5 answers
zion
Student
Long Beach, California
1
Question
Asked
1244 views
where do i start if i want to be an actress?
I want to be an actress/model, How would you recommend getting into the entertainment with zero experience or very little? Where do i start and what connections should i make??
Login to comment
5 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Zion !
This is kind of difficult to answer without knowing what grade you are in or if you are already living independently, but I will give you basic advice on this subject.
You'll need experience. Audition for plays at your school and in your community. A lot of times people aren't cast as an actor or chosen as a model because they have no experience. You need photos and a substantial resume as an actor and a modeling portfolio for modeling. You need lots of training, too. Create accounts on the websites Actors Access and Backstage for casting information. But you must be free all day to go on calls and do the acting work. You will also need to have someone drive you or drive yourself if that is the situation into Hollywood and various locations in Southern California, so it helps that you're in Long Beach.
The only way people get parts or modeling jobs when no one knows them is that they have a connection to the person casting or producing the project. Relatives of stars, family members, spouses or partners of the people will give them parts, so for the ordinary person, one must go through the process of training, interviews and auditions and for modeling "go sees". Eventually someone will like you enough to represent you as an agent. You can never predict how it will happen.
Start out with extra work. Sign up at all the extra agencies for background work as an actor, again, you will have to be ready and available on short term notice to go to a location to work. Don't be discouraged, just think of every interview and audition as a learning experience.
If you plan to go to college, get involved with the Film or Theatre department at the school. This is a good initial introduction to the field. I also want to mention that if you are in high school, a parent or older friend should oversee what you are doing and be a part of your journey for now.
You can also showcase your talent or model fashions on video that you create yourself and give yourself some experience with that. Gradually you will see that you've built up a good resume that people will take notice of. Never give up if this is what you really want to do.
Best wishes to you on the road to becoming an actor and model !
This is kind of difficult to answer without knowing what grade you are in or if you are already living independently, but I will give you basic advice on this subject.
You'll need experience. Audition for plays at your school and in your community. A lot of times people aren't cast as an actor or chosen as a model because they have no experience. You need photos and a substantial resume as an actor and a modeling portfolio for modeling. You need lots of training, too. Create accounts on the websites Actors Access and Backstage for casting information. But you must be free all day to go on calls and do the acting work. You will also need to have someone drive you or drive yourself if that is the situation into Hollywood and various locations in Southern California, so it helps that you're in Long Beach.
The only way people get parts or modeling jobs when no one knows them is that they have a connection to the person casting or producing the project. Relatives of stars, family members, spouses or partners of the people will give them parts, so for the ordinary person, one must go through the process of training, interviews and auditions and for modeling "go sees". Eventually someone will like you enough to represent you as an agent. You can never predict how it will happen.
Start out with extra work. Sign up at all the extra agencies for background work as an actor, again, you will have to be ready and available on short term notice to go to a location to work. Don't be discouraged, just think of every interview and audition as a learning experience.
If you plan to go to college, get involved with the Film or Theatre department at the school. This is a good initial introduction to the field. I also want to mention that if you are in high school, a parent or older friend should oversee what you are doing and be a part of your journey for now.
You can also showcase your talent or model fashions on video that you create yourself and give yourself some experience with that. Gradually you will see that you've built up a good resume that people will take notice of. Never give up if this is what you really want to do.
Best wishes to you on the road to becoming an actor and model !
Larry Whitler
Artist and Illustrator
3
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Well, this is a complicated question. A lot has to do with you. Generally, to be a good actress or actor, you need to be able to portray a character in a convincing way. Whether you are acting in a comedic role or a serious role, we, the audience, needs to believe you.
This skill is learnable.
In today's world everyone has a video camera on their phone. If you write, then write a short monologue as someone else. Then prepare yourself so you look the part, turn on your camera, and after you have recorded yourself, wait a day and THEN look at the recording. THEN be honest. Do you believe that the character you were playing was THAT PERSON instead of YOU?
There is also community theatre or, if you are still in school, there is school theatre and acting groups. Watch actors and actresses you admire. Watch them in their movies and also watch them in interviews. Is the person in the interview very different than the person in the movie? If so, then you are seeing someone with acting skills.
Of course, some successful actors and actress simply portray themselves and it works for them and for the audience. Jerry Seinfeld said that his character was just him. He doesn't feel there was much "acting" that he was doing on his show. Others, like Tom Hanks, seem to be able to become the person being played. It's talent, yes, but it is also a learned skill that is best learned if you focus intently on EXACTLY what needs to be done to have your audience believe in you.
Okay, there's a lot more to be said about this topic but I want to jump ahead to WHEN you are READY. That means you have honed your acting skills and you are comfortable in front of a camera, you are comfortable in a variety of roles, and you know which roles will work for you and which roles are best left to someone else.
