Table of Contents
Famous actors make acting look effortless to viewers watching the movie. Most people see the rewards of becoming an actor, but not the hard work to stay relevant. If you want to follow the same path, then you must have a certain temperament and exhibit flexibility in different roles.
1. Read Acting Books
Researching the film industry can help you become a working actor. If you are new to acting, then you want to read books written by actors and acting teachers. Acting books teach you how to get started, how auditions work, and acting techniques and methods. There are a variety of books useful for your journey, but you should begin with Sanford Meisner on Acting by Sanford Meisner. It would help if you did not stop here, but continue to read more about your craft.
2. Take Courses and Train
Drama schools are expensive, and you should start with training to get a taste of the process. An acting class is inexpensive and the best way to confirm whether you genuinely enjoy this craft. You can set aside a little money each month to pay for it. There are different types of courses regarding acting for the film including:
- Introduction to acting
- Meisner or method technique classes
- Auditioning classes
- Commercial acting classes
The purpose of making training a priority is to become better at auditioning and to become a better actor. Remember, you will have to put your acting chops on display when booking work.
3. Watch Classic Films
Older movies do not have the CGI imaging and special effects technology as movies from the 21st century. These movies are well-acted and use simplicity to tell the story. Some legendary actors to watch include James Stewart, John Wayne, Audrey Hepburn, Sidney Portier, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro. You can learn a lot from watching classic movies.
For example, a Raisin in the Sun is a movie where you can learn skills like character development, instinct, physicality, blocking, and stage directing. New actors can learn essential skills by watching the professionals practice them.
4. Attend Auditions
You will need to attend casting calls because acting is a competitive industry. Up and coming actors must take advantage of opportunities to perform in front of local executive producers and directors. Acting agents have a lot of clients and can give only a portion of their attention to each one. You should never leave the work to get auditions up to your agent. Auditions are a way to make connections, initiate work on your own, and develop confidence as an actor.
5. Find a Drama Club
A drama club is where small groups of actors gather to practice their acting skills. It is a good place to socialize and make friends in the industry. Most people who join drama clubs are looking to get noticed. They rehearse scripts, continue to develop acting skills, and put on plays together. The purpose is to get notice and sign by a casting director.
6. Prepare Financially
Your journey to becoming an actor is time-consuming. Aspiring actors must memorize lines, go to auditions, and on casting calls. It helps to calculate how much time you will need to spend on acting. You may have to cut back some hours at work to pursue your acting career. However, it helps to save up for a year of expenses before taking a break from your regular job. Many actors work jobs that allow flexibility, like waiting tables.
7. Create a Short Film
Many colleges and universities have film departments and work on projects throughout the school year. It gives newbie actors a chance to get on an actual film set. Professors assign short films and music video projects to their students. The movies are typically low-budget films and a way for newbies to get experience. You can find out about casting calls from the school’s film department.
Some aspiring actors have a dream of joining the elite of Hollywood A-listers. However, it would help if you focused on becoming a working actor. The best advice for someone pursuing acting is to unapologetically show the world who you are and bounce back after constant rejections. You may get 100 hundred rejections before landing a role.
