6 answers
Marla
Student
Denmark, WA
1
Question
Asked
685 views
I'm a 14-15 year old living in a small town, though I have aspirations of being an actor. How would I start my acting journey?
I have no prior experience with acting, so I'd love some help on where to learn acting and how to audition for roles/build my career afterwards.
Thanks!
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6 answers
Ricardo Islas
producer
28
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Hello Marla,
Residing in a small town should never hinder the initiation of your career. In fact, it could be a golden opportunity. There's no such thing as insignificant roles, minor plays or films, or small audiences. A simple church play could serve as a stepping stone to hone your acting skills. Remember, acting is all about "finding moments of truth". Your community is a treasure trove of opportunities to observe everyday people and infuse their essence into your acting. Plus, the advantage of a smaller community is the reduced competition during casting calls for local plays or short films.
By the time you reach 18 and are prepared to spread your wings, you'll have honed your craft, ready to apply it to your future career.
Lastly, if your town lacks theatrical plays or short film productions, rally a group of friends and stage your own play. Or collaborate with a passionate writer to create and produce your own short film, even if it's shot on your cellphone. In today's world, there's absolutely no excuse not to kickstart your journey, regardless of where you are.
Residing in a small town should never hinder the initiation of your career. In fact, it could be a golden opportunity. There's no such thing as insignificant roles, minor plays or films, or small audiences. A simple church play could serve as a stepping stone to hone your acting skills. Remember, acting is all about "finding moments of truth". Your community is a treasure trove of opportunities to observe everyday people and infuse their essence into your acting. Plus, the advantage of a smaller community is the reduced competition during casting calls for local plays or short films.
By the time you reach 18 and are prepared to spread your wings, you'll have honed your craft, ready to apply it to your future career.
Lastly, if your town lacks theatrical plays or short film productions, rally a group of friends and stage your own play. Or collaborate with a passionate writer to create and produce your own short film, even if it's shot on your cellphone. In today's world, there's absolutely no excuse not to kickstart your journey, regardless of where you are.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maria !
You've asked a very important question that I am able to remember relating to when I was a teenager. It may not be possible for you to do what I did, but I would be happy to share advice, information and experience with you.
It is so true that when you are not placed within a theatrical community or have actors around you, the career dream can and does feel very distant and unattainable. That is normal. In order to obtain work as an actor, you have to become an actor and that means intensive study and getting experience performing.
You are not far from Seattle, not too close either, but not too far that you could consider planning to attend a college in Seattle for the future. Since there are no resources for actors where you live, you may want to start book learning by doing some online courses for actors. The website Alison has a few courses, but even though they may not be U.S. based, it can give you some insight. Seattle is indeed too far for you to be traveling for auditions and performances. This is fine for a little while, but acting is all about inter-acting and cannot be effectively achieved remotely. It's okay to be patient with this - I was, and it ended up being marvelous when the time is right. Right now, read a lot of plays and learn how characters are developed and watch a lot of films.
You may break some important ground and create your own actor community right at your high school. Present a proposal to administration about forming a theatre group that would perform for your school. Students normally create groups and extracurriculars at their school which are a great benefit to them as well as the school. Another avenue you can go down is to form a theatre troupe for outside of school to perform at parks or any venues that would like theatre performances. Make sure to ask for people interested in directing as you'll need a director for the performances and you can learn while being directed in shows. These are some of the things you can actually do now until you graduate and (I highly recommend) attend college as a theatre or film major with the emphasis on acting. A college degree will support you throughout your life and, in the long run, you will be happy you took an academic route to train as an actor.
My own experience was also being in a very non-acting, non-theatrical, small town so I waited until college. At that time, long distance moves like I made were doable so I understand if it's not doable for everyone at this time. The minute I stepped into my Introduction to Theatre course in college, I knew that that was where I needed to be. no doubts about it. It then took off from there. College provided me with knowledge, personal growth, acting opportunities and I made a ton of wonderful friends that were in theatre. Everyone's acting career path is different and I want to emphasize that you must do what you can do and be very patient. The process is different for everyone.
I do hope that this is helpful and I urge you never to give up. It may take some time but you can and will realize your calling one day ! Best wishes to you along your journey and have fun every step of the way !
You've asked a very important question that I am able to remember relating to when I was a teenager. It may not be possible for you to do what I did, but I would be happy to share advice, information and experience with you.
It is so true that when you are not placed within a theatrical community or have actors around you, the career dream can and does feel very distant and unattainable. That is normal. In order to obtain work as an actor, you have to become an actor and that means intensive study and getting experience performing.
You are not far from Seattle, not too close either, but not too far that you could consider planning to attend a college in Seattle for the future. Since there are no resources for actors where you live, you may want to start book learning by doing some online courses for actors. The website Alison has a few courses, but even though they may not be U.S. based, it can give you some insight. Seattle is indeed too far for you to be traveling for auditions and performances. This is fine for a little while, but acting is all about inter-acting and cannot be effectively achieved remotely. It's okay to be patient with this - I was, and it ended up being marvelous when the time is right. Right now, read a lot of plays and learn how characters are developed and watch a lot of films.
You may break some important ground and create your own actor community right at your high school. Present a proposal to administration about forming a theatre group that would perform for your school. Students normally create groups and extracurriculars at their school which are a great benefit to them as well as the school. Another avenue you can go down is to form a theatre troupe for outside of school to perform at parks or any venues that would like theatre performances. Make sure to ask for people interested in directing as you'll need a director for the performances and you can learn while being directed in shows. These are some of the things you can actually do now until you graduate and (I highly recommend) attend college as a theatre or film major with the emphasis on acting. A college degree will support you throughout your life and, in the long run, you will be happy you took an academic route to train as an actor.
My own experience was also being in a very non-acting, non-theatrical, small town so I waited until college. At that time, long distance moves like I made were doable so I understand if it's not doable for everyone at this time. The minute I stepped into my Introduction to Theatre course in college, I knew that that was where I needed to be. no doubts about it. It then took off from there. College provided me with knowledge, personal growth, acting opportunities and I made a ton of wonderful friends that were in theatre. Everyone's acting career path is different and I want to emphasize that you must do what you can do and be very patient. The process is different for everyone.
I do hope that this is helpful and I urge you never to give up. It may take some time but you can and will realize your calling one day ! Best wishes to you along your journey and have fun every step of the way !
Yisel Andujar
Pharmacy Healthcare Professional
65
Answers
Vineland, New Jersey
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Marla,
Your question is excellent. I recommend taking the time to sit down with a piece of paper and carefully consider the type of actor you aspire to become. Some actors work in television, some in theater, and others in both mediums. Enjoy the process of discovering the kind of actor you wish to be. For instance, you may have an affinity for comedic roles or historical portrayals. The possibilities are vast. Research colleges and universities that align with your aspirations. Several institutions offer summer programs in the arts, such as the renowned Juilliard School in New York. This is merely one example, as there are numerous reputable schools providing classes in the performing arts and literature. It's important to recognize that actors dedicate substantial time to studying their roles, and the audience only witnesses the final performance, unaware of the extensive behind-the-scenes preparation. Conduct thorough research to equip yourself for progress and development. I'll leave you with this inspiring quote:
"Find out who you are and do it on purpose." - Dolly Parton
Your question is excellent. I recommend taking the time to sit down with a piece of paper and carefully consider the type of actor you aspire to become. Some actors work in television, some in theater, and others in both mediums. Enjoy the process of discovering the kind of actor you wish to be. For instance, you may have an affinity for comedic roles or historical portrayals. The possibilities are vast. Research colleges and universities that align with your aspirations. Several institutions offer summer programs in the arts, such as the renowned Juilliard School in New York. This is merely one example, as there are numerous reputable schools providing classes in the performing arts and literature. It's important to recognize that actors dedicate substantial time to studying their roles, and the audience only witnesses the final performance, unaware of the extensive behind-the-scenes preparation. Conduct thorough research to equip yourself for progress and development. I'll leave you with this inspiring quote:
"Find out who you are and do it on purpose." - Dolly Parton
Thankyou, this is really helpful, I love the quote you ended it with!
Marla
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Maria!
Embarking on Your Acting Adventure: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Grasping the Fundamentals of Acting
Before you plunge into the hands-on aspects of acting, it's crucial to grasp what acting involves. Acting is the craft of embodying a character in a performance, be it on stage or on screen. It demands not just natural talent, but also rigorous training, discipline, and a profound comprehension of human emotions and actions.
