5 answers
Jhordyn
Student
Buena Park, California
1
Question
Updated
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How do I become an actress as a beginner?
I am a Film student focusing on cinematography, but I also have a passion for acting but I am not sure how to pursue it.
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5 answers
Lawrence Keller
3
Answers
Oak Park, Illinois
Updated
Lawrence’s Answer
I'll echo Tony's great response and add a few things.
Read plays.
Talk to as many actors (at any level of success) and see what has worked for them.
Watch live plays and musicals wherever you can. I say that because most of your acting early on will probably be on stage. That will give you a sense of what excites you.
Read plays.
Talk to as many actors (at any level of success) and see what has worked for them.
Watch live plays and musicals wherever you can. I say that because most of your acting early on will probably be on stage. That will give you a sense of what excites you.
Damian Salandy
Actor
14
Answers
Wappingers Falls, New York
Updated
Damian’s Answer
Hello, Jhordyn. I hope all's going well with you.
I'm not sure how someone interested in cinematography gets started, but I can offer some insight into acting.
1. If you haven't already, read the book "An Actor Prepares" by Konstantin Stanislavski. The story is fiction, but the principles taught are basic to all modern acting styles. Mr. Stanislavski was the granddaddy of what many call method acting. He drew his inspiration from an actor he saw here in the United States, named Ira Aldridge, the seemingly unknowing yet apparent father of modern acting.
2. Find an acting school, course, class, or coach. Someone more interested in teaching and the science of acting than just making a name for themselves. I'm not sure what teachers are on the West Coast. Still, many are the unsung heroes of our industry and will be an integral part of your career, regardless of the tier (professional or amateur) in which you ultimately work.
3. Professional head and body photos: These days, you should get them so that you can use them on your...
4. Website. This should have all your pertinent information: name, contact number, body sizes, weight, age, voice type, as well as stage and film experience. Any professionally produced recordings of your voice and film should also be included.
5. You will look for work on industry publications such as Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks. If you're ever in NYC, you'll want to check out Central Casting, another great place to find work.
6. Regarding agents, managers, and the union:
Do not be quick to find an agent, manager, or to join any of the Unions. Agents and managers want to see that you are dedicated to the industry before you even step foot on the sidewalk where their offices might be located. They want to know that you can book roles on your own consistently before they will take you on. Usually, they, along with managers and the Union, will see your work and come knocking.
I am told that the sweet spot for actors is to become union-eligible. This means you would be able to work on both union and non-union jobs legally. Regrettably, my current understanding of how to reach that level is limited.
Additionally, ensure that the agent and/or manager are legally authorized to work in this capacity and are members of one of two recognized guilds, the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) and the Professional Managers Association (PMA).
I wish you all the luck in the world, Jhordyn!
Breakaleg!
I'm not sure how someone interested in cinematography gets started, but I can offer some insight into acting.
1. If you haven't already, read the book "An Actor Prepares" by Konstantin Stanislavski. The story is fiction, but the principles taught are basic to all modern acting styles. Mr. Stanislavski was the granddaddy of what many call method acting. He drew his inspiration from an actor he saw here in the United States, named Ira Aldridge, the seemingly unknowing yet apparent father of modern acting.
2. Find an acting school, course, class, or coach. Someone more interested in teaching and the science of acting than just making a name for themselves. I'm not sure what teachers are on the West Coast. Still, many are the unsung heroes of our industry and will be an integral part of your career, regardless of the tier (professional or amateur) in which you ultimately work.
3. Professional head and body photos: These days, you should get them so that you can use them on your...
4. Website. This should have all your pertinent information: name, contact number, body sizes, weight, age, voice type, as well as stage and film experience. Any professionally produced recordings of your voice and film should also be included.
5. You will look for work on industry publications such as Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks. If you're ever in NYC, you'll want to check out Central Casting, another great place to find work.
6. Regarding agents, managers, and the union:
Do not be quick to find an agent, manager, or to join any of the Unions. Agents and managers want to see that you are dedicated to the industry before you even step foot on the sidewalk where their offices might be located. They want to know that you can book roles on your own consistently before they will take you on. Usually, they, along with managers and the Union, will see your work and come knocking.
I am told that the sweet spot for actors is to become union-eligible. This means you would be able to work on both union and non-union jobs legally. Regrettably, my current understanding of how to reach that level is limited.
Additionally, ensure that the agent and/or manager are legally authorized to work in this capacity and are members of one of two recognized guilds, the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) and the Professional Managers Association (PMA).
I wish you all the luck in the world, Jhordyn!
Breakaleg!
Tony SanGiovanni, PMP
Sr. Change Manager
4
Answers
Warwick, Rhode Island
Updated
Tony’s Answer
That’s such a great question—and it’s so exciting that you’re thinking about stepping in front of the camera, especially since you already have a strong foundation behind it with your cinematography background! Here are a few beginner-friendly steps to help you start your journey into acting:
Start Acting Wherever You Can: Look for student films, local community theater, or short film projects (even on campus!). You already have an in—film students need actors, and you understand how a set works, which is a huge plus.
Take an Acting Class: Even if it's just one workshop or an intro course, acting classes help you build confidence, learn techniques, and connect with others on the same path. If your school offers drama electives—sign up! If not, check out local theater groups or online platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, or Backstage University
Practice On Camera: Start filming monologues or scenes with friends (you might even direct and star in your own pieces!). This helps you get comfortable performing and seeing yourself on screen.
