What do recommend I do first in order to become an actress?

The very first thing...

Grab a notebook or journal and go to the nearest park bench for 1hour. I want you to write down every single thing you observe. Think to yourself- how do you feel sitting on the bench, what does the air feel like, what do you feel like...write that down. Now, I want you to pick one person you see and I want you to watch that person until they no longer are in view. (write down everything about them, how they look, how do they walk? Do they lead with their shoulders? Forehead? Maybe they lead with their toes...are they walking fast, slow? ...What are they thinking or going through in the moment you are observing them to make them walk so fast or slow?...Are they scared? In a rush?)...after 30 minutes close your notebook and go inside. Now, I want you to spend 15 minutes mimicking the person you observed, I want you to walk like them, I want you to move around like them, move your hands like them...maybe they didn't move at all? Why was this? Use your imagination to create their story and write that down (if you want) and move around your room (or any more private space, trust me you'll feel ridiculous at first!) but once you embrace this daily practice you start becoming really good at it and it becomes fun! Try it once a week to start if finding the time is tough.

Now that's the first step to being an actress...because you'll need to go to classes- yes, you'll need to learn about the business side of show business absolutely and sometimes the business comes first before it's about talent but if you want to be a successful actress you need to be prepared for your opportunity and this exercise will make you prepared for that opportunity. I want you to do this for 30 minutes every single day! It can also be an excuse to get outside (which will be fun because being outside in the sunshine is healthy and good for you and as an actress you better start thinking about your health and your fitness and it's not about vanity and it's not about what you look like on the outside, it's about how you feel about yourself from the inside out.) and you better be prepared to work harder than you've ever worked for anything...you need healthy food -yes apples at lunch instead of chips :). LOTS of good sleep. Trust me you'll understand!

But most of all...you need to be able to play a character. Another human being, maybe not like you at all. That's how you become great. Do small things everyday, with greatness (positive attitude) and you will achieve great things. I'm so excited for you!

Good luck!

Hi Sienna,

The first thing I would recommend doing is asking yourself "do I have to do this?" A career in acting as you know is a tough one, yet in order to be successful, not just commercially but also a successful human being is to be passionate about it. You have to eat sleep and breathe acting.

If the answer is yes, if you cannot see yourself NOT acting, then I would recommend getting into some acting classes. Research the acting coaches of some actors you admire and see if you can audit some of the classes. If the classes are something that interests you, then enroll. Sometimes acting teachers or studios will offer work study if the prices are too high. You can never take too many classes as an actor. Your emotional life is your instrument so it always needs to be in shape.

Next get some headshots. Save your money and get legit headshots. Don't skimp. It is an investment in you. Think of it as a business card. Then get a resume together. Don't worry if it isn't loaded with work. Just have a resume.

Finally AUDITION. Go to websites like actorsaccess.com broadwayworld.com or research some local theater and get out there and audition.

I hope this info helps.

:)
Ryan