2. Discover Local Prospects
Residing in Denmark, WA, you should begin by discovering local acting prospects. Seek out community theaters, drama societies, or school productions where you can get involved. These platforms frequently welcome beginners and offer a nurturing environment to master the fundamentals of acting.
Community Theaters: Look for community theater groups nearby. They frequently organize auditions for diverse productions and might conduct workshops.
School Drama Programs: If you're still in school, find out about any drama courses or clubs open to students.
3. Attend Acting Classes
Think about joining acting classes to further hone your skills. Search for local workshops or online courses that cover various facets of acting like improvisation, scene analysis, and character building. Some notable platforms include:
MasterClass: Provides online courses instructed by celebrated actors.
Udemy: Offers a range of acting courses for different skill levels.
Local Arts Centers: Numerous arts centers provide classes particularly designed for budding actors.
4. Practice Consistently
Acting is a craft that gets better with consistent practice. Start by performing monologues or scenes from plays and movies at home or in front of your loved ones. This will aid in boosting your confidence and receiving constructive criticism.
5. Compile Your Resume
As you accumulate experience through classes and performances, start compiling an acting resume. Incorporate any roles you've enacted, training you've undergone, and relevant skills (like singing or dancing). Even minor roles in community theater can be significant additions to your resume.
6. Audition for Roles
When you feel ready, begin auditioning for roles:
Prepare Monologues: Select a few monologues that exhibit your versatility as an actor.
Attend Open Auditions: Stay alert for open auditions in your vicinity; these are often promoted on social media or local theater websites.
Self-Tape Auditions: In this digital era, numerous auditions are conducted via self-tapes. Learn how to produce high-quality self-tape submissions by studying best practices online.
7. Networking
Networking is vital in the entertainment sector:
Join Online Communities: Platforms like Stage 32 enable budding actors to interact with industry professionals.
Attend Workshops & Events: Engage in workshops where you can meet other actors and directors.
8. Think About Representation
As you accumulate experience and confidence, think about obtaining representation from an agent who specializes in youth talent:
Investigate agents who hold a strong reputation within the industry.
Prepare a professional headshot and resume before making contact.
9. Stay Updated & Motivated
Keep expanding your knowledge about the industry by reading books on acting techniques, watching interviews with accomplished actors, and keeping up with trends in film and theater.
10. Be Resilient & Patient
The path to becoming an actor can be demanding but stay resilient! Rejections are part of the journey; view them as learning opportunities instead of obstacles.
In conclusion, embarking on your acting adventure involves discovering local prospects, attending classes to refine your craft, practicing consistently, compiling your resume through performances, actively auditioning while networking within the industry, thinking about representation when ready, staying updated about acting trends while being patient throughout this adventure.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. MasterClass A platform offering online courses instructed by experts across various fields including celebrated actors sharing insights into their craft.
2. Backstage A highly regarded resource for actors that provides information on auditions as well as articles on acting techniques and career advice specifically designed for performers.
3. American Theatre Magazine This publication covers news related to theater across America including profiles on emerging artists which can serve as inspiration for budding actors aiming to break into the field.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Blessings to you!
JC.
Embarking on Your Acting Adventure: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Grasping the Fundamentals of Acting
Before you plunge into the hands-on aspects of acting, it's crucial to grasp what acting involves. Acting is the craft of embodying a character in a performance, be it on stage or on screen. It demands not just natural talent, but also rigorous training, discipline, and a profound comprehension of human emotions and actions.
2. Discover Local Prospects
Residing in Denmark, WA, you should begin by discovering local acting prospects. Seek out community theaters, drama societies, or school productions where you can get involved. These platforms frequently welcome beginners and offer a nurturing environment to master the fundamentals of acting.
Community Theaters: Look for community theater groups nearby. They frequently organize auditions for diverse productions and might conduct workshops.
School Drama Programs: If you're still in school, find out about any drama courses or clubs open to students.
3. Attend Acting Classes
Think about joining acting classes to further hone your skills. Search for local workshops or online courses that cover various facets of acting like improvisation, scene analysis, and character building. Some notable platforms include:
MasterClass: Provides online courses instructed by celebrated actors.
Udemy: Offers a range of acting courses for different skill levels.
Local Arts Centers: Numerous arts centers provide classes particularly designed for budding actors.
4. Practice Consistently
Acting is a craft that gets better with consistent practice. Start by performing monologues or scenes from plays and movies at home or in front of your loved ones. This will aid in boosting your confidence and receiving constructive criticism.
