5 answers
Kimberly
Student
Michigan, MI
1
Question
Asked
1107 views
How do I go about becoming an actor
I like to act and be surrounded by people. I just like the way it feels to be on stage and becoming someone else. I've always liked the arts. I draw, and paint while listening to songs from musicals.
#actor #acting #theatre #arts
5 answers
Damian Salandy
Actor
14
Answers
Wappingers Falls, New York
Updated
Damian’s Answer
I'm going to be rather direct. Some, if not much, of what I'm about to say might not be what you want to hear, so hold on to something, find something to punch, or get a tissue.
I'm taking it for granted that you don't want to act because you want to be famous. If so, FANTASTIC!
I'm taking it for granted that you are interested in BEING an actor.
If so, WONDERFUL!
That said, let's move it right along.
Start by reading a book called, An Actor Prepares.
The author, Konstantine Stanislovski uses a fictional acting class to highlight some of the processes in the actor's mind and physicality to create the illusion of reality on stage. Keep in mind that though this book was written before the invention of television, or the computer, and pertains to stage performances, it still delves into the inner workings of the actor; and we Homosapiens have not evolved that far since the book was written.
Enroll in a school, course, class, and/or with a coach.
The acting profession is exactly that; a profession, and it demands skill. Without it, you can harm yourself irreparably. Talent will only get you so far and therefore needs to be honed. Though a degree in acting is not necessary to land auditions and jobs, getting the right training is and will be the part of your business that never ends.
All professionals and yes, even famous actors have at least one coach or teacher throughout their careers.
Get to know people in the industry. Whether you live in a tiny town or a massive city, it pays to make connections. Small contacts oftentimes lead to significant discussions with people who are further up the ladder of this industry.
Make friends with them. Both in Hollywood and to a lesser degree in NYC, it's about who you know and HOW you know them.
Bold moves can be a cheat code toward success.
Find your way onto a set somehow. Ask questions. My dad used to say, "Be a pain in the neck, but not a nuisance." In other words, ask questions, but be respectful. Don't forget your manners.
Let them get familiar with seeing you on the set. A great way to do that is to look out for calls to be a part of a crowd scene or background. Do it often and with the same production companies if possible. Become a familiar face with the crew. There are always openings for paid extras.
When communicating with people train yourself to look into their eyes, especially while listening to their responses. Most of us instinctually look at a person's mouth. Actors have to train themselves to look into their counterparts' eyes. When you try this out at first, It will feel uneasy. But do your best to make this a habit.
Let life touch you! When the opportunity for an experience (that won't kill or maim you for life) pops up, take it! If what you might be going through outside of your profession is painful, go through it. Feel it, study it, and if possible, talk to someone about it, and/or write it down. Take note of your choices and responses.
So, in summary, and brevity:
Get taught,
Get to a set,
Make meaningful connections
Study people and yourself
and
Let life touch you.
I hope what I wrote is helpful to you and that nothing I said has discouraged you from this profession and craft. I want to enhance your thirst for it and understand that this, art, craft, and business, will change you in ways you may never see coming!
Break a leg!
I'm taking it for granted that you don't want to act because you want to be famous. If so, FANTASTIC!
I'm taking it for granted that you are interested in BEING an actor.
If so, WONDERFUL!
That said, let's move it right along.
Start by reading a book called, An Actor Prepares.
The author, Konstantine Stanislovski uses a fictional acting class to highlight some of the processes in the actor's mind and physicality to create the illusion of reality on stage. Keep in mind that though this book was written before the invention of television, or the computer, and pertains to stage performances, it still delves into the inner workings of the actor; and we Homosapiens have not evolved that far since the book was written.
Enroll in a school, course, class, and/or with a coach.
The acting profession is exactly that; a profession, and it demands skill. Without it, you can harm yourself irreparably. Talent will only get you so far and therefore needs to be honed. Though a degree in acting is not necessary to land auditions and jobs, getting the right training is and will be the part of your business that never ends.
All professionals and yes, even famous actors have at least one coach or teacher throughout their careers.
Get to know people in the industry. Whether you live in a tiny town or a massive city, it pays to make connections. Small contacts oftentimes lead to significant discussions with people who are further up the ladder of this industry.
Make friends with them. Both in Hollywood and to a lesser degree in NYC, it's about who you know and HOW you know them.
Bold moves can be a cheat code toward success.
Find your way onto a set somehow. Ask questions. My dad used to say, "Be a pain in the neck, but not a nuisance." In other words, ask questions, but be respectful. Don't forget your manners.
Let them get familiar with seeing you on the set. A great way to do that is to look out for calls to be a part of a crowd scene or background. Do it often and with the same production companies if possible. Become a familiar face with the crew. There are always openings for paid extras.
When communicating with people train yourself to look into their eyes, especially while listening to their responses. Most of us instinctually look at a person's mouth. Actors have to train themselves to look into their counterparts' eyes. When you try this out at first, It will feel uneasy. But do your best to make this a habit.
Let life touch you! When the opportunity for an experience (that won't kill or maim you for life) pops up, take it! If what you might be going through outside of your profession is painful, go through it. Feel it, study it, and if possible, talk to someone about it, and/or write it down. Take note of your choices and responses.
So, in summary, and brevity:
Get taught,
Get to a set,
Make meaningful connections
Study people and yourself
and
Let life touch you.
I hope what I wrote is helpful to you and that nothing I said has discouraged you from this profession and craft. I want to enhance your thirst for it and understand that this, art, craft, and business, will change you in ways you may never see coming!
Break a leg!
Thank you, Damian!
zion
Stellar response. I teach improv to teens and I love the message here.
Brian Weissman
Jose Garcia
Singer
46
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Hello! I'm not sure what you mean by your question because you say that you love to act and being on stage. If that is the case then why are you asking about how to be an actor when you already are one. Have faith in yourself you're already doing the work, you'll just need to continue. Let the other submitted answers be a guide. I don't think you can go wrong. Work to be sincere and genuine as you share what is inside of you with the audience. You are working for people who are looking for inspiration so be patient and humble in your work. Finally don't take disappointment as a final answer.
Darius M. Buckley
Creative Director
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Darius M.’s Answer
Hello Kimberly,
I'm so happy that you want to act! I've been doing it since I was 11 and it's honestly been one of the greatest joys of my life. My advice to you is to find as many opportunities as you can to act. Find a local theatre and audition for their shows. If there's a drama class at your school, take it. Acting is a craft where you're constantly learning. If you ask any of the greats, they'll tell you, you're always learning something new and evolving with every project. I'd also say create opportunities for yourself, start a YouTube channel where you play different characters or find some friends and put on your own show. Practice, practice practice! Whether it's learning monologues or working on an audition with friends and family. I hope this helps you! Break a leg!
Best Regards,
Darius
Audition for local theatre.
Take an acting class.
Start a Youtube Channel.
Learn monologues.
I'm so happy that you want to act! I've been doing it since I was 11 and it's honestly been one of the greatest joys of my life. My advice to you is to find as many opportunities as you can to act. Find a local theatre and audition for their shows. If there's a drama class at your school, take it. Acting is a craft where you're constantly learning. If you ask any of the greats, they'll tell you, you're always learning something new and evolving with every project. I'd also say create opportunities for yourself, start a YouTube channel where you play different characters or find some friends and put on your own show. Practice, practice practice! Whether it's learning monologues or working on an audition with friends and family. I hope this helps you! Break a leg!
Best Regards,
Darius
Darius M. recommends the following next steps:
Mallory D
Medical Student
20
Answers
Springfield, Missouri
Updated
Mallory’s Answer
Congratulations! You found something you are passionate about and that is really great. Acting takes a lot of hard work and talent - so you are doing a great job. There are a lot of options in the field of acting. I would start by memorizing some shorter monologues (1 min - 5 minutes). That way - when you go on auditions for plays or movies you have material prepared. You should look into community theatre projects in your area and see when they are holding open auditions. You could also look into talent agencies near you - they might be looking for new talent to represent. Really the best thing to do at your stage is start building a resume with productions you have been apart of either through school, your community, or more professional productions.
Hope this helps!
Learn short monologues to practice skills and prepare for auditions
Find community theatre projects in your area
Start a resume listing all productions you are involved with
Hope this helps!
Mallory recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Bovo
Actor/Admin
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi there!
I am an actor but I also have a day job to supplement in between working in my acting career. I think that main thing to consider is that there isn't one specific way to make your path. This is something that I've had to come to terms with. Going through a 4-year program and emerging with a degree doesn't automatically equal a job, which is unlike most other careers.
What I have found with my own career is:
-Find other things that you like, related or not. There is always room to become a more well-rounded person.
-Meet people and learn about them - after all, the more you know about the human experience the better your art will become!
-Don't wait until you "feel ready" to start. You have to start somewhere and you're stronger than you think. So you have to jump!
-Give yourself permission to be tired, uninterested, unsure, excited, confused, angry, and whatever else you may feel as you go through the journey. It's a marathon, not as sprint.
-Join actors networks like Actors Access and Backstage for auditioms!. (Backstage has lots of great resources and articles, too!)
-If it's in your budget, take classes, singing lessons, dance classes - whatever it is that will make you a better performer.
-Create a community for yourself that will build and support you as you go along this road.
I would also say find 2-3 performers that you love/most aspire to be and research their careers. This is tricky and time-consuming, but it's an exercise that has helped me, specifically with musical theatre. This is not to copy their work or their style, but to really dig deep into the research of how they got to where they are today. It's really cool when you see their paths!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. (something I wish I had taken more advantage of) There are so many people out there who want you to succeed and are rooting for you! I know you posted this question back in March, but the industries have changed so much since then and will continue to change from here. just make sure you're up to date on current trends with actors and the business.
Find 2-3 performers who you aspire to be and research their careers.
Join actors networks like Backstage and Actors Access for resources and materials.
Find other things in your life that bring you joy and do them! Have a fun day job if you can find one :)
Give yourself permission to feel everything throughout your journey.
I am an actor but I also have a day job to supplement in between working in my acting career. I think that main thing to consider is that there isn't one specific way to make your path. This is something that I've had to come to terms with. Going through a 4-year program and emerging with a degree doesn't automatically equal a job, which is unlike most other careers.
What I have found with my own career is:
-Find other things that you like, related or not. There is always room to become a more well-rounded person.
-Meet people and learn about them - after all, the more you know about the human experience the better your art will become!
-Don't wait until you "feel ready" to start. You have to start somewhere and you're stronger than you think. So you have to jump!
-Give yourself permission to be tired, uninterested, unsure, excited, confused, angry, and whatever else you may feel as you go through the journey. It's a marathon, not as sprint.
-Join actors networks like Actors Access and Backstage for auditioms!. (Backstage has lots of great resources and articles, too!)
-If it's in your budget, take classes, singing lessons, dance classes - whatever it is that will make you a better performer.
-Create a community for yourself that will build and support you as you go along this road.
I would also say find 2-3 performers that you love/most aspire to be and research their careers. This is tricky and time-consuming, but it's an exercise that has helped me, specifically with musical theatre. This is not to copy their work or their style, but to really dig deep into the research of how they got to where they are today. It's really cool when you see their paths!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. (something I wish I had taken more advantage of) There are so many people out there who want you to succeed and are rooting for you! I know you posted this question back in March, but the industries have changed so much since then and will continue to change from here. just make sure you're up to date on current trends with actors and the business.
Patrick recommends the following next steps:
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