Acting Tips: Your Attitude Means Everything

Whether you're a professional actor or just volunteering at the local community theater your attitude while working can determine whether or not you get another role. It seems like a simple concept, but this isn't something that is usually taught in an acting class. This is an unspoken topic that directors won't tell you because they want to see how you handle yourself. These tips will help you have a good attitude, so if you want to have a long-standing acting career, read on.

Get along with other actors and especially the director. You never know when one of those actors is the director's niece who will go and tell on you for acting raunchy or trash-talking behind the scenes. Behave like a professional.

Having a good personality will help you keep your job. A director has the ability to fire you on the spot even you're just volunteering, and they will have you replaced. Don't think for a minute that a director won't cut you from the play just because it's opening night. You can be replaced, so don't take it for granted.

If the director tells you to do something, don't question it. Just do it. Remember, this is their show and you were asked to be a part of it. The more cooperative you are, the more likely you'll be asked to come back. If the director says "More volume!" then you better project your voice. If your director can't hear you, he's going to worry that the audience won't hear you, so take his advice; that's why he's the director. He knows what he's doing.

Just because you're in a play or have the lead role, it doesn't mean you're a diva, so don't pretend like one. No one likes a diva and no one wants to be around one unless you're Bette Midler or Barbara Streisand. Since you aren't either of those legends, don't act like you are.

Be nice to others. That's easier said than done sometimes because there are some people in the theater who will make you want to scream. Just avoid them and focus on why you're there. You're there to act.

Take what you're doing seriously, but have fun. You're part of a company of actors telling a story by playing an advance state of pretend, so have a great time. Remember to be on your best behavior and have a great attitude because it means everything if you want to continue to act.