Getting the initial professional experience required to launch an acting career, whether in film, television, commercials, or on stage, can be difficult. People who make hiring decisions in most professions prefer someone with prior related experience, so getting your foot in the door will most likely be the first challenge of your acting career. You can put your acting career on the right track for future growth by combining practice, networking, and study.
Applying for extra roles with local casting agencies is one of the simplest ways to gain professional experience in the early stages of your acting career. Extras, both paid and unpaid, are cast in everything from small commercials to major motion pictures, and no prior experience is usually required. Extras have the added benefit of potentially being scouted by members of the film or production crew and recruited for other projects in addition to making contacts on set.
Another important aspect of beginning an acting career is networking with other aspiring actors and industry professionals. Staying up to date on new developments and opportunities for aspiring actors in your area is easy with social networking groups, chat rooms, web boards, and other online communities. It’s also crucial to balance online networking with face-to-face networking by attending local performances and meeting with a group of like-minded aspiring actors on a regular basis.
Drama classes are sometimes offered as part of the standard curriculum in middle school and high school, in addition to acting classes offered by theater companies and talent agencies. Consider taking a few acting classes as electives if you’re in university and aren’t already majoring in drama. This will allow you to gain acting experience while still pursuing other academic goals. You could also join an extracurricular theater society or drama club at your school to gain more of the initial experience you’ll need to pursue an acting career.
Although finding an agent is an important part of starting any acting career, the ideal agency is one that works on a commission basis rather than charging up-front fees. This is not only more convenient for you as an aspiring actor, but it also shows the agency is confident in their ability to find work for their clients. Agencies that require actors to pay a mandatory portfolio fee should also be avoided.