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How do I improve my acting skills to make me a better actress?
I am looking for some advice to set me above the rest. any advice be appreciated.
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3 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Gabriella, this is a question that reflects your love for the craft ! I would like to begin by saying the unexpected : you are already set above the rest because you are unique and no one can be you !
As an actor, the product is you and it's all about selling yourself. Naturally, you are learning acting skills, but there are many facets that also need to be developed. It's best to start by saying that getting work as an actor is not so much striving to outshine what you may perceive as competition, rather it's about knowing that casting people have somewhat an idea in mind of the type they want to cast. They already have thought about it. So the best advice is to be yourself and learn how to sell yourself - good presentation and interview skills and going out for parts that you fit the description of. No one can predict what is in the mind of casting directors at the time of selection. Sometimes people are even cast out of type, too.
It is quite complex. There are no guarentees in the acting world, or any of the arts. You will see auditon notices for specifics such as age, height, race, body type and that is what you must follow. There will be many casting people that will like your look. When you don't get a part, move on to the next and the next. Keep busy and not getting cast won't seem disappointing after a while. But there will be many who will like your presentations - do not worry.
I want to mention that a career in acting goes well if you develop a strong spirit, positive outlook, a secure sense of self, and ignore seeing it as competition. Whether this is good or not, I do have to say that knowing the appropriate people is a huge help. I have experienced this personally. Surround yourself with positive, upbeat, supportive individuals who will motivate you. Always keep learning and building an acting resume.
Acting is not a race nor is it a popularity contest. It is a lot of being in the right place at the right time, having a stable mindset and lifestyle, not taking things personally, because it is a business.
I wish you all the best !
As an actor, the product is you and it's all about selling yourself. Naturally, you are learning acting skills, but there are many facets that also need to be developed. It's best to start by saying that getting work as an actor is not so much striving to outshine what you may perceive as competition, rather it's about knowing that casting people have somewhat an idea in mind of the type they want to cast. They already have thought about it. So the best advice is to be yourself and learn how to sell yourself - good presentation and interview skills and going out for parts that you fit the description of. No one can predict what is in the mind of casting directors at the time of selection. Sometimes people are even cast out of type, too.
It is quite complex. There are no guarentees in the acting world, or any of the arts. You will see auditon notices for specifics such as age, height, race, body type and that is what you must follow. There will be many casting people that will like your look. When you don't get a part, move on to the next and the next. Keep busy and not getting cast won't seem disappointing after a while. But there will be many who will like your presentations - do not worry.
I want to mention that a career in acting goes well if you develop a strong spirit, positive outlook, a secure sense of self, and ignore seeing it as competition. Whether this is good or not, I do have to say that knowing the appropriate people is a huge help. I have experienced this personally. Surround yourself with positive, upbeat, supportive individuals who will motivate you. Always keep learning and building an acting resume.
Acting is not a race nor is it a popularity contest. It is a lot of being in the right place at the right time, having a stable mindset and lifestyle, not taking things personally, because it is a business.
I wish you all the best !
Thanks for the advice.
Gabriella
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Some options:
- Read scripts! As many as you can, especially scripts for theatrical performances, films, or series that you admire. Understand how actors work to communicate subtext, character thoughts, character motivation, etc. that are in the script through their performance.
- Perform/film a scene that you are familiar with. This is great to have as part of an actor reel and to practice performing a scene that already has a "template". Practice performing the scene to achieve different goals in tone, character implications, etc.
- Learn about other people's points of view and experiences outside of your own life to expand your empathy.
- Talk with other artists about their process.
- Consider taking classes online or in person.
- Join local theater productions.
- Read scripts! As many as you can, especially scripts for theatrical performances, films, or series that you admire. Understand how actors work to communicate subtext, character thoughts, character motivation, etc. that are in the script through their performance.
- Perform/film a scene that you are familiar with. This is great to have as part of an actor reel and to practice performing a scene that already has a "template". Practice performing the scene to achieve different goals in tone, character implications, etc.
- Learn about other people's points of view and experiences outside of your own life to expand your empathy.
- Talk with other artists about their process.
- Consider taking classes online or in person.
- Join local theater productions.
Briana, thank you!
Gabriella
Updated
Emily’s Answer
From a Film Director's perspective I get to see A LOT of auditions. The ones that always stand out to me all present themselves authentically in the conversations in between the performance. Often people think that raw, unmatched talent is the only factor considered when casting a role but that couldn't be further from the truth. Nine times out of ten, I will pick a person I can see myself being around for hours, days and even weeks at a time. Because film sets require long hours at unruly times in some of the most difficult of places. The most important factor to getting hired is being easy to work with. And only after that do we consider talent.
The common misconception actors have when walking into a casting call is that we're looking for you to prove to us that you're good enough. When actually we're desperately rooting for you to be the one and for our search to be over. We want you to succeed! We want you to win!
The best advice I can give you is to practice your craft as often as you are able (fail and fail often!), listen to your scene partner/director and make adjustments based on what they're telling you (not how you think you should be acting), and play! Play all the time. If a director asks if you wanna try anything different or do a take for yourself, ALWAYS do it. Throw us something our way we haven't seen before, something that only you can provide. We love to watch actors who adore their craft.
We care less about how polished your headshot looks (though casting directors do) and more about what you're bringing to the room. Not just from a talent perspective but from a creative and personality perspective as well. Best of luck to you!
The common misconception actors have when walking into a casting call is that we're looking for you to prove to us that you're good enough. When actually we're desperately rooting for you to be the one and for our search to be over. We want you to succeed! We want you to win!
The best advice I can give you is to practice your craft as often as you are able (fail and fail often!), listen to your scene partner/director and make adjustments based on what they're telling you (not how you think you should be acting), and play! Play all the time. If a director asks if you wanna try anything different or do a take for yourself, ALWAYS do it. Throw us something our way we haven't seen before, something that only you can provide. We love to watch actors who adore their craft.
We care less about how polished your headshot looks (though casting directors do) and more about what you're bringing to the room. Not just from a talent perspective but from a creative and personality perspective as well. Best of luck to you!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Gabriella