Working Towards a Successful Acting Career

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a professional actor. All through grammar school and high school I participated in plays and public speeches. You might say ok what does this have to do with me?

I'll tell you. If you are looking into a career in acting or becoming an extra here are the necessary steps you need to take to get started.

First off, know your market. Where do you live? Where you live has a lot to do with how much work you'll find. But just because you don't live in New York or Los Angeles doesn't mean that you won't find work. It just means you might have to look a little harder for castings.

Search online for a local talent agency, or background agency. But before you start that. You will need what's most vital for actors.

That's right a head shot and resume. Now you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on photo sessions. A nice affordable way to get your pictures taken is by simply going to K-Mart or Wall Mart. Go to the photo shop and purchase a picture package. Make sure you get 8by10's. That is the designated size head shots. You also will need to make your resume. Now even though you may not have any experience you can put the most simplest things on your resume. For example school productions. You must put something on your resume though. Never show up to a casting call unprepared. It wont look good to the casting directors.

So now that you are all set. See if you can find a actors newspaper i.e Backstage west/east or Ross Reports. Now if your on either the east or west coast Backstage should be accessible. As well as Ross reports. Im sure if you live anywhere else there should be some sort of acting publication which you can subscribe to.

You can also look for castings online. You'll be surprised where casting directors hold auditions. Your hometown just might be one of the locations! Try online sites like..

www.actorsaccess.com

www.mandy.com

www.realitywanted.com

www.nowcasting.us

www.showbizltd.com

www.acting-jobs.com

Just to name a few. Once you Goolge acting websites, you should be able to find more sites that will be beneficial to you finding gigs. Some sites you might have to pay for, but make sure you do your research.

For those living in New York or California and are looking for representation. You mush watch out for scammers. I have learned the hard way. I have forked over so much money to these agencies promising to make me a star. Guess what? It didn't happen that's why I want to inform everyone about it. Be carful use good judgement. Another thing is age limitations. People under that age of 18 most likely will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If you have the look that the agency(ies) are looking for they will have no problem paying for you to get new head shots and comp cards.

Remember things don't happen over night, it takes hard work and dedication. But make sure you have fun with it. If it turns into a burden take a small break, and return back refreshed.

You might end up being called for a lot of background work. A background actor is considered an extra. The job is fairly easy, but it calls for many hours on set, 8 to 10 hours or more. The pay is not that great but it's something. I have done a lot of extra work but, I enjoy it. The good thing about doing a lot of extra work is the SAG vouchers. Once you have collected 3 SAG vouchers you are eligible to join SAG.

SAG and AFTRA are both unions. Once your apart of a union you are protected by them and are paid a little more than non-union actors. Plus it looks good on your resume.

Even the A-List actors still continue their training in acting. Education is another important thing. Find an acting coach, I have one. I pay $140 for 4 sessions. It's very affordable. And she is conveniently located in Manhattan.

I love having an acting coach. She boosts my spirits when I'm feeling discouraged. Not only is an acting coach important for the working actor, but they are your support system. Their in the business, therefore they know how the business works.

When auditioning, be yourself, the casting directors might have a stone cold face on, but don't mind them.

Finding the right monologue is key. On most auditions they will ask you for your resume and head shot. And they will most likely have you perform a short 16 bar song, and have you recite 2 contrasting monologues.

A monologue is basically a poem or speech from a play or a movie. It is usually between 2 to 5 minutes long. It can be comedic, dramatic or any genre related to the role your auditioning for.

That's all for now. Go out and start auditioning!