Many people aspire to be actors, but are put off by the prospect of trying to break into the industry, which can seem difficult and time-consuming, if not impossible. Although knowing people who work as actors, directors, agents, writers, or stage crew is advantageous, even complete newcomers can take concrete steps to break into the industry. While luck and talent are important, an actor’s ultimate success in the entertainment industry can also be influenced by preparation, self-confidence, and professionalism.
Anyone aspiring to be an actor should consider relocating to a city with a thriving entertainment industry, such as Los Angeles, New York, or Vancouver. It’s critical for an actor to be aware of his or her own strengths so that highlighting them for an agent is simple. Some actors, for example, are better at playing a specific type of role than they are at playing the lead. Knowing an actor’s strengths can aid in finding work that is a good fit for his or her skills. Those who want to break into acting should consider taking a class.
Pictures are an important part of an actor’s portfolio because they can help them land an audition and an agent. Photographs do not need to be taken by a professional, but they must be recent and show the actor’s entire body, not just his or her head. It’s reasonable to amass a collection of photos of the actor wearing a range of expressions, from smiling to serious. Photographs with a variety of expressions can help an actor stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of casting agents.
Actors need the expertise, advocacy, and contacts of a talent agent to get auditions and work, and those trying to break into acting need an agent’s expertise, advocacy, and contacts. An actor will typically be asked to submit photographs or come in for an interview after contacting several agencies. When communicating with a talent agency, honesty about previous work and future goals, as well as self-confidence, are essential. The actor and his or her agent should maintain constant communication so that the actor is always top of mind for his or her agent. Maintaining an accurate and complete resume, as well as business cards with the actor’s headshot printed on them, can be useful networking tools.
An agent can assist an actor in securing auditions for roles in theater, commercials, television, and film. Actors should arrive on time for any audition and be well prepared, preferably with lines memorized. While auditioning, an actor may want to avoid imitating a famous actor’s acting style and instead focus on his or her own unique strengths and talents. Breaking into acting takes time, but perseverance and diligence are more likely to be rewarded.