How to Start Your Acting Career
They say it’s impossible but it was possible for Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. Once upon a time, the biggest stars of today were aspirants just like you. They settled for small roles on TV or commercials that hardly showed their face just to make ends meet. But look at where them now.
If you want to kick off your acting career, you need to have the following: Motivation, Confidence and Passion. These three will serve as your driving force to handle rejection after rejection. We’re telling you right here right now, there are a lot of those in Tinsel town, and even on Broadway.
If you want to live your dream, you can start it off by:
1. Find an agent. There are tons of agencies in Los Angeles and New York. Somehow, these two cities are the focal points of entertainment. If you make this your home base, then you will have an easier time getting an agency. Although, agencies are picky. If you aren’t what they are looking for (physically and experience-wise), don’t expect to get any calls from them. Just be patient and keep on trying till you find the agency that signs you on as a talent.
2. Get started. Now that you have an agency, you will be informed of the auditions. You will have to be there and expect a competition. A casting call means there are hundreds of hopefuls trying out for a single role. You need to understand this as well as have the patience to sit through the entire casting procedure. You have to wait your turn which may take an eternity.
3. When it’s your time to shine, shine and don’t choke. Think of a time when you waited for something. Once they let you in and you are face-to-face with the casting directors (better yet, the writers, producers or directors), show them what you’ve got. Try to not impress them too much because they know when you’re showing off. Everything in moderation and most importantly, you should be in character. You are, after all, an actor.
(Read Audition: Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part
4. Have a good supply of headshots. First impressions last in this industry. Most of the time, these first impressions come in the form of your headshots. Casting directors judge on what they see in your headshots. Have them professionally taken. They may be expensive but it is something you have to invest in if you want to turn your dream into a reality.