2 answers
Jaiyn
Student
Bronxville, New York
1
Question
Updated
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How can I be come a professional singer and actress ?
where should I chose to look first?
do I always need and agent?
where can I start acting
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2 answers
Daniel Flores
1
Answer
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Having an agent can be beneficial, but you can also actively search for opportunities yourself. Look for roles in college student films, or on social media platforms like Facebook. Consider taking classes to improve your skills and to build a network of contacts. Joining a church choir could also be advantageous, as they often work with vocal coaches. Wishing you the best of luck!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1920
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jaiyn !
It is wonderful that you have chosen a career interest and I would be happy to advise you on what goes into a career in Acting. Since you are asking this question, I will assume that you are in the very beginning thinking stage so we will need to discuss what needs to happen before you can begin auditioning for acting projects.
The entertainment world is a serious professional realm and many people get the idea that they would like it as a career. It is very conditional and an opinion business so one must be 100% confident and prepared to offer their talent. A great path to that is formal education in an academic setting where one can be surrounded by students and professors and possible opportunities to gain experience. As a theatre major, you can take many acting and performance courses that will help you greatly - in many ways. The classes are usually Beginning Acting, Intermediate Acting and Advanced Acting. College will open up a real world for you as an actress, so look first to college. I majored in theatre and minored in social science which helped pay the bills in between projects, so think about a good additional interest that will be generally helpful for other jobs.
You must be sure you are absolutely ready to begin your career in acting. That means confidence, lots of experience and good promo material such as a headshot photo, resume and a reel of your performances. At first when you are prepared, you can submit your materials to casting agencies (these are not agents or casting directors). There are many online that can be found by doing a search and you can find some projects listed on the employment website Indeed. The more exposure you have in the business, the more familiar you will become with casting agencies.
As for obtaining representation, most professional and prolific actors do have agency representation. I say "most", but many actors and filmmakers have gone independent and do direct marketing themselves to the companies. It's not a matter of applying for an agent, they will have to see you and choose to represent you. There may be occasional notices from some agent companies that are seeking new talent, but an interview is not a guarantee that they will represent you. You must get experience that will teach you what agents look for and the more experience you obtain, you will know how to put yourself out there for possible representation. Start at the beginning with training and experience and the path to having an agent will become clear to you.
You can begin acting in high school or in community theatre. You are so very near New York City so you can venture out to audition for off-Broadway or small theatres in New York City. There are no community theatres in Bronxville, but you can explore Brooklyn, too. Become involved with acting in high school and audition for every play they do until you graduate. I am not sure how old you are but if you are under 18, your parent will need to oversee and provide transportation for you as you audition and rehearsals are sometimes at night for community theatre.
Many people who haven't acted yet have a lot of questions but a career doesn't happen overnight in this business. It is a long process and a preparation that requires daily involvement and exposure to the entertainment world. If you take the path that is right for you, everything will come naturally to you and fall into place. It is a strong commitment and focus and before you begin, you have to ask yourself if you are ready for and willing to take that on.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
It is wonderful that you have chosen a career interest and I would be happy to advise you on what goes into a career in Acting. Since you are asking this question, I will assume that you are in the very beginning thinking stage so we will need to discuss what needs to happen before you can begin auditioning for acting projects.
The entertainment world is a serious professional realm and many people get the idea that they would like it as a career. It is very conditional and an opinion business so one must be 100% confident and prepared to offer their talent. A great path to that is formal education in an academic setting where one can be surrounded by students and professors and possible opportunities to gain experience. As a theatre major, you can take many acting and performance courses that will help you greatly - in many ways. The classes are usually Beginning Acting, Intermediate Acting and Advanced Acting. College will open up a real world for you as an actress, so look first to college. I majored in theatre and minored in social science which helped pay the bills in between projects, so think about a good additional interest that will be generally helpful for other jobs.
You must be sure you are absolutely ready to begin your career in acting. That means confidence, lots of experience and good promo material such as a headshot photo, resume and a reel of your performances. At first when you are prepared, you can submit your materials to casting agencies (these are not agents or casting directors). There are many online that can be found by doing a search and you can find some projects listed on the employment website Indeed. The more exposure you have in the business, the more familiar you will become with casting agencies.
As for obtaining representation, most professional and prolific actors do have agency representation. I say "most", but many actors and filmmakers have gone independent and do direct marketing themselves to the companies. It's not a matter of applying for an agent, they will have to see you and choose to represent you. There may be occasional notices from some agent companies that are seeking new talent, but an interview is not a guarantee that they will represent you. You must get experience that will teach you what agents look for and the more experience you obtain, you will know how to put yourself out there for possible representation. Start at the beginning with training and experience and the path to having an agent will become clear to you.
You can begin acting in high school or in community theatre. You are so very near New York City so you can venture out to audition for off-Broadway or small theatres in New York City. There are no community theatres in Bronxville, but you can explore Brooklyn, too. Become involved with acting in high school and audition for every play they do until you graduate. I am not sure how old you are but if you are under 18, your parent will need to oversee and provide transportation for you as you audition and rehearsals are sometimes at night for community theatre.
Many people who haven't acted yet have a lot of questions but a career doesn't happen overnight in this business. It is a long process and a preparation that requires daily involvement and exposure to the entertainment world. If you take the path that is right for you, everything will come naturally to you and fall into place. It is a strong commitment and focus and before you begin, you have to ask yourself if you are ready for and willing to take that on.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !