|
Acting - Getting Started
by Michael Russell
In this article we're going to discuss how to get started if you want to have a
career in one of the most competitive industries in the world, acting.
If you want to be an actor the first thing you have to understand is that
everyone and their grandmother thinks they can act and wants to be an actor. The
competition you will face will be monumental. With that in mind, here are some
tips on what to do if you want to have a career as an actor.
For starters, you must understand that there is no one way to become a
successful actor. Some very famous actors were discovered while doing other jobs
and just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Yes, there is a
lot of luck involved in this business. In addition to that luck you'll need
connections and a lot of determination. Here are a few ways to get your foot in the door.
“
simply by not quitting you'll finally land the part that you've always dreamed of
”
Just about every town in the world has a small theater where they put on local
amateur performances. Take advantage of this even if you're really only
interested in film or television. The truth is, acting is acting and it doesn't
change much just because you're on a stage instead of in a film or television
studio. Any practice that you get is only going to improve your chances of
getting the gig that you're looking for. Also, many agents and casting directors
go to these small theaters looking for talent. There's always the chance that
they're going to spot you.
Next there's student films. If there is a college in your hometown, most likely
they have a performing arts program with students involved in doing their own
films. Film students are always on the lookout for talented actors to appear in
their films. You could very well be just what they're looking for. They probably
won't be able to pay you anything and the film itself will probably be pretty
bad but it will be good experience for you. Just make sure you get a video tape
of your performance and keep in touch with the student director. You never know
where this might lead.
Another way to get your foot in the door is to be an extra. Many times when a
movie studio is filming on location shots they need extras such as people in a
crowd. Go down there and tell them that you're interested in being an extra. You
never know what this could lead to. The casting director may just like your
looks and ask you to come in and read for a speaking part, if not for this film,
for a future one. Plus, this will give you great experience as you will get to
see what a professional film set looks like and how things run. Every little bit helps.
Then there are independent films. Many of these companies can't afford to hire
experienced actors. This is a very good chance to get your foot in the door.
Plus there is always the chance that one of these independent films will take
off and be big hit. It has happened. You could very well be the next overnight
success because of it.
After you've built up a bit of a resumé doing the things above, get yourself an
agent and put together a portfolio for him to shop around. That's his job. He'll
have more contacts than you and a much better chance of getting you something.
Most of all, be persistent. Don't give up. Becoming a successful actor is one of
the most difficult things that anyone could want to do but it is also one of the
most rewarding. In many cases simply by not quitting you'll finally land the
part that you've always dreamed of.
Copyright (c) Michael Russell, Your Independent guide to
Acting
| 
Free Downloads
Career
RSS Feed