There are countless numbers of youngsters hoping to make it big in the entertainment business. But how to start an acting career involves much more than just putting together a few headshots, a resume and finding the right talent agency. If it was that simple, there wouldn’t be so many out-of-work actors. Before jumping in, talk to working and unemployed actors. They can give you tips on what you should and should not be doing.
Get to the library to study acting technique books that will give you an insight into the numerous methods that can help you maintain riveting performances over the duration of your career. Also look at the way in which acting classes function, thus making it easier to choose the right school for you.
Working as a freelancer, having some knowledge of business basics can come in helpful, too, because you’ll need to know how to impress casting directors, producers, directors and agents. Put together a portfolio that includes headshots (dramatic and commercial), a cover letter, a resume, and arrange no less than two monologues one dramatic, the other comical. This compilation is critical to your image, so ensure you’re meticulous in what you do to depict an image you consider suitable to your skills.
The early years can be shaky when it comes to finances, so ensure you have a strong financial base. If you want to be full-time, you’d better possess deep pockets or have a backer — maybe your parents — as you need to devote every waking hour to the job and can’t worry about rent. As a part-timer, you can seek out an understanding boss who will give you time off when a job comes along.
Gaining experience is vital. Try to get bit parts in major studio films, even background work as an extra on television, or a larger role in an independent production. Then there’s low-budget theatre or community theatre — really, anything to gain confidence and experience, and maybe a little money, too.
You’ll need an agent now. Try contacting them through meet-and-greets, showcases, forums with casting directors and agents that allow for auditions and personal chats, auditions at school seminars, or ask them to watch a movie or television show you’re in or a show in which you’re performing. Even send out masses of mail to agents and make follow-up calls. Do your homework on talent agencies to find one that’s licensed and has been around for a number of years.
Actors don’t ever believe they’ve learned everything there is to know about their art, thus perfecting and refining monologues or improv skills is constant. However, you’re a product to be bought so must create a market in which you’re in demand if wishing to go beyond the first steps on the ladder of how to start an acting career.
Don’t learn the truth cause then you’ll have to do something about it!