Beginner Advice for Film Actors - Getting Started in Acting

Acting has always been a dream of mine. Watching movie after movie I thought I could never be successful as an actor. I performed in high school musicals and a couple of plays, but gave up acting after high school to pursue a career in business because I was told that acting would never take me anywhere. Eight months ago I decided that after seven years of doing absolutely nothing in acting, I would once again try to pursue my dream.

I started by seeking small casting calls through online classifieds. I found one in particular that was being held at a local university so I trusted the credibility of the audition. I got a speaking part in the film and had to memorize a couple pages of lines. The short film was a great experience and my first taste of acting since high school.

The following are things that you need to work on before or while you are seeking roles and even spots as an extra in short films and Television programs:

Resume

An acting resume is much different than job resume'. Even if you do not have many items to post on a resume', you still need to list your physical characteristics and special skills and abilities. I have seen many people list things such as; burp on command, juggle, cry on command, singing ability, accents, sports they can play, and other items along these lines.

Head Shots

You need to have pictures of your face that should not go below your shoulders. Your cheapest option is to contact a local community college and find a photography student willing to take head shots of you for cheap. I got 5 great head shots to use for only $20, while professional head shots can cost as much as $250.

Training

Search for workshops and acting classes near your location. Training not only helps you perform better, these are perfect items to add to your resume' that help give you credibility. I took a Meisner Group acting class that helped with my improvisation skills.

Monologue

You need to prepare a monologue to perform at auditions. Some auditions may not ask for one at all, some may ask for you to perform several. Pick one that will make people remember you without going over the top. You do not want to pick a monologue from a very famous movie, look for something from a play or an obscure movie.

Audition

Auditioning is a skill, you must practice. My first few auditions I would shake the entire time, now I am confident and have no problem reading something I have never looked at before in front of complete strangers. Audition for plays that you may not accept the part if you are chosen just for the experience.

When you have what you need in order to start pursuing roles and extra spots, it is time to start networking and searching for casting calls. If time allows you to do so I recommend performing in a community theater production. I decided to audition for fun and got a solid part in a play at a known theater in the community and the experience has really helped my acting and expanded my network.

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