The Basics on how to Start an Acting Career
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.
Income can be minimal when you start out, so you need to be financially sound before embarking on an acting career. If you don't have a large bank balance but want to pursue acting full-time, you'll need a sponsor to support you so you can focus on moving your career forward without being worried over rent. If you choose to be part-time, find an indulgent boss that will be OK with you taking time off.
Experience is crucial in acting. So take minor roles in big production movies, more prominent parts in independent productions and even background jobs on TV. Low-budget and community theatre are also great learning grounds. Ultimately, take anything that will help your confidence and, if lucky, earn a little cash.
Now is the time to employ an agent. Contact them via meet-and-greets, forums where casting directors as well as agents accept auditions and individual interviews, showcases, school seminars which organize auditions, or invite agents along to a show you're in or to view a TV program or movie in which you were cast. A reputable, licensed talent agency will help you too; do your homework and don't fall for scams that charge a registration fee.
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.
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