5. Compile Your Resume
As you accumulate experience through classes and performances, start compiling an acting resume. Incorporate any roles you've enacted, training you've undergone, and relevant skills (like singing or dancing). Even minor roles in community theater can be significant additions to your resume.
6. Audition for Roles
When you feel ready, begin auditioning for roles:
Prepare Monologues: Select a few monologues that exhibit your versatility as an actor.
Attend Open Auditions: Stay alert for open auditions in your vicinity; these are often promoted on social media or local theater websites.
Self-Tape Auditions: In this digital era, numerous auditions are conducted via self-tapes. Learn how to produce high-quality self-tape submissions by studying best practices online.
7. Networking
Networking is vital in the entertainment sector:
Join Online Communities: Platforms like Stage 32 enable budding actors to interact with industry professionals.
Attend Workshops & Events: Engage in workshops where you can meet other actors and directors.
8. Think About Representation
As you accumulate experience and confidence, think about obtaining representation from an agent who specializes in youth talent:
Investigate agents who hold a strong reputation within the industry.
Prepare a professional headshot and resume before making contact.
9. Stay Updated & Motivated
Keep expanding your knowledge about the industry by reading books on acting techniques, watching interviews with accomplished actors, and keeping up with trends in film and theater.
10. Be Resilient & Patient
The path to becoming an actor can be demanding but stay resilient! Rejections are part of the journey; view them as learning opportunities instead of obstacles.
In conclusion, embarking on your acting adventure involves discovering local prospects, attending classes to refine your craft, practicing consistently, compiling your resume through performances, actively auditioning while networking within the industry, thinking about representation when ready, staying updated about acting trends while being patient throughout this adventure.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. MasterClass A platform offering online courses instructed by experts across various fields including celebrated actors sharing insights into their craft.
2. Backstage A highly regarded resource for actors that provides information on auditions as well as articles on acting techniques and career advice specifically designed for performers.
3. American Theatre Magazine This publication covers news related to theater across America including profiles on emerging artists which can serve as inspiration for budding actors aiming to break into the field.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Blessings to you!
JC.
Thankyou! This guide is really detailed, which I appreciate a lot :)
Marla
that is our job Maria
James Constantine Frangos
Dora Endre
Filmmaker and stage director, writer
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dora’s Answer
Dear Marla,
First of all: have no doubts, you can make it! I am from a village, actually and currently work as a director-writer. However, at the beginning I studied acting. I would recommend taking summer courses in the field, you do not necessary have to invest a lot and go to New York or LA for such a class, to experiment. Moreover, organizing a local theatre group or putting together a small "film crew" with peers can also be of huge benefit, alternatively if such organizations already exist in your community then join those. By getting on-hands experience, you will see if you are oriented more towards film or stage acting. I would also recommend reading plays and scripts every week, learning monologues and practicing them, joining online communities and even taking self-tape and audition classes online - from experienced coaches. And again: practice your craft. Local theatre. Small weekend shoots. Having a portfolio of monologues, recorded and ready to be submitted and shown.
Best of luck, you have got this!
Dora
First of all: have no doubts, you can make it! I am from a village, actually and currently work as a director-writer. However, at the beginning I studied acting. I would recommend taking summer courses in the field, you do not necessary have to invest a lot and go to New York or LA for such a class, to experiment. Moreover, organizing a local theatre group or putting together a small "film crew" with peers can also be of huge benefit, alternatively if such organizations already exist in your community then join those. By getting on-hands experience, you will see if you are oriented more towards film or stage acting. I would also recommend reading plays and scripts every week, learning monologues and practicing them, joining online communities and even taking self-tape and audition classes online - from experienced coaches. And again: practice your craft. Local theatre. Small weekend shoots. Having a portfolio of monologues, recorded and ready to be submitted and shown.
Best of luck, you have got this!
Dora
Walter Rodriguez
Actor(High School)
1
Answer
Montclair, California
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Hello Marla, it's fantastic to hear about your aspiration to become an actor! My first piece of advice for you is to embrace the spotlight and not shy away from showcasing your talent. Secondly, it's crucial to invest time in understanding your character - this includes their personality, history, and motivations. And finally, remember to stay strong and persistent in all your endeavors. If you have a dream, Go out an Chase it don't let anyone tell you you cant.