People always assume that it is impossible for average people to become actors, but that could not be further from the truth. All of your favorite celebrities started somewhere and they were average people without any connections or training, so it is possible. Here are seven easy steps to become an actor.
One: Establish the belief that you can be an actor
The first thing you have to do is establish the belief that you can be an actor no matter who you are, where you came from, or what you look like. There are plenty of successful actors that came from disadvantaged backgrounds, so you are not the only one. You can do anything in the industry even if you did not go to college or have any connections to get started. Sometimes speaking affirmations can be helpful in terms of creating a more positive belief system.
Two: Get some training and education
Although a lot of people think that actors do not have professional training, that is completely false. Most actors, especially the ones that are on television and films, tend to have a significant amount of professional training either through college, acting classes, or private sessions with an acting coach. It can be beneficial to take advantage of a drama, film, or television program if you are currently enrolled in college. If you are not in college, then it is best to just take some acting classes at a local theatre, community college, or community center. There are also private acting coaches available in some areas, but they do tend to be more expensive than the acting classes.
Three: Get involved in your local acting community
As an actor, you will be forced to grow where you are planted. It is unrealistic to expect that you will take a few acting classes and then just start working on major films and television shows overnight. You will have to take advantage of all of the acting opportunities available to you first and then you will be able to move forward to bigger and better things. This means that you should you do local plays, student films, or even make your own short film if you have to. Nothing is beneath you at this level and agents actually like to know that you are doing the best with what has been offered to you.
Four: Read industry publications daily and seek out auditions
It is essential to read industry publications on daily basis and use that information to find auditions. The most popular industry publications include Variety and Hollywood Reporter. Although there are print editions available, it is much easier to just browse their websites everyday for free. As for auditions, you can go to a website called Backstage.com to find the latest information about auditions in your area. You can also find auditions by going to local theatres, the film department at a local college, checking Craigslist, or through networking. You should always audition for a part even if you think you are not qualified because you never know what may happen.
Five: Create a demo reel, headshots, resume, and cover letter
You may not need to have all of this just to get started, but you should be developing these materials as you go along. It is likely that you will only need a picture of yourself to submit for a local production, but you will need more professional materials as you move forward in larger venues. A headshot is a professional photo that shows you from the face or chest up to give agents and casting directors an idea about how to cast you. Headshots should be done by a professional photographer and it will likely cost at least $300. A demo reel is a brief string of clips from various performances that you did in the past whether it was a short film, play, or a television show. A resume can be easily created by just listing all of your previous acting jobs and a cover letter can be written to express interest in a particular part.
Six: Send your information to casting directors and agents
Once you have headshots, a resume, a cover letter, and a demo reel you can begin to submit your materials to casting directors and agents. You can use an industry publication like the Hollywood Creative Directory to research agents and casting directors. Make a list of the people you would be interested in meeting with and find their mailing address to send your materials. Be very careful about how you do this because agents and casting directors do not like to take phone calls or get harassed about whether or not they are interested. If they are interested in you then they will contact you first.
Seven: Move to the big city only when you are ready
A lot of people think that you have to move to Los Angeles or New York City to be an actor, but that is not always true. If you plan on pursuing a career in the industry you will probably want to move to one of those cities eventually, but you do not have to live in those cities to get started. Thousands of people flock to those cities every year to pursue their Hollywood dreams, but it does not really work like that. All of those people still have to learn how to act and pursue opportunities at local venues before they can be taken seriously.
Always remember that it is possible to become a successful actor regardless of your background. Dreams do come true, but they will only come true if you put the time and effort in to create your success. Make it a goal to do something to further your career each and every day to get the best results.
