3 answers
Arlo
Student
Lowell, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
429 views
How do you get auditions as an actor?
I want to be an actor, but I honestly don't know where to start and what is real or not, when im older where should I look for auditions?
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
You've actually asked three very important questions that will shed light on your goal to become an actor.
To start with, being an actor means believing that you can portray characters. Study human behavior. How people move, gesture, speak, their emotions and you will get much of this from life experience. Acting classes will bring out your skills and weak points and allow you to learn and grow where you need to. So, I would suggest a structured acting class, whether at school or in the community. Acting skill is something you will carry with you throughout your years and you get better with time and experience. This is where you start - training and expereince in class and life.
Your question about the legitimacy of the companies you may encounter is a good question. We all have to be cautious. My advice to discern this is never pay any agency or company that casts you any money. Also, never trust anyone who comes up to you randomly in a public place, giving you their card and says they think you'd be great as a model or actress. Just walk away from that. Legitimate companies can be researched on line. Read what projects they have cast or shows that they have employed actors for. As a professional actor or on any paying project, it is you who gets paid and you do not pay the company.
For right now, keep an eye on your local theatre community and any advertising agencies in your area. See if they are accepting submissions for new faces and send them a photo and resume. You have to sell yourself as an actor from the beginning, regardless of how much experience you may or may not have. Learn a monolouge that is suited for your age and type. Practice reading plays out loud. The ability to do monolouges and cold readings are vital in order to audition for projects and plays. Learn all you can, practice every day, right in your community for now. Also, research where your local film schools are and find out when students will cast the student films they make.
When you get older, you will have learned that the bulk of acting work is currently in New York City and Los Angeles. That is somewhat changing slowly, however, many people do well in other small cities. There is a Performing Arts Center within Lowell High School. If you are not already involved there, try to be part of it. To get your feet wet in a comfortable setting, you may want to try Michigan Actors Studio on line. I will provide the link to it below. Read their information and see if this may be an option for you.
Always observe people, learn about human behavior and the human experience, take care of your body and mind (those are your instruments as an actor) and always think positive. You will learn a lot from every experience you have. I hope this helped and I wish you all the best in this most exciting journey !
Michigan Actors Studio (On Line) https://www.michiganactorsstudio.com/
To start with, being an actor means believing that you can portray characters. Study human behavior. How people move, gesture, speak, their emotions and you will get much of this from life experience. Acting classes will bring out your skills and weak points and allow you to learn and grow where you need to. So, I would suggest a structured acting class, whether at school or in the community. Acting skill is something you will carry with you throughout your years and you get better with time and experience. This is where you start - training and expereince in class and life.
Your question about the legitimacy of the companies you may encounter is a good question. We all have to be cautious. My advice to discern this is never pay any agency or company that casts you any money. Also, never trust anyone who comes up to you randomly in a public place, giving you their card and says they think you'd be great as a model or actress. Just walk away from that. Legitimate companies can be researched on line. Read what projects they have cast or shows that they have employed actors for. As a professional actor or on any paying project, it is you who gets paid and you do not pay the company.
For right now, keep an eye on your local theatre community and any advertising agencies in your area. See if they are accepting submissions for new faces and send them a photo and resume. You have to sell yourself as an actor from the beginning, regardless of how much experience you may or may not have. Learn a monolouge that is suited for your age and type. Practice reading plays out loud. The ability to do monolouges and cold readings are vital in order to audition for projects and plays. Learn all you can, practice every day, right in your community for now. Also, research where your local film schools are and find out when students will cast the student films they make.
When you get older, you will have learned that the bulk of acting work is currently in New York City and Los Angeles. That is somewhat changing slowly, however, many people do well in other small cities. There is a Performing Arts Center within Lowell High School. If you are not already involved there, try to be part of it. To get your feet wet in a comfortable setting, you may want to try Michigan Actors Studio on line. I will provide the link to it below. Read their information and see if this may be an option for you.
Always observe people, learn about human behavior and the human experience, take care of your body and mind (those are your instruments as an actor) and always think positive. You will learn a lot from every experience you have. I hope this helped and I wish you all the best in this most exciting journey !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Tara Chiusano
Actor/Teaching Artist
35
Answers
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hey Arlo! Your question is absolutely fantastic! It's great to see your passion for acting! While your location might not seem ideal, be ready to travel as you'll likely find opportunities for auditions and acting jobs outside your area.
Start by doing some research on local community and professional theaters, and begin building up your headshot and resume. You'll shine in no time!
Make sure to have a pair of contrasting monologues memorized and prepared, like a comedic and dramatic piece, or a Shakespeare and a contemporary piece. An acting coach can help guide you to showcase your strengths!
Get involved in school plays and after-school or summer acting programs offered by local theaters. Community theaters are a great opportunity for the younger crowd, especially during the holidays when they often need ensemble members.
Dive into reading plays and scripts online! The more material you're exposed to and practice reading out loud, the better you'll become at cold reading during auditions. This will give you a huge advantage!
As you grow older, you can explore various opportunities such as attending a theater school, participating in mass auditions like SETCs, or even moving to major cities for more chances at auditions. Be open to relocating temporarily, as companies often offer attractive benefits like housing and a salary during the contract period.
In the meantime, focus on building your audition material, engage in school and local camp auditions, and land roles in shows. Remember, practice makes perfect - and your dedication will be your key to success!
Keep chasing your dreams, Arlo! Best of luck in your acting journey!
Start by doing some research on local community and professional theaters, and begin building up your headshot and resume. You'll shine in no time!
Make sure to have a pair of contrasting monologues memorized and prepared, like a comedic and dramatic piece, or a Shakespeare and a contemporary piece. An acting coach can help guide you to showcase your strengths!
Get involved in school plays and after-school or summer acting programs offered by local theaters. Community theaters are a great opportunity for the younger crowd, especially during the holidays when they often need ensemble members.
Dive into reading plays and scripts online! The more material you're exposed to and practice reading out loud, the better you'll become at cold reading during auditions. This will give you a huge advantage!
As you grow older, you can explore various opportunities such as attending a theater school, participating in mass auditions like SETCs, or even moving to major cities for more chances at auditions. Be open to relocating temporarily, as companies often offer attractive benefits like housing and a salary during the contract period.
In the meantime, focus on building your audition material, engage in school and local camp auditions, and land roles in shows. Remember, practice makes perfect - and your dedication will be your key to success!
Keep chasing your dreams, Arlo! Best of luck in your acting journey!
Kathryn Martino
Teller
1
Answer
Belmont, New Hampshire
Updated
Kathryn’s Answer
Hey there! A great way to begin your acting journey is to join extracurricular acting classes or find a local theatre school where you can start learning and receive guidance. Once you feel ready, you can explore audition opportunities at small, local theatres to gain experience and make connections. Best of luck and have fun!