4 answers
Nikol
Student
Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
1
Question
Updated
2097 views
How do I become a teen actor?
Hi! I'm a kid (grade ten) interested in going into some sort of an acting career. I've done many musical theatre productions, including acting at school and being a background character in university productions. I'm interested in acting for stuff like movies! I live in a small town so it's hard to figure out what to do and where to go.
4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2660
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nikol !
Since High Schools in your country of Canada typically offer Theatre Programs and good training, you will need to visit your High Schools' Arts and Culture Curriculum Department so you can enroll in their theatre program. Although it may take more than two years or so for the training - you may have to get more experience or community based classes in addition to your training in High School. Visit the school as soon as you can and see what the procedures are to enroll in their Theatre Program.
It's going to depend on how substantial your resume is and if high school acting experience is valid in the film and TV community in Canada. Do a search online for Canadian casting websites and have your photos and resume ready and register at casting websites. Be prepared to take indefinite time off from school if you get chosen for a part and one of your parents should be present at all of your auditions, rehearsals, meetings and productions since you are under 18 years old. Be prepared for you and your parent to travel to auditions and to studios and locations if you get chosen for a role.
Everyone takes a different path for an acting career, so you'll have to go by what is doable according to your circumstances. One of your former Directors or teachers or current teacher can tell you the ins and outs of the industry closest to where you live. Make very strong connections every time you do a show with the cast and director and tech people. This is a good time to expand your awareness of what goes into an acting career. Many times, other actors teach actors just by being around them and even the theatres or schools you perform in have accurate and current information about the acting world in your country.
If by any chance your high school doesn't have the Theatre Program, take acting lessons in the nearest community and consider going to college for a Bachelors Degree in Theatre for advanced training and more opportunities. If you want to do this at 15 years old, be sure you are ready to make the time and travel commitments and that your parents will pay for photos, resumes and other expenses that come up. It's just a matter of submitting your photos and resumes at the casting websites and waiting to hear back.
The next show that you do, invite some Agents to the production and there's a chance they may or may not offer you representation based on if they feel that you can obtain work. Your parent will have to oversee and manage contracts and decisions if an Agent decides to sign you on.
Much information is online, such as the Casting Websites (not social media sites) to register at. You can also find nearby theatres by doing a search online. Keep in touch with those you've already worked with.
You mentioned that you have already done acting so ask yourself if you consider yourself to be an actor. The questions you should be asking is not "how to be an actor" since you seem to be one already. You'll get better help if you ask who are the casting people in Canada ? What are the child labor laws in Canada and how many hours can I work on set ? So, learning more about the career will help you ask the right questions and help you recognize and feel more like an actress already.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Since High Schools in your country of Canada typically offer Theatre Programs and good training, you will need to visit your High Schools' Arts and Culture Curriculum Department so you can enroll in their theatre program. Although it may take more than two years or so for the training - you may have to get more experience or community based classes in addition to your training in High School. Visit the school as soon as you can and see what the procedures are to enroll in their Theatre Program.
It's going to depend on how substantial your resume is and if high school acting experience is valid in the film and TV community in Canada. Do a search online for Canadian casting websites and have your photos and resume ready and register at casting websites. Be prepared to take indefinite time off from school if you get chosen for a part and one of your parents should be present at all of your auditions, rehearsals, meetings and productions since you are under 18 years old. Be prepared for you and your parent to travel to auditions and to studios and locations if you get chosen for a role.
Everyone takes a different path for an acting career, so you'll have to go by what is doable according to your circumstances. One of your former Directors or teachers or current teacher can tell you the ins and outs of the industry closest to where you live. Make very strong connections every time you do a show with the cast and director and tech people. This is a good time to expand your awareness of what goes into an acting career. Many times, other actors teach actors just by being around them and even the theatres or schools you perform in have accurate and current information about the acting world in your country.
If by any chance your high school doesn't have the Theatre Program, take acting lessons in the nearest community and consider going to college for a Bachelors Degree in Theatre for advanced training and more opportunities. If you want to do this at 15 years old, be sure you are ready to make the time and travel commitments and that your parents will pay for photos, resumes and other expenses that come up. It's just a matter of submitting your photos and resumes at the casting websites and waiting to hear back.
The next show that you do, invite some Agents to the production and there's a chance they may or may not offer you representation based on if they feel that you can obtain work. Your parent will have to oversee and manage contracts and decisions if an Agent decides to sign you on.
Much information is online, such as the Casting Websites (not social media sites) to register at. You can also find nearby theatres by doing a search online. Keep in touch with those you've already worked with.
You mentioned that you have already done acting so ask yourself if you consider yourself to be an actor. The questions you should be asking is not "how to be an actor" since you seem to be one already. You'll get better help if you ask who are the casting people in Canada ? What are the child labor laws in Canada and how many hours can I work on set ? So, learning more about the career will help you ask the right questions and help you recognize and feel more like an actress already.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Gilbert Betancourt
I support agencies in the sales process
11
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Gilbert’s Answer
Hi Nikol!
This is a big dream, and with hard work, you can make it happen. Here’s what I suggest: these days, social media gives us the chance to be seen by the whole world.
Create a scene or a monologue, rehearse it, and test it out with friends or family before posting it. Then upload it to YouTube and let the magic happen!
Make as many as you can and show how good you are. Keep going, I hope to see you on camera in the future!
Regards,
Gilbert
This is a big dream, and with hard work, you can make it happen. Here’s what I suggest: these days, social media gives us the chance to be seen by the whole world.
Create a scene or a monologue, rehearse it, and test it out with friends or family before posting it. Then upload it to YouTube and let the magic happen!
Make as many as you can and show how good you are. Keep going, I hope to see you on camera in the future!
Regards,
Gilbert
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Chaneria
@Chaneria - With all due respect, the ONLY time that you would make videos would be if a casting place is asking for a monologue for an audition which you send directly to the casting people, only in response to a casting notice. They tell you what to do, not a random video, but what they ask you to do and you do it then. You do not get cast simply by having a You Tube Channel or social media account. They don't cast that way.
Michelle M.
@Chaneria - I have used You Tube to send auditions privately and then delete the video. I've also used Drop Box to submit actual UGC content for a commercial I worked on. Just wanted to let you know this with your best interest in mind. Have a great day !
Michelle M.
Jasmine Peterson
Sales Support Specialist
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
Do you believe in yourself? Do your family and friends support you? If so, it's time to leave that small town behind and head to Hollywood! You only have one life, so make the most of it! Many people face rejection in auditions for plays, commercials, or TV shows. But remember, you might hear "no" 99 times, and it only takes one "yes" to succeed. If this is your dream, get your family on board and chase it together! Show those casting directors why you should be the next big star! I hope to see you on the big screen soon, Nikol! Believe in your dreams...it only takes one yes! I can't wait to see your name on my Netflix screen!
Kandel A. Allard
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kandel A.’s Answer
Hi Nikol,
Chase every opportunity. Get amazing headshots. Try out for community theater and take roles as an extra or seat filler when you can. Aim for as much screen time as possible because every chance helps build your SAG credits. You’ve got this!
Chase every opportunity. Get amazing headshots. Try out for community theater and take roles as an extra or seat filler when you can. Aim for as much screen time as possible because every chance helps build your SAG credits. You’ve got this!
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