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Dusty
Student
Eugene, Oregon
1
Question
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Whats the best way to start off your acting career?
What is the best way to start your acting career? I've been trying to get into acting for a while, but I have no clue how to start getting paid for it.
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2 answers
Marshall Main
Director, Manager, Videographer
75
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
Dusty-
Theater is everywhere, I would recommend joining a club or group and just start doing it because it will be available no matter your location. Most schools have a drama department also. If you are in an industry city you will have more options.
The other thing you can do is take some classes, but if there is a cost, I would be sure you research it to see if it will have value for you. Join a comedy or classical troupe.
Do some homework. There are many "schools" or thoughts on acting. You might do some studying on these different methods and see if some of them appeal to how you think/ work. If so, you can find mentors/ teachers that specialize in that methodology. Know your stuff, the history of the craft and current trends.
Some other things you can do to help, is practice memorizing things, you will need to have 3 pieces memorized for most auditions: Classical, Modern and something of choice. It's good to have these ready if your audition piece is good enough and they ask for more. Do those over and over and improve them, listen to other do the same work, take from their performances.
Once you find a good teacher, mentor they can help continue to guide you on your journey.
**Practice taking direction and criticism. Everyone will have an opinion and some will be worth listening to and some wont.
**Practice taking rejection. You will try out for a lot of things and will not get a lot of things. Its part of the business, so be ready to handle it, keep your chin up and keep working to better your craft.
Theater is everywhere, I would recommend joining a club or group and just start doing it because it will be available no matter your location. Most schools have a drama department also. If you are in an industry city you will have more options.
The other thing you can do is take some classes, but if there is a cost, I would be sure you research it to see if it will have value for you. Join a comedy or classical troupe.
Do some homework. There are many "schools" or thoughts on acting. You might do some studying on these different methods and see if some of them appeal to how you think/ work. If so, you can find mentors/ teachers that specialize in that methodology. Know your stuff, the history of the craft and current trends.
Some other things you can do to help, is practice memorizing things, you will need to have 3 pieces memorized for most auditions: Classical, Modern and something of choice. It's good to have these ready if your audition piece is good enough and they ask for more. Do those over and over and improve them, listen to other do the same work, take from their performances.
Once you find a good teacher, mentor they can help continue to guide you on your journey.
**Practice taking direction and criticism. Everyone will have an opinion and some will be worth listening to and some wont.
**Practice taking rejection. You will try out for a lot of things and will not get a lot of things. Its part of the business, so be ready to handle it, keep your chin up and keep working to better your craft.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
The first best way to start an acting career is calmly. The next best thing is education and experience. You can go the academic route or take classes in the community outside of a school setting. Since you live in a city that is not void of possible opportunities, you may have various chances to audition. It sounds like you are ready.
In Eugene where you live, The Very Little Theatre has an e-mail address so you can inquire about audtions. The Eugene Performing Arts Center offers acting classes. There is the Upstart Youth Crow Theatre , Actor's Cabaret Annex , Oregon Contemporary Theatre and more ! Contact these theatres, read their websites which you can find through an on line search and ask them how you can be notified of their auditions.
Another way to pursue your career is to find an agent that would be interested in representing you. Here are some agencies in Eugene that can be found on line through a search : Zaya Models and Talent, Courtell Talent Agency, and Running Dog , Inc. I also want to mention that many people do start their own acting company, a group of actors, directors and writers that perform original work. You can network or advertise for this to get started. This will bring you good experience and the chance to bring talent to the community at venues or even outdoor street theatre.
Most of all, use patience, keep honing your acting skills. Many people do not get paid for acting right away or for all gigs . You have to realize that you may have to wait a period of time before being able to support yourself solely from acting work. Do not be discouraged, though. The arts are conditional, no one is guaranteed continual work. It is very conditional and all you can do is offer your best. You may or may not be what they are looking for every single time. That's okay, though.
My last bit of advice is to get to know the Eugene acting community. You will meet a lot of people who like you and that can lead to good opportunities. Acting is a job that requires persistance, a strong sense of self with good self esteem and resilience and putting your best qualities forward.
Best wishes to you in a wonderfully satisfying career in acting !
In Eugene where you live, The Very Little Theatre has an e-mail address so you can inquire about audtions. The Eugene Performing Arts Center offers acting classes. There is the Upstart Youth Crow Theatre , Actor's Cabaret Annex , Oregon Contemporary Theatre and more ! Contact these theatres, read their websites which you can find through an on line search and ask them how you can be notified of their auditions.
Another way to pursue your career is to find an agent that would be interested in representing you. Here are some agencies in Eugene that can be found on line through a search : Zaya Models and Talent, Courtell Talent Agency, and Running Dog , Inc. I also want to mention that many people do start their own acting company, a group of actors, directors and writers that perform original work. You can network or advertise for this to get started. This will bring you good experience and the chance to bring talent to the community at venues or even outdoor street theatre.
Most of all, use patience, keep honing your acting skills. Many people do not get paid for acting right away or for all gigs . You have to realize that you may have to wait a period of time before being able to support yourself solely from acting work. Do not be discouraged, though. The arts are conditional, no one is guaranteed continual work. It is very conditional and all you can do is offer your best. You may or may not be what they are looking for every single time. That's okay, though.
My last bit of advice is to get to know the Eugene acting community. You will meet a lot of people who like you and that can lead to good opportunities. Acting is a job that requires persistance, a strong sense of self with good self esteem and resilience and putting your best qualities forward.
Best wishes to you in a wonderfully satisfying career in acting !