Learn How to Become an Actor

Do you love being in front of the class? Are you happy when all eyes are on you? Is it energizing to be the center of attention? Have you always dreamed of and wondered how to become an actor? Then perhaps that is the career for you. But there are still a lot of things to consider. It’s not easy. For starters, here are some things you will need to do:

1. Take acting classes.

2. Develop any talents you have whether you think they relate to acting or not.

3. Learn about the lives of actors and decide if you are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve your goal of acting. For example, it might be required of you to have plastic surgery, give up a relationship, change eating habits and other life styles, work many hours per day, move, etc.

4. Find and schedule auditions.

5. Find an agent, perhaps.

If you decide that is more of a sacrifice than you are willing to make, perhaps some community theater, or commercials would be sufficient to fulfill your love of acting. But if you decide this is the life for you, then proceed. But do so with enthusiasm, energy, ambition, perseverance, determination, and smarts.  Start by learning everything you can about acting. Take college classes, summer workshops, seminars, and anything that will help you learn. Don’t limit yourself to one area of acting. Get a taste of everything you can before you decide what you are best suited for. And while you’re at it, take some business courses. When you start making money you will need to know how to handle it wisely. Be willing to start small, like in community theaters and plays. This will give you some acting experience and put you with others who are doing the same thing. Learn from them.

Get a headshot. You don’t want the director to forget what you look like when you leave his office. Put it with your resume, which will contain all the work you have done. As you add to your resume with better roles, begin dropping the smaller, less professional ones. Be willing to promote yourself. You have to toot your own horn. For some people that’s easy, and for others it’s the most difficult part of the process. Think of it as being proactive about your career.

Consider getting an agent. If you happen upon a role that gets you some recognition, agents will be looking for you. But if that doesn’t happen, having one can give you a real boost.

Read related publications so you know who is who in the industry. Take every opportunity you can to meet people, go to functions, and get acquainted. Who you know is very important.

Look for and schedule auditions. This is a career you really have to work for passionately. Work, work, work. Don’t give up. Don’t be shy. Don’t be deceived into thinking the glamour and fame come overnight or easily. Work. And when you get tired, work some more. When you get that great role, enjoy it. But keep working. Actors will tell you, you never reach perfection. There is always more to learn. The work never stops.