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What is the best way to kickstart an acting career post high school graduation?
Asking more about resources, steps to take, classes to enroll in and other tips and tricks that helped you guys.
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3 answers
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
Hello, shining star! Kudos on selecting the exciting world of acting! Here are some stellar pointers to ignite your career:
1. Enroll in acting classes and workshops to refine your craft.
2. Build an outstanding portfolio complete with headshots and a resume.
3. Mingle at events and workshops to connect with industry professionals.
4. Keep an eye out for auditions and casting calls on the internet.
5. Think about becoming a member of acting associations like SAG-AFTRA.
6. Team up with student filmmakers to gain practical experience.
7. Acquire additional skills such as singing or dancing.
8. Remain upbeat and tenacious; each "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes."
9. Showcase your abilities online via a personal website or social media platforms.
10. Remain inquisitive and continue to learn from industry resources.
You possess the talent and determination to thrive! Revel in the journey and enjoy every moment of chasing your acting aspirations! 🌟 Go out there and break a leg!
1. Enroll in acting classes and workshops to refine your craft.
2. Build an outstanding portfolio complete with headshots and a resume.
3. Mingle at events and workshops to connect with industry professionals.
4. Keep an eye out for auditions and casting calls on the internet.
5. Think about becoming a member of acting associations like SAG-AFTRA.
6. Team up with student filmmakers to gain practical experience.
7. Acquire additional skills such as singing or dancing.
8. Remain upbeat and tenacious; each "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes."
9. Showcase your abilities online via a personal website or social media platforms.
10. Remain inquisitive and continue to learn from industry resources.
You possess the talent and determination to thrive! Revel in the journey and enjoy every moment of chasing your acting aspirations! 🌟 Go out there and break a leg!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Romir !
After high school, the best way to start is to study and that may mean college level acting courses or community acting lessons, whichever you prefer. You won't be able to have the career until you obtain an agent and join the union and you can't join the union until you are chosen to work on a union contracted project. So, in the beginning, we take baby steps that will all lead to opportunities and work.
My own experience is that I took the academic route and went to a very strong university that has a superb theatre department. I learned almost everything, but my focus was Acting. Just being there on campus, I had the opportunity to be in an independent film because I saw a notice there in the theatre dept. A film student was doing an industrial film, so it wasn't a student film exactly, it was a real project that he was getting paid for. It is amazing what opportunities exist when you go the academic route. You become close to the department people and people share information that can lead to chances to act.
In the meantime, audition for everything out in the community as you will need to have a substantial resume in order to be considered for acting roles. You live in a major city already, so this should not be difficult. Do not hesitate to go out for extra work, too. You can get paid for it and it will put you in the atmosphere of working on a set or location around cameras and other actors. On the website Actors Access, you can register and they provide casting notices for different areas so you can keep up with what is casting and where.
You'll need headshot photos and a resume, too. If you have the financial means, I would suggest going to a professional photographer for the headshots. If not, many people manage to take a good headshot with their own digital camera or have a friend take the photo. You will want to have your resume done by a resume writer or use an acting resume template which you can find through a search on line to do yourself.
Look at each audition as a mini lesson. It will give you practice. Acting requires a financial investment so be ready for that when you start. Even being in an acting union costs money to initially join and than monthly dues thereafter. As an extra, you need certain wardrobe that you can wear to various jobs which they will tell you about. You need to pay for classes. You need to have good recording and video equipment too for video auditions or voice over demos. This is why it is important to take baby steps with acting because it will all lead to a point where you are ready to compete for work in this field.
As I've mentioned, the academic route worked for me. The friends and connections I made were priceless. The opportunities for me were mostly in the community but studying acting in college really was the route I needed.
I hope this contributes to helping you with some of your own ideas and plans. Best wishes to you in all you do !
After high school, the best way to start is to study and that may mean college level acting courses or community acting lessons, whichever you prefer. You won't be able to have the career until you obtain an agent and join the union and you can't join the union until you are chosen to work on a union contracted project. So, in the beginning, we take baby steps that will all lead to opportunities and work.
