3 answers
Luke
Student
Traverse City, Michigan
5
Questions
Asked
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How can I get into acting professionally at age 16?
I have been acting in school plays and musicals for 8 years. I have also taken theatre and acting classes.
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1855
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Luke !
The first thing you would need to do is to review what is available for professional actors in Traverse City. You will have prepared a photo headshot, a resume and a demo reel of your performances. You will have these things ready at all times to submit to your agent as well as any freelance work you want to do. When you obtain agency representation, ask the agent if they represent you for all media or if you're allowed to have several agents for each medium like one for TV, one for film, one for commercials, etc. Some regions go by this, so double check before you sign on with an agent so that you'll know.
This career will cut into your high school time so you will have to be working consistently so that you either stop going to your high school and obtain consistent education from on the set. Talk to your school about this and see if they would let you return and leave, return and leave again and see what their guidelines are for this. The work is usually during the time periods that you are in school. Sixteen year olds can be on a set up to 10 hours in California, but you should research to see if this is an across the board regulation. You would have to have 12 hours off the set before you can be on set again. Once you're 18, these child labor laws do not apply to you.
So, it goes without saying, but another thing you'll need would be a car. You may be called to a project any number of miles away from where you live, so you need safe and reliable transportation. Even if you move to New York City or Los Angeles, you may get a part in a film that is filming in Michigan. As a professional actor, consistently working, with agency representation and union membership you will need the means and understanding that you can work in a project anywhere.
You'll want to join Equity and SAG-AFTRA which will cover you for work on stage, film, television and radio. It's not that you suddenly become a "professional" actor because you have membership in these unions, it's just that some projects require an actor to be a member of the union. You will pay a large sum to join and thereafter, you pay dues to stay in the union, even if you haven't worked. They have websites online, so you can read more about the unions before you join.
I think your eight years experience acting is wonderful and it would all be on your resume. I just want to mention that you may encounter people not validating high school or university performances as experience. They may want either community theatre, regional theatre or main stream commercial film and TV credits. You will be in competition with people that do have the credits outside of school. This is why when I was in college as an acting student, I did most of my projects at community theatre and film outside of school. Seemingly, high school productions do not carry weight in the professional world, but I personally think one can find great talent in some student actors. The business has a lot of nuances that you will need to learn and that's just one of them.
Last but not least, the truth is that most of the work you'd want is based in New York City and Hollywood/Los Angeles, CA. I've lived both and I would suggest trying Los Angeles first. It's a different feel, mindset and more opportunities than New York City. I found L.A. to be very open-minded and non-traditional whereas New York City is very stringent and inflexible in how they cast. That is just what I have observed and your experience may be completely different.
In closing, I want to urge you to keep returning here to ask questions about your Acting Career. Everyone's path goes differently and I wish you all the best on your exciting journey !
The first thing you would need to do is to review what is available for professional actors in Traverse City. You will have prepared a photo headshot, a resume and a demo reel of your performances. You will have these things ready at all times to submit to your agent as well as any freelance work you want to do. When you obtain agency representation, ask the agent if they represent you for all media or if you're allowed to have several agents for each medium like one for TV, one for film, one for commercials, etc. Some regions go by this, so double check before you sign on with an agent so that you'll know.
This career will cut into your high school time so you will have to be working consistently so that you either stop going to your high school and obtain consistent education from on the set. Talk to your school about this and see if they would let you return and leave, return and leave again and see what their guidelines are for this. The work is usually during the time periods that you are in school. Sixteen year olds can be on a set up to 10 hours in California, but you should research to see if this is an across the board regulation. You would have to have 12 hours off the set before you can be on set again. Once you're 18, these child labor laws do not apply to you.
So, it goes without saying, but another thing you'll need would be a car. You may be called to a project any number of miles away from where you live, so you need safe and reliable transportation. Even if you move to New York City or Los Angeles, you may get a part in a film that is filming in Michigan. As a professional actor, consistently working, with agency representation and union membership you will need the means and understanding that you can work in a project anywhere.
You'll want to join Equity and SAG-AFTRA which will cover you for work on stage, film, television and radio. It's not that you suddenly become a "professional" actor because you have membership in these unions, it's just that some projects require an actor to be a member of the union. You will pay a large sum to join and thereafter, you pay dues to stay in the union, even if you haven't worked. They have websites online, so you can read more about the unions before you join.
I think your eight years experience acting is wonderful and it would all be on your resume. I just want to mention that you may encounter people not validating high school or university performances as experience. They may want either community theatre, regional theatre or main stream commercial film and TV credits. You will be in competition with people that do have the credits outside of school. This is why when I was in college as an acting student, I did most of my projects at community theatre and film outside of school. Seemingly, high school productions do not carry weight in the professional world, but I personally think one can find great talent in some student actors. The business has a lot of nuances that you will need to learn and that's just one of them.
Last but not least, the truth is that most of the work you'd want is based in New York City and Hollywood/Los Angeles, CA. I've lived both and I would suggest trying Los Angeles first. It's a different feel, mindset and more opportunities than New York City. I found L.A. to be very open-minded and non-traditional whereas New York City is very stringent and inflexible in how they cast. That is just what I have observed and your experience may be completely different.
In closing, I want to urge you to keep returning here to ask questions about your Acting Career. Everyone's path goes differently and I wish you all the best on your exciting journey !