Create an Online Presence: Platforms like Backstage, Casting Networks, and even Instagram or TikTok can be great for putting yourself out there. Many beginner roles are cast through these platforms.
Build a Simple Portfolio: You don’t need a fancy reel right away. Start with a headshot and a short video of a monologue or scene that shows your personality and range.
Tony recommends the following next steps:
Hilary Toole
Contract Management
7
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
Hi Jhordyn: Everyone has given great advice so far. There are always great small regional and town theaters (local theater) that are putting on shows with volunteer actors - look for those (California has many from what I can tell). Community theater also provides experiences for you to know if you do like acting.
Also, take an Acting Class - there are many in person or online ones available (such as Masterclass).
Use YouTube or TikTok and record yourself doing some readings from your favorite plays and shows. Good luck - or - as they say in the theater "break a leg".
Also, take an Acting Class - there are many in person or online ones available (such as Masterclass).
Use YouTube or TikTok and record yourself doing some readings from your favorite plays and shows. Good luck - or - as they say in the theater "break a leg".
Michelle M.
Actress
2522
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jhordyn !
So sorry that I didn't receive your question sooner but I am not receiving the Acting questions even though I have an acting tag set up ! LOL ! They're not even showing up on my All Feed.
Since you have the good fortune of already being a Film Student, you will have access to learning acting. If you are at a private film school, they should have some film acting classes available at the school, so just take a few acting classes while you're in film school. I also suggest that you take some theatre acting classes in the community to get the basic understanding of acting at first and how it differs from film acting.
If you are enrolled at University as a Film Major, there also should be acting classes within the film department, so take some of those. Also venture into the Theatre Department and at some point take Beginning Acting and Intermediate Acting for the stage. You will learn the career by taking classes and having your professors as a strong source of guidance.
Keep in mind that both Acting and Cinematography are awesome facets of the entertainment industry. I understand fully why you love them both. Cinematography as well as Acting does take up a lot of time - your days will be filled. If your degree is focused on filming, spend most of your time on that. You're not going to be able to audition for acting roles, make that commitment, and do projects for filmmaking in school at the same time, but it's good to start discovering yourself as an actress through classes. Once you've learned a little acting, give yourself a little part in your student films. Alfred Hitchcock used to do that with all his films. Woody Allen also used to give himself a big part in his own films. Start out with the acting with your own films, what will be familiar to you.
Always remember your commitment to your film program and give it priority. I understand how demanding an entertainment industry major is, so good advice would be to learn acting in dribs and drabs, make a strong engagement with the cinematography aspect and be available for your classes, projects and student film productions. You are very fortunate to have the luxury of Film education because so many people want to do it, can't or don't, but you are ! That's superb. So take things slowly, one at a time and remember where your focus and commitment needs to be. One day you will be ready to make the commitment for an Acting Project, but that may not be right now.
Never use social media to promote yourself as an actress, it's just not advisable and do not audition for things right now while in Film School. Verify this with your academic counselor. Your professors will advise you the same. You can make a professional Linked In account as that can be good networking and information, but please do not use social media for any acting. It's not done that way.
Once you graduate Film School, you are going to know a lot about the business. Nothing should be done before you are thoroughly trained and educated for this field.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
So sorry that I didn't receive your question sooner but I am not receiving the Acting questions even though I have an acting tag set up ! LOL ! They're not even showing up on my All Feed.
Since you have the good fortune of already being a Film Student, you will have access to learning acting. If you are at a private film school, they should have some film acting classes available at the school, so just take a few acting classes while you're in film school. I also suggest that you take some theatre acting classes in the community to get the basic understanding of acting at first and how it differs from film acting.
If you are enrolled at University as a Film Major, there also should be acting classes within the film department, so take some of those. Also venture into the Theatre Department and at some point take Beginning Acting and Intermediate Acting for the stage. You will learn the career by taking classes and having your professors as a strong source of guidance.
Keep in mind that both Acting and Cinematography are awesome facets of the entertainment industry. I understand fully why you love them both. Cinematography as well as Acting does take up a lot of time - your days will be filled. If your degree is focused on filming, spend most of your time on that. You're not going to be able to audition for acting roles, make that commitment, and do projects for filmmaking in school at the same time, but it's good to start discovering yourself as an actress through classes. Once you've learned a little acting, give yourself a little part in your student films. Alfred Hitchcock used to do that with all his films. Woody Allen also used to give himself a big part in his own films. Start out with the acting with your own films, what will be familiar to you.
Always remember your commitment to your film program and give it priority. I understand how demanding an entertainment industry major is, so good advice would be to learn acting in dribs and drabs, make a strong engagement with the cinematography aspect and be available for your classes, projects and student film productions. You are very fortunate to have the luxury of Film education because so many people want to do it, can't or don't, but you are ! That's superb. So take things slowly, one at a time and remember where your focus and commitment needs to be. One day you will be ready to make the commitment for an Acting Project, but that may not be right now.
Never use social media to promote yourself as an actress, it's just not advisable and do not audition for things right now while in Film School. Verify this with your academic counselor. Your professors will advise you the same. You can make a professional Linked In account as that can be good networking and information, but please do not use social media for any acting. It's not done that way.
Once you graduate Film School, you are going to know a lot about the business. Nothing should be done before you are thoroughly trained and educated for this field.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !