5 answers
Kimberly
Student
Michigan, MI
1
Question
Asked
870 views
How do I go about becoming an actor
I like to act and be surrounded by people. I just like the way it feels to be on stage and becoming someone else. I've always liked the arts. I draw, and paint while listening to songs from musicals.
#actor #acting #theatre #arts
5 answers
Damian Salandy
Actor
11
Answers
Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago
Updated
Damian’s Answer
I'm going to be rather direct. Some, if not much, of what I'm about to say might not be what you want to hear, so hold on to something, find something to punch or get a tissue.
I'm taking it for granted that you don't want to act because you want to be famous. I take it for granted that you are interested in BEING and actor.
That said, let's move it right along.
1. This is the most important thing I'm going to tell you! Do not leave this out!
Enroll in a school, course, class, and/or with a coach. The acting profession is exactly that. It is a profession...that demands more than mere talent. It demands skill. Without it, you can harm yourself irreparably. Talent will only get you so far. That talent needs to be honed. It's very hard to see yourself acting. You will need someone to guide you through the internal and external processes actors have to go through to put on an excellent performance.
This part of the profession never ends. Training is both paramount and ongoing. All professional and yes...famous actors have a coach or teacher throughout their careers. Mine was The Total Theatre Lab in NYC. But there are a lot of great schools and teachers out there and online. If you have not already, start by reading the bible of the acting craft. An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski. Keep in mind that the events are fiction, but the principles expressed are not.
[And just as an aside: It is also one of the many ways to initiate contacts with agents, managers, and to be seen in front of casting directors.]
2. As much as you can, get to know people in the industry.
Make friends with them. Both in Hollywood and to a lesser degree in NYC, it's about who you know and HOW you know them.
3. Find your way onto a set somehow. Get familiar with Central Casting and let them get familiar with you. There are always openings for paid extras.
[Another aside: Don't rush to join the union. Allow them to come to you.]
4. Study people in different situations and take notice of your own responses and choices. Observe, take notes, learn, ask questions. Actors should be some of the most curious, insightful and well-rounded people on the planet.
5. Let life touch you! When the opportunity for an experience (that won't kill or maim you for life) pops up, take it! If what you might be going through outside of our profession is painful, go through it. Feel it all. Once again, take note of your choices and responses. Not all the roles you will be asked to perform will be delightful ones.
You have to understand the pain your character might be going through as well. An unlived life leads to a lackluster performance. When you're up on that stage or in front of that camera or behind a mic, for that moment, it is from life...mostly your characters and somewhat from yours that you will be playing through.
I can go on forever with this, but I'll stop right there. Get taught, Get to a set, Make friends, Study people and yourself, and Let life touch you.
I hope nothing I said discouraged you from the profession and craft. I want to enhance your thirst for it and understand that this, art, this business, this craft will change you in ways you never saw coming.
I'm taking it for granted that you don't want to act because you want to be famous. I take it for granted that you are interested in BEING and actor.
That said, let's move it right along.
1. This is the most important thing I'm going to tell you! Do not leave this out!
Enroll in a school, course, class, and/or with a coach. The acting profession is exactly that. It is a profession...that demands more than mere talent. It demands skill. Without it, you can harm yourself irreparably. Talent will only get you so far. That talent needs to be honed. It's very hard to see yourself acting. You will need someone to guide you through the internal and external processes actors have to go through to put on an excellent performance.
This part of the profession never ends. Training is both paramount and ongoing. All professional and yes...famous actors have a coach or teacher throughout their careers. Mine was The Total Theatre Lab in NYC. But there are a lot of great schools and teachers out there and online. If you have not already, start by reading the bible of the acting craft. An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski. Keep in mind that the events are fiction, but the principles expressed are not.
[And just as an aside: It is also one of the many ways to initiate contacts with agents, managers, and to be seen in front of casting directors.]
2. As much as you can, get to know people in the industry.
Make friends with them. Both in Hollywood and to a lesser degree in NYC, it's about who you know and HOW you know them.
3. Find your way onto a set somehow. Get familiar with Central Casting and let them get familiar with you. There are always openings for paid extras.
[Another aside: Don't rush to join the union. Allow them to come to you.]
4. Study people in different situations and take notice of your own responses and choices. Observe, take notes, learn, ask questions. Actors should be some of the most curious, insightful and well-rounded people on the planet.
5. Let life touch you! When the opportunity for an experience (that won't kill or maim you for life) pops up, take it! If what you might be going through outside of our profession is painful, go through it. Feel it all. Once again, take note of your choices and responses. Not all the roles you will be asked to perform will be delightful ones.
You have to understand the pain your character might be going through as well. An unlived life leads to a lackluster performance. When you're up on that stage or in front of that camera or behind a mic, for that moment, it is from life...mostly your characters and somewhat from yours that you will be playing through.
I can go on forever with this, but I'll stop right there. Get taught, Get to a set, Make friends, Study people and yourself, and Let life touch you.
I hope nothing I said discouraged you from the profession and craft. I want to enhance your thirst for it and understand that this, art, this business, this craft will change you in ways you never saw coming.
Thank you, Damian!
zion
Stellar response. I teach improv to teens and I love the message here.
Brian Weissman
Patrick Bovo
Actor/Admin
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi there!
I am an actor but I also have a day job to supplement in between working in my acting career. I think that main thing to consider is that there isn't one specific way to make your path. This is something that I've had to come to terms with. Going through a 4-year program and emerging with a degree doesn't automatically equal a job, which is unlike most other careers.
What I have found with my own career is:
-Find other things that you like, related or not. There is always room to become a more well-rounded person.
