Acting - Getting Started
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 resum