If you want to become an actor, it is essential to learn more about the entertainment industry. Remember that becoming an actor takes time and requires hard work. Today, many people with no experience across the globe want to start their career in acting. The key is taking action and doing something to get that experience. Knowing what to do to become an actor can help you begin your career successfully. However, acting involves ups and downs in the profession, as there is no foolproof way of achieving success in this field.
In this blog, we will discuss starting a career in acting with no experience.
How to Become an Actor
Making it in movies is the dream of so many young, aspiring actors. Unfortunately, millions have tried, and only a few have succeeded in this industry. If you want to become an actor, no one can stop you from achieving your dream. However, experience helps you get into this field. But it’s not everything. You must have confidence, skills, and a willingness to learn, among other characteristics.
The chance of becoming a successful actor is considerably low – but it is possible if you’re dedicated and keep trying. So, if you’re a person who believes in following a dream, then keep reading this blog. Below are some steps every beginner in acting should take to jumpstart their career.
Start Training Now
The first step you should take to get started in acting is to begin training. Training is the first step in order to become an actor. Therefore, you should get into an acting class. Becoming an actor takes time and dedication. The more training you do, the better you will come in acting. You can attend drama school and spend two to three years working on your acting skills. There will be several types of classes available. All these classes will help you in one way or another.
Joining a technique class will be best if you are just starting your career in acting. It will set the foundation for the journey of becoming an actor. However, acting classes can be costly. But they are well worth the price. Acting classes are essential in learning the basics and will teach you things you can’t learn anywhere else.
Read Books On Acting
Reading books written on acting is another good step to starting a career in acting. These books will introduce you to acting and help you learn acting skills, techniques, and auditioning for the best ways to get started in this industry. Also, reading books about acting will nurture your abilities. In the journey of becoming an actor, your training is never “done”. It takes serious dedication to continue sharpening your talent. Reading books on acting keeps you on the path of learning acting.
Here are some of the must-read books on acting that every actor should read.
- Audition By Michael Shurtleff
- Respect For Acting By Uta Hagen
- Sanford Meisner On Acting By Sanford Meisner
- An Actor Prepares By Constantin Stanislavski
- Acting As A Business By Brian O’neil
- Improvisation For The Theatre By Viola Spolin
- The Intent To Live By Larry Moss
Study Great Performances
While acting classes and reading books are good steps for new actors to start, you can also watch classic films to learn more about acting. Watching classic films will help you learn a different type of acting skill or technique. As an aspiring actor, you can start watching movies of some popular actors. So, experience as many excellent movie performances as you can.
To help get you started, we’ve created a list of some of the best movies every actor must watch.
- The Artist (2011)
- Mulholland Drive (2001)
- Tootsie (1982)
- Singin in the Rain (1952)
- All About Eve (1950)
- The Godfather (1972)
- The Truman Show (1998)
- The Conversation (1974)
- The Apartment (1960)
Build Your Resume
As you pursue acting classes and gain relevant knowledge & experience, start creating your resume. Your resume needs to look professional and free of any errors. It should include your personal statistics, including height, weight, eye color, hair color, body measurements, or the acting classes you have enrolled in. Further, ensure your resume includes any work you have done or are currently doing, talents, and skills.
Take A Professional Headshot
Headshots play an important role in receiving roles because directors usually start auditions by asking for a headshot and a resume. They use them to get a basic idea about you. Therefore, you must get headshots professionally taken to get a quality picture. This shows how you are serious about acting. While headshots are expensive, they are worth it. Make sure to do your research before choosing anyone for this important job because you want to get the attention of the director with your photos.
Start Auditioning
After training, creating a resume, and getting headshots taken, it’s time to start auditioning. You can begin auditioning without hiring an agent. This will help you experience various auditioning processes. Then, if you get any roles, you can add them to your resume.
Early in your career, you should focus more on working than getting paid. One of the most crucial things you need to do for an audition is to learn the script. This signals to the director that you take the job seriously and that you are best for the role. Besides just remembering the script, you must ensure you understand the character.