-Meet people and learn about them - after all, the more you know about the human experience the better your art will become!
-Don't wait until you "feel ready" to start. You have to start somewhere and you're stronger than you think. So you have to jump!
-Give yourself permission to be tired, uninterested, unsure, excited, confused, angry, and whatever else you may feel as you go through the journey. It's a marathon, not as sprint.
-Join actors networks like Actors Access and Backstage for auditioms!. (Backstage has lots of great resources and articles, too!)
-If it's in your budget, take classes, singing lessons, dance classes - whatever it is that will make you a better performer.
-Create a community for yourself that will build and support you as you go along this road.
I would also say find 2-3 performers that you love/most aspire to be and research their careers. This is tricky and time-consuming, but it's an exercise that has helped me, specifically with musical theatre. This is not to copy their work or their style, but to really dig deep into the research of how they got to where they are today. It's really cool when you see their paths!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. (something I wish I had taken more advantage of) There are so many people out there who want you to succeed and are rooting for you! I know you posted this question back in March, but the industries have changed so much since then and will continue to change from here. just make sure you're up to date on current trends with actors and the business.
Find 2-3 performers who you aspire to be and research their careers.
Join actors networks like Backstage and Actors Access for resources and materials.
Find other things in your life that bring you joy and do them! Have a fun day job if you can find one :)
Give yourself permission to feel everything throughout your journey.
I am an actor but I also have a day job to supplement in between working in my acting career. I think that main thing to consider is that there isn't one specific way to make your path. This is something that I've had to come to terms with. Going through a 4-year program and emerging with a degree doesn't automatically equal a job, which is unlike most other careers.
What I have found with my own career is:
-Find other things that you like, related or not. There is always room to become a more well-rounded person.
-Meet people and learn about them - after all, the more you know about the human experience the better your art will become!
-Don't wait until you "feel ready" to start. You have to start somewhere and you're stronger than you think. So you have to jump!
-Give yourself permission to be tired, uninterested, unsure, excited, confused, angry, and whatever else you may feel as you go through the journey. It's a marathon, not as sprint.
-Join actors networks like Actors Access and Backstage for auditioms!. (Backstage has lots of great resources and articles, too!)
-If it's in your budget, take classes, singing lessons, dance classes - whatever it is that will make you a better performer.
-Create a community for yourself that will build and support you as you go along this road.
I would also say find 2-3 performers that you love/most aspire to be and research their careers. This is tricky and time-consuming, but it's an exercise that has helped me, specifically with musical theatre. This is not to copy their work or their style, but to really dig deep into the research of how they got to where they are today. It's really cool when you see their paths!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. (something I wish I had taken more advantage of) There are so many people out there who want you to succeed and are rooting for you! I know you posted this question back in March, but the industries have changed so much since then and will continue to change from here. just make sure you're up to date on current trends with actors and the business.
Patrick recommends the following next steps:
Mallory D
Medical Student
20
Answers
Springfield, Missouri
Updated
Mallory’s Answer
Congratulations! You found something you are passionate about and that is really great. Acting takes a lot of hard work and talent - so you are doing a great job. There are a lot of options in the field of acting. I would start by memorizing some shorter monologues (1 min - 5 minutes). That way - when you go on auditions for plays or movies you have material prepared. You should look into community theatre projects in your area and see when they are holding open auditions. You could also look into talent agencies near you - they might be looking for new talent to represent. Really the best thing to do at your stage is start building a resume with productions you have been apart of either through school, your community, or more professional productions.
Hope this helps!
Learn short monologues to practice skills and prepare for auditions
Find community theatre projects in your area
Start a resume listing all productions you are involved with
Hope this helps!
Mallory recommends the following next steps:
Darius M. Buckley
Creative Director
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Darius M.’s Answer
Hello Kimberly,
I'm so happy that you want to act! I've been doing it since I was 11 and it's honestly been one of the greatest joys of my life. My advice to you is to find as many opportunities as you can to act. Find a local theatre and audition for their shows. If there's a drama class at your school, take it. Acting is a craft where you're constantly learning. If you ask any of the greats, they'll tell you, you're always learning something new and evolving with every project. I'd also say create opportunities for yourself, start a YouTube channel where you play different characters or find some friends and put on your own show. Practice, practice practice! Whether it's learning monologues or working on an audition with friends and family. I hope this helps you! Break a leg!
Best Regards,
Darius
Audition for local theatre.
Take an acting class.
Start a Youtube Channel.
Learn monologues.
I'm so happy that you want to act! I've been doing it since I was 11 and it's honestly been one of the greatest joys of my life. My advice to you is to find as many opportunities as you can to act. Find a local theatre and audition for their shows. If there's a drama class at your school, take it. Acting is a craft where you're constantly learning. If you ask any of the greats, they'll tell you, you're always learning something new and evolving with every project. I'd also say create opportunities for yourself, start a YouTube channel where you play different characters or find some friends and put on your own show. Practice, practice practice! Whether it's learning monologues or working on an audition with friends and family. I hope this helps you! Break a leg!
Best Regards,
Darius
Darius M. recommends the following next steps:
Jose Garcia
Singer
46
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Hello! I'm not sure what you mean by your question because you say that you love to act and being on stage. If that is the case then why are you asking about how to be an actor when you already are one. Have faith in yourself you're already doing the work, you'll just need to continue. Let the other submitted answers be a guide. I don't think you can go wrong. Work to be sincere and genuine as you share what is inside of you with the audience. You are working for people who are looking for inspiration so be patient and humble in your work. Finally don't take disappointment as a final answer.
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