1 answer
Kiri
Student
Princeton, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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Actors, Can you share with me your journey?
I'm an aspiring actress interested in knowing how someone else got their big break. Tell me everything: What class did you take? What inspired you to act? What special skills do you have? Anything and everything is welcomed!
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1 answer
Ashley Faus
Marketing
3
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
I started college as a musical theater major, but I did not end up getting my big break. However, I still regularly perform in musicals in community theater. I know a few people who have made a career in the performing arts.
First, it's less about specific classes, and more about the number of auditions. Audition for EVERYTHING. Look at summerstock theaters when school is out, and be willing to go spend the summer in a smaller locale where the talent pool is less competitive if you're not getting traction in larger markets. There's a ton of viable theater scenes outside of New York for stage work and LA for screen work.
Second, be clear on what kind of acting you want to do, as acting on stage vs. acting in a TV series vs. acting in a movie are quite different. Most schools have a degree for theater performance, but you might need to find specific offerings for TV/Film.
Third, attend/participate in local improv nights, go see local theater, etc. to make more connections with directors, other actors, producers, etc. You never know when someone might see you at an open mic night, have a lead on an open audition call, etc.
And finally, have a backup plan, even if it's waitressing/admin assistant, etc. while you're auditioning.
First, it's less about specific classes, and more about the number of auditions. Audition for EVERYTHING. Look at summerstock theaters when school is out, and be willing to go spend the summer in a smaller locale where the talent pool is less competitive if you're not getting traction in larger markets. There's a ton of viable theater scenes outside of New York for stage work and LA for screen work.
Second, be clear on what kind of acting you want to do, as acting on stage vs. acting in a TV series vs. acting in a movie are quite different. Most schools have a degree for theater performance, but you might need to find specific offerings for TV/Film.
Third, attend/participate in local improv nights, go see local theater, etc. to make more connections with directors, other actors, producers, etc. You never know when someone might see you at an open mic night, have a lead on an open audition call, etc.
And finally, have a backup plan, even if it's waitressing/admin assistant, etc. while you're auditioning.