What should I focus on in order to become a actor?

Last night, I went to an interview of Stockard Channing hosted by the SAG Foundation & New School University. When she was studying at Harvard, at 19, she did her first play. She was an English and History major. She was married. And she never studied acting. She learned by doing.

But even she, a Tony winner and Oscar nominated actress, admits things were different then. Some people still don't study or are celebrities who wind-up with acting careers. It depends what type of work you want to do. Actors trained in the theatre never seem to have a problem transitioning to film or TV as far as skill set is concerned. The same cannot always be said for working in the other direction.

If you're not ready to make the plunge into being an acting major, and considering most of the audition deadlines would have passed by now, pick a major that will enhance your language skills, you're knowledge of the world and how people relate on both small and grand scales. Nothing you study will be a hindrance to being an actor. Over the summer -- intern or train at one of the many summer companies (Williamstown/Shakespeare & Company/Gloucester Stage Company -- or similar regional theatres) where you see the practical aspects of being an actor. What is means to have 20 days to learn an entire play (which is all some professional contracts require). Start reading plays, screenplays, novels and find material you like and work on your memorization.

Then, no matter what city you're in, there will be someone offering classes. Study Stanislavsky, Meisner, Hagan -- read about The Actors Studio, The Federal Works Project, The Globe Theatre -- read Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neill, Tom Stoppard, Strinburg, Shakespeare, Marlow, Congrieve, Moliere . . . and see theatre. See actors live and figure out what you like and don't like about their performances. See how they train, rehearse, prepare.

And, if you decide you want to study acting in a degree program, you can always go to graduate school.

I have been a professional actor for over twenty years, having worked in film, TV, theatre,and VO. My best advice to any new actor is STUDY STUDY STUDY the classics and the craft. Please do not make the mistake of thinking you can get by on your "personality" or your looks. Yes, it is a very visual business, and looks can be important in casting, but the best and longest-working actors have built solid foundations through the study of their craft. it is just like learning to play piano! Follow the example of the Brit's who really know how to study the discipline of acting:

http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/acting-classes-nyc/crisis-in-american-acting/

And BTW, learn to SPEAK well PLEASE! Become sensitive to any undesirable or harsh regional accents and learn to eliminate these from your own speech.

Best of luck to you!