My own experience is that I took the academic route and went to a very strong university that has a superb theatre department. I learned almost everything, but my focus was Acting. Just being there on campus, I had the opportunity to be in an independent film because I saw a notice there in the theatre dept. A film student was doing an industrial film, so it wasn't a student film exactly, it was a real project that he was getting paid for. It is amazing what opportunities exist when you go the academic route. You become close to the department people and people share information that can lead to chances to act.
In the meantime, audition for everything out in the community as you will need to have a substantial resume in order to be considered for acting roles. You live in a major city already, so this should not be difficult. Do not hesitate to go out for extra work, too. You can get paid for it and it will put you in the atmosphere of working on a set or location around cameras and other actors. On the website Actors Access, you can register and they provide casting notices for different areas so you can keep up with what is casting and where.
You'll need headshot photos and a resume, too. If you have the financial means, I would suggest going to a professional photographer for the headshots. If not, many people manage to take a good headshot with their own digital camera or have a friend take the photo. You will want to have your resume done by a resume writer or use an acting resume template which you can find through a search on line to do yourself.
Look at each audition as a mini lesson. It will give you practice. Acting requires a financial investment so be ready for that when you start. Even being in an acting union costs money to initially join and than monthly dues thereafter. As an extra, you need certain wardrobe that you can wear to various jobs which they will tell you about. You need to pay for classes. You need to have good recording and video equipment too for video auditions or voice over demos. This is why it is important to take baby steps with acting because it will all lead to a point where you are ready to compete for work in this field.
As I've mentioned, the academic route worked for me. The friends and connections I made were priceless. The opportunities for me were mostly in the community but studying acting in college really was the route I needed.
I hope this contributes to helping you with some of your own ideas and plans. Best wishes to you in all you do !
Updated
Luciana’s Answer
The simple truth is, you need to audition. And, to find good auditions, you need an agent. I don't know why they don't just tell young people that all you need is a good agent. Of course, you will need to be taking classes, pictures, and maybe doing some work for free in the beginning. But I see too many young people quit because it seems like the costs will add up before you even understand how to get an acting job.
Where to find your first auditions: Initially, set up a free profile on Actors Access and Backstage (stay away from Casting Networks until you have a commercial agent who uses it). Casting Directors look for actors on Actors Access. Backstage has a lot of independent projects- you may not get paid but you can get some experience. After you get an agent, you don't need to use Backstage anymore. As soon as you get a screen credit (movie or TV), make sure to have a neat profile on IMDb.
Agents are important but that does not mean you can't find some work on your own, especially at the beginning. Also, not all agents are great, so you may have to take a few trial periods with each. Having more than one agent is ideal - at least one commercial agent and don't theatrical. In a nutshell: take any acting work you can find in the beginning and focus on getting an agent. In the meantime, get better and better at acting, with classes. I hope this helps. Break a leg and welcome to the acting world!
Set up a free profile on Actors Access.
Set up a free profile on Backstage.
Search for agents and make a list of the ones you will contact.
Contact agents and keep track of all communication with them so you can follow up.
Take a "How to Get an Agent" class (there is one on Udemy) and other acting classes.
Where to find your first auditions: Initially, set up a free profile on Actors Access and Backstage (stay away from Casting Networks until you have a commercial agent who uses it). Casting Directors look for actors on Actors Access. Backstage has a lot of independent projects- you may not get paid but you can get some experience. After you get an agent, you don't need to use Backstage anymore. As soon as you get a screen credit (movie or TV), make sure to have a neat profile on IMDb.
Agents are important but that does not mean you can't find some work on your own, especially at the beginning. Also, not all agents are great, so you may have to take a few trial periods with each. Having more than one agent is ideal - at least one commercial agent and don't theatrical. In a nutshell: take any acting work you can find in the beginning and focus on getting an agent. In the meantime, get better and better at acting, with classes. I hope this helps. Break a leg and welcome to the acting world!
Luciana recommends the following next steps: