4 answers
Deisy
Student
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
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How to get started acting?
I'm really passionate about acting, but I just wanted to know where I can get started if I want to pursue acting professionally. How can I get familiar with the industry and possible acting schools? #acting #professional
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4 answers
Mauro Blardony
Recruiter
61
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Mauro’s Answer
I took a Theatre class as an elective. That is a good way to start practicing and understanding acting practices and methodologies of acting.
Fun exercises in practicing your instincts.
Fun exercises in practicing your instincts.
Griffin Ogg
4
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Griffin’s Answer
When it's safe to do so, I would recommend auditioning for local theatre companies. They are good opportunities to make connections and gain experience. Try looking for some theatre around where you live, and see if they have any upcoming auditions. You could also audition for local projects such as student films.
Jazmine Ramay
Casting Director/Director/Actor/Screenwriter
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jazmine’s Answer
The best way to answer your question is to dive deeper into what it is you like about it and what is your underlying goal (ex: to express yourself, to share with others, to create, to work on past work or just to perform). The best way to start is to take beginning acting and scene study classes. But do your research- there are over 100 different types of Acting jobs in the industry. Pick your top 3 and find the classes that align with those goals. Make sure you see which schools of Acting you want to concentrate on- Ex: Adler, Meisner, Uta Hagen, Theatre, film, tv, hosting. Start small and work your way up. I will always promote strong studying and creation.
Take classes, aim for a school
Jazmine recommends the following next steps:
Robert Polizzatto
Sales Leader
1
Answer
Dana Point, California
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Deisy,
I too fell in love with Acting after taking several low level acting and theatre classes in College. As someone who eventually moved to Los Angeles but never really went anywhere in that path (ended up in the technology space), I recommend you take as many of those classes in college and take them seriously! It will truly lay the foundation for your success in the future. I also recommend creating relationships with the instructors and they will give you so much more when they see you are one of the few dedicated students.
After your education piece (which is not required in the industry at all), your best bet is to find a place to live with high quality acting schools (Spieser, Stella Adler, etc.), comedy clubs (Groundlings, UCB, etc.) and a large network of fellow actors to work on small projects with. These small projects are crucial even if they don't make it anywhere as casting directors, etc. want you to have proof that you can act in various ways.
In addition, you will want to try a lot of different types of projects out to see what you really want... Do you want to be a film actress, a television actress, a commercial actress or a theatre actress? That decision will help you spend time in the right comedy club, school and surround yourself with people are specialize in that area as most do not cross over.
Most of my friends who are still working actors found the most success chasing small amateur projects while getting as much acting credits from being an extra or in a commercial. Although those roles were not fulfilling for them, it gave them proof and allowed them to become members of the Screen Actor's Guild which is another step that will have to happen as you make it a serious career.
Good luck!
I too fell in love with Acting after taking several low level acting and theatre classes in College. As someone who eventually moved to Los Angeles but never really went anywhere in that path (ended up in the technology space), I recommend you take as many of those classes in college and take them seriously! It will truly lay the foundation for your success in the future. I also recommend creating relationships with the instructors and they will give you so much more when they see you are one of the few dedicated students.
After your education piece (which is not required in the industry at all), your best bet is to find a place to live with high quality acting schools (Spieser, Stella Adler, etc.), comedy clubs (Groundlings, UCB, etc.) and a large network of fellow actors to work on small projects with. These small projects are crucial even if they don't make it anywhere as casting directors, etc. want you to have proof that you can act in various ways.
In addition, you will want to try a lot of different types of projects out to see what you really want... Do you want to be a film actress, a television actress, a commercial actress or a theatre actress? That decision will help you spend time in the right comedy club, school and surround yourself with people are specialize in that area as most do not cross over.
Most of my friends who are still working actors found the most success chasing small amateur projects while getting as much acting credits from being an extra or in a commercial. Although those roles were not fulfilling for them, it gave them proof and allowed them to become members of the Screen Actor's Guild which is another step that will have to happen as you make it a serious career.
Good luck!