film and theater professionals - make people familiar with you. Network with casting directors, managers, talent agents, makeup artists, etc. You never know who you will meet or if they can help you with your career.
   • As a starting actor you don't need a talent agent or manager. Agencies and managers are helpful once you have a lot of experience and a fairly impressive resume. Network with a variety of talent agents and stay connected with them as you expand your portfolio / resume - if they are impressed with you, they may also be interested in collaborating in the end.
6. Get an agent. When you feel it's time for an agent, do some research online about the different agents and agencies. Find a pair you think might be suitable, send your headshots along with a cover letter explaining that you are looking for a new agent. It can be difficult to get an agent, but if you network a lot and build your resume, it will be a lot easier.
   • Ask your acting friends, teachers, or anyone else you know within the movie and theater world for some recommendations from good agents. If they know good agents personally, ask for a reference.
   • Agents receive loads of portfolios every day, so don't get upset if you never get a response. You have to introduce yourself to many different agents or agencies to increase the chances of a response.
   • If no agent responds, consider improving your resume and getting new photos taken.