AT THIS POINT, you have to be a the right place at the right time. AND, you need to know the right people. Yes. That is the cold hard truth. You need to be in Los Angeles, New York, London, or any big city that has a lot of people in the motion picture and/or TV profession.
So, it is pretty easy to re-locate. Hop a plane, get an apartment, wait tables, park cars, and do whatever it takes to stay afloat financially.
The hard part is getting to know people who could help you get the acting jobs you want. Open auditions is a good place to start. Agents are like people in every other profession. Some are good, some are not.
Beware of the following:
1. Name droppers
2. Dollar sign seducers
3. Sexual predators
4. Nay sayers
5. People offering services for a fee (there are some exceptions to this, like acting class, but otherwise NO REPUTABLE DIRECTOR WILL EVER ASK FOR MONEY! THEY PAY YOU, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!)
Also, depending on your own circumstances, go to those auditions with a friend or a relative you trust.
Good luck.
The field of acting is important in our society. People are naturally gifted with an appetite for a well told story. Actors and Actresses, along with great writers, skilled directors, and a whole load of other dedicated people in show business, tell those stories with more skill than anyone.
Think about this. When doctors and nurses have finished their day saving lives, delivering babies, consoling families, and juggling their own needs, they sit in their comfy place, or in a theatre, and allow the people dedicated to entertainment give them the "medicine" only show business can deliver.
Hope my answer helps.
Again, good luck. Never give up on your dream.
Larry
This skill is learnable.
In today's world everyone has a video camera on their phone. If you write, then write a short monologue as someone else. Then prepare yourself so you look the part, turn on your camera, and after you have recorded yourself, wait a day and THEN look at the recording. THEN be honest. Do you believe that the character you were playing was THAT PERSON instead of YOU?
There is also community theatre or, if you are still in school, there is school theatre and acting groups. Watch actors and actresses you admire. Watch them in their movies and also watch them in interviews. Is the person in the interview very different than the person in the movie? If so, then you are seeing someone with acting skills.
Of course, some successful actors and actress simply portray themselves and it works for them and for the audience. Jerry Seinfeld said that his character was just him. He doesn't feel there was much "acting" that he was doing on his show. Others, like Tom Hanks, seem to be able to become the person being played. It's talent, yes, but it is also a learned skill that is best learned if you focus intently on EXACTLY what needs to be done to have your audience believe in you.
Okay, there's a lot more to be said about this topic but I want to jump ahead to WHEN you are READY. That means you have honed your acting skills and you are comfortable in front of a camera, you are comfortable in a variety of roles, and you know which roles will work for you and which roles are best left to someone else.
AT THIS POINT, you have to be a the right place at the right time. AND, you need to know the right people. Yes. That is the cold hard truth. You need to be in Los Angeles, New York, London, or any big city that has a lot of people in the motion picture and/or TV profession.
So, it is pretty easy to re-locate. Hop a plane, get an apartment, wait tables, park cars, and do whatever it takes to stay afloat financially.
The hard part is getting to know people who could help you get the acting jobs you want. Open auditions is a good place to start. Agents are like people in every other profession. Some are good, some are not.
Beware of the following:
1. Name droppers
2. Dollar sign seducers
3. Sexual predators
4. Nay sayers
5. People offering services for a fee (there are some exceptions to this, like acting class, but otherwise NO REPUTABLE DIRECTOR WILL EVER ASK FOR MONEY! THEY PAY YOU, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!)
Also, depending on your own circumstances, go to those auditions with a friend or a relative you trust.
Good luck.
The field of acting is important in our society. People are naturally gifted with an appetite for a well told story. Actors and Actresses, along with great writers, skilled directors, and a whole load of other dedicated people in show business, tell those stories with more skill than anyone.
Think about this. When doctors and nurses have finished their day saving lives, delivering babies, consoling families, and juggling their own needs, they sit in their comfy place, or in a theatre, and allow the people dedicated to entertainment give them the "medicine" only show business can deliver.
Hope my answer helps.
Again, good luck. Never give up on your dream.
Larry
Larry Whitler
Artist and Illustrator
3
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Well, this is a complicated question. A lot has to do with you. Generally, to be a good actress or actor, you need to be able to portray a character in a convincing way. Whether you are acting in a comedic role or a serious role, we, the audience, needs to believe you.
This skill is learnable.
In today's world everyone has a video camera on their phone. If you write, then write a short monologue as someone else. Then prepare yourself so you look the part, turn on your camera, and after you have recorded yourself, wait a day and THEN look at the recording. THEN be honest. Do you believe that the character you were playing was THAT PERSON instead of YOU?
There is also community theatre or, of you are still in school, there is school theatre and acting groups. Watch actors and actresses you admire. Watch them in their movies and also watch them in interviews. Is the person in the interview very different than the person in the movie? If so, then you are seeing someone with acting skills.