Thank you so much! How much does it cost to join SAG-AFTRA? I am thinking about sending in self-taped auditions via Backstage.com and then going to LA (most likely) if I get a part. Do the gig and come back to Michigan until I get another project and until I turn 18 and move out of my house. How should I go about getting an agent?
Luke
Check the current SAG requirements at their website https://www.sagaftra.org/
Your plan sounds good, too. As for obtaining an Agent for representation, sometimes the casting notices have information about agents that are seeking new talent, so keep your eyes open. Also register with Actors Access and Direct Submit for more possible opportunities. Keep in mind that while you are in L.A., it's really expensive so research the city before you land there. When I lived in Hollywood everything was affordable but that was back in the olden days, LOL ! I lived in the Los Feliz section of Hollywood which till today remains a desirable area. I am not sure that there are anymore rooming houses left in any city, but you could probably stay at a hotel while on location.
Michelle M.
Thanks for getting back to me! Sounds good, I will do those things! Much thanks, Luke
Luke
You are very welcome, Luke !
Michelle M.
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hey Luke!
It's so awesome that you're looking into this at 16 already! Here are some tips I have for you to get started off the right way so far :)
Build Your Resume: Create a resume that includes your school plays, musicals, and any acting classes you've taken. Highlight any special skills, like singing or dancing, that can set you apart.
Headshots: Invest in a professional headshot. This is often the first impression casting directors have, so make sure it’s high-quality and captures your personality.
Find an Agent: Research talent agents in your area who work with young actors. An agent can help you find auditions and negotiate contracts. Be prepared to go through an audition process to secure representation.
Audition for Local Productions: Look for community theater, independent films, and student productions in your area. These can provide valuable experience and help you build your network.
Attend Workshops and Classes: Continue taking acting classes to hone your skills. Workshops with industry professionals can also be a great way to learn and make connections.
Get Involved in Film Projects: Explore opportunities in short films, web series, or student films. Websites like Backstage or Casting Call Club can help you find auditions.
Network: Attend theater events, film festivals, and workshops to meet people in the industry. Networking can lead to more opportunities and collaborations.
Use Social Media: Consider creating a professional presence on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to showcase your talent. Many casting directors look for talent online.
Stay Persistent: The industry can be competitive, so don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Keep auditioning, improving your craft, and staying passionate about acting.
Consider Education Options: If you're interested in continuing your training, look into high school programs that focus on performing arts, or consider summer programs at local colleges.
With your experience and dedication, you’re already on the right path! Good luck!
It's so awesome that you're looking into this at 16 already! Here are some tips I have for you to get started off the right way so far :)
Build Your Resume: Create a resume that includes your school plays, musicals, and any acting classes you've taken. Highlight any special skills, like singing or dancing, that can set you apart.
Headshots: Invest in a professional headshot. This is often the first impression casting directors have, so make sure it’s high-quality and captures your personality.
Find an Agent: Research talent agents in your area who work with young actors. An agent can help you find auditions and negotiate contracts. Be prepared to go through an audition process to secure representation.
Audition for Local Productions: Look for community theater, independent films, and student productions in your area. These can provide valuable experience and help you build your network.
Attend Workshops and Classes: Continue taking acting classes to hone your skills. Workshops with industry professionals can also be a great way to learn and make connections.
Get Involved in Film Projects: Explore opportunities in short films, web series, or student films. Websites like Backstage or Casting Call Club can help you find auditions.
Network: Attend theater events, film festivals, and workshops to meet people in the industry. Networking can lead to more opportunities and collaborations.
Use Social Media: Consider creating a professional presence on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to showcase your talent. Many casting directors look for talent online.
Stay Persistent: The industry can be competitive, so don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Keep auditioning, improving your craft, and staying passionate about acting.
Consider Education Options: If you're interested in continuing your training, look into high school programs that focus on performing arts, or consider summer programs at local colleges.
With your experience and dedication, you’re already on the right path! Good luck!
Thank you so much Annaleigh! Because I live in somewhat rural northern Michigan, there aren't really any opportunities for student run, or professional gigs. How should I go about still finding projects? Thanks!
Luke
No way, I grew up in Michigan haha! I would say that a great way to start is to work as much as you can on your own on developing your acting skills through online resources and books. Another great idea could be to find an online community! And if you ever get the chance, taking a train to Chicago or another larger nearby city for a day for a theater or acting event wouldn't be a bad idea! That could be a great way to meet an agent or others interested in acting.
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Thanks so much!
Luke
Yingna Wu
Film director / producer
14
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Yingna’s Answer
Luke, if you are only 16, I would suggest having fun in acting, play with it, rather than taking it as a profession, or "professionally".
There are lot of universities/colleges where you can learn the art of acting. Don't just focus on acting itself. It's a comprehensive art. You need to learn literature, history, philosophy, psychology, etc. You need to enrich yourself. Social life is also a key part.
I would suggest: just be 16-year-old, acting with your peers and have fun, observe life, watch more films.
There are lot of universities/colleges where you can learn the art of acting. Don't just focus on acting itself. It's a comprehensive art. You need to learn literature, history, philosophy, psychology, etc. You need to enrich yourself. Social life is also a key part.
I would suggest: just be 16-year-old, acting with your peers and have fun, observe life, watch more films.
I am looking to start professionally acting, I was looking for answers that had to do with that. I appreciate your insights, but I am actually going to try and do this, there are tons of child actors and I am going to try my luck. Thanks anyway!
Luke