Of course, some successful actors and actress simply portray themselves and it works for them and for the audience. Jerry Seinfeld said that his character was just him. He doesn't feel there was much "acting" that he was doing on his show. Others, like Tom Hanks, seem to be able to become the person being played. It's talent, yes, but it is also a learned skill that is best learned if you focus intently on EXACTLY what needs to be done to have your audience believe in you.
Okay, there's a lot more to be said about this topic but I want to jump ahead to WHEN you are READY. That means you have honed your acting skills and you are comfortable in front of a camera, you are comfortable in a variety of roles, and you know which roles will work for you and which roles are best left to someone else.
AT THIS POINT, you have to be a the right place at the right time. AND, you need to know the right people. Yes. That is the cold hard truth. You need to be in Los Angeles, New York, London, or any big city that has a lot of people in the motion picture and/or TV profession.
So, it is pretty easy to re-locate. Hop a plane, get an apartment, wait tables, park cars, and do whatever it takes to stay afloat financially.
The hard part is getting to know people who could help you get the acting jobs you want. Open auditions is a good place to start. Agents are like people in every other profession. Some are good, some are not.
Beware of the following:
1. Name droppers
2. Dollar sign seducers
3. Sexual predators
4. Nay sayers
5. People offering services for a fee (there are some exceptions to this, like acting class, but otherwise NO REPUTABLE DIRECTOR WILL EVER ASK FOR MONEY! THEY PAY YOU, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!)
Also, depending on your own circumstances, go to those auditions with a friend or a relative you trust.
Good luck.
The field of acting is important in our society. People are naturally gifted with an appetite for a well told story. Actors and Actresses, along with great writers, skilled directors, and a whole load of other dedicated people in show business, tell those stories with more skill than anyone.
Think about this. When doctors and nurses have finished their day saving lives, delivering babies, consoling families, and juggling their own needs, they sit in their comfy place, or in a theatre, and allow the people dedicated to entertainment give them the "medicine" only show business can deliver.
Hope my answer helps.
Again, good luck. Never give up on your dream.
Larry
This skill is learnable.
In today's world everyone has a video camera on their phone. If you write, then write a short monologue as someone else. Then prepare yourself so you look the part, turn on your camera, and after you have recorded yourself, wait a day and THEN look at the recording. THEN be honest. Do you believe that the character you were playing was THAT PERSON instead of YOU?
There is also community theatre or, of you are still in school, there is school theatre and acting groups. Watch actors and actresses you admire. Watch them in their movies and also watch them in interviews. Is the person in the interview very different than the person in the movie? If so, then you are seeing someone with acting skills.
Of course, some successful actors and actress simply portray themselves and it works for them and for the audience. Jerry Seinfeld said that his character was just him. He doesn't feel there was much "acting" that he was doing on his show. Others, like Tom Hanks, seem to be able to become the person being played. It's talent, yes, but it is also a learned skill that is best learned if you focus intently on EXACTLY what needs to be done to have your audience believe in you.
Okay, there's a lot more to be said about this topic but I want to jump ahead to WHEN you are READY. That means you have honed your acting skills and you are comfortable in front of a camera, you are comfortable in a variety of roles, and you know which roles will work for you and which roles are best left to someone else.
AT THIS POINT, you have to be a the right place at the right time. AND, you need to know the right people. Yes. That is the cold hard truth. You need to be in Los Angeles, New York, London, or any big city that has a lot of people in the motion picture and/or TV profession.
So, it is pretty easy to re-locate. Hop a plane, get an apartment, wait tables, park cars, and do whatever it takes to stay afloat financially.
The hard part is getting to know people who could help you get the acting jobs you want. Open auditions is a good place to start. Agents are like people in every other profession. Some are good, some are not.
Beware of the following:
1. Name droppers
2. Dollar sign seducers
3. Sexual predators
4. Nay sayers
5. People offering services for a fee (there are some exceptions to this, like acting class, but otherwise NO REPUTABLE DIRECTOR WILL EVER ASK FOR MONEY! THEY PAY YOU, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!)
Also, depending on your own circumstances, go to those auditions with a friend or a relative you trust.
Good luck.
The field of acting is important in our society. People are naturally gifted with an appetite for a well told story. Actors and Actresses, along with great writers, skilled directors, and a whole load of other dedicated people in show business, tell those stories with more skill than anyone.
Think about this. When doctors and nurses have finished their day saving lives, delivering babies, consoling families, and juggling their own needs, they sit in their comfy place, or in a theatre, and allow the people dedicated to entertainment give them the "medicine" only show business can deliver.
Hope my answer helps.
Again, good luck. Never give up on your dream.
Larry
jami adam
rph
22
Answers
Jupiter, Florida
Updated
jami’s Answer
Find an acting school, take classes.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
298
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
There are many opportunities to get into the world of acting. You can follow announcements which require beginner level actresses. Also, you can get relevant academic education or apply for an acting job.
All the best.
All the best.