7 answers
Jason
Student
Student
Beltsville, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
431 views
How do I start acting? M/18 Years/ 6’5
How could I start my career as a actor at 18 with no prior experience? I really want to give acting a shot but I don’t really know what to do!
Login to comment
7 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jason !
You want to begin a career with no experience. Let's take it back a few steps at first and see what you would need to do to develop into an actor that can obtain work.
If you are in high school or college, take advantage of acting training. If you're out of school, realize that training is an investment so that you can prepare for a career. You will have to take actor training to be ready for work. Some places in Maryland where you can study and train are :
THE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS https://www.theacademyoffinearts.com/acting-classes-overview.html
DRAMA LEARNING CENTER https://www.dramalearningcenter.com/
ACTING CLASSES NEAR BALTIMORE https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=acting+classes&find_loc=Baltimore,+MD
ACTING CLASSES IN WASHINGTON, D.C. https://lessons.com/dc/washington/acting-classes/
You can also consider enrolling in college or a performing arts school in Baltimore or Washington, D.C. Explore what's out there by doing a search online. I could be wrong, but there aren't any theatres or acting schools in your town, so I can't refer you to anyone to network with there. That's why college or acting school will be helpful because knowing people and having connections is paramount for actors. You will need to gain experience and that means having a substantial resume. People who have no resume or experience are often told they don't have enough experience. You can register with Actors Access as an inexperienced actor and see what happens. Choose options for extra and under 5 work (under five lines). Certain things will be expected of you on a stage or film set, so I recommend to definitely take training and be prepared for the career you want. If you are called for and cast in a project, you must be available and when you're reliable like that, you can sometimes get repeat work as people get to know you. It is a full 100% commitment.
Once you have experience, credits and education to be an actor, that is when you can think about doing it professionally. It's not something that happens overnight. It's very important to do it the smart, safe way and have a 100% full understanding about what it is you are undertaking and understand the business end of it as well. You are not at a level of starting a career, rather now is the perfect time to develop into a versatile and polished actor. There's always a lot to learn and one never stops learning as an actor.
Best wishes to you moving forward with your plans !
You want to begin a career with no experience. Let's take it back a few steps at first and see what you would need to do to develop into an actor that can obtain work.
If you are in high school or college, take advantage of acting training. If you're out of school, realize that training is an investment so that you can prepare for a career. You will have to take actor training to be ready for work. Some places in Maryland where you can study and train are :
THE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS https://www.theacademyoffinearts.com/acting-classes-overview.html
DRAMA LEARNING CENTER https://www.dramalearningcenter.com/
ACTING CLASSES NEAR BALTIMORE https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=acting+classes&find_loc=Baltimore,+MD
ACTING CLASSES IN WASHINGTON, D.C. https://lessons.com/dc/washington/acting-classes/
You can also consider enrolling in college or a performing arts school in Baltimore or Washington, D.C. Explore what's out there by doing a search online. I could be wrong, but there aren't any theatres or acting schools in your town, so I can't refer you to anyone to network with there. That's why college or acting school will be helpful because knowing people and having connections is paramount for actors. You will need to gain experience and that means having a substantial resume. People who have no resume or experience are often told they don't have enough experience. You can register with Actors Access as an inexperienced actor and see what happens. Choose options for extra and under 5 work (under five lines). Certain things will be expected of you on a stage or film set, so I recommend to definitely take training and be prepared for the career you want. If you are called for and cast in a project, you must be available and when you're reliable like that, you can sometimes get repeat work as people get to know you. It is a full 100% commitment.
Once you have experience, credits and education to be an actor, that is when you can think about doing it professionally. It's not something that happens overnight. It's very important to do it the smart, safe way and have a 100% full understanding about what it is you are undertaking and understand the business end of it as well. You are not at a level of starting a career, rather now is the perfect time to develop into a versatile and polished actor. There's always a lot to learn and one never stops learning as an actor.
Best wishes to you moving forward with your plans !
Xavier Bell | MBA
Career Change - Life Learner- Education People Development
12
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Xavier’s Answer
Hey Jason, embarking on an acting career can seem daunting, but it's not as intimidating as many might believe, especially if you're prepared for the role when it comes your way. The key is to be in the heart of the action. I found myself living in Las Vegas when they were shooting the movie Casino, and I managed to land a job. Even though it was a non-speaking role and I couldn't spot myself on screen, I served as an extra in several scenes and even worked with the cooking crew. The takeaway here is to stay alert for casting calls and locations where commercials, movies, and even local theater are taking place. If there's a local actors' union and you can afford the membership, don't hesitate to join. If you're consistent, determined, and possess some solid acting skills, you might just find yourself on the big screen. Make sure you're ready for the role. Attend classes, undergo training, participate in local theater - do whatever it takes to equip yourself for a role when it comes your way. You certainly don't want to miss out when opportunity knocks. In a nutshell, you need to be in the midst of the action to stand a chance, but with enough persistence, you can make it. Fortunately, filming happens everywhere, so even working with small productions or webcasts - anything that gets you in front of a camera - can be added to your résumé. Best of luck!
Onward and upward!
Onward and upward!
Addison Loundermon
Stage Manager
1
Answer
Haymarket, Virginia
Updated
Addison’s Answer
Hi Jason!
Embarking on an acting journey is all about taking that first step and making your presence known. There's a world of community theaters out there just waiting for someone like you to apply. Remember, the competition may be tough with many individuals applying for each role, but don't let that dampen your spirit if you don't land a role on your first attempt.
Consider practicing independently with monologues and scenes, pushing your boundaries and testing your limits. Mix it up, from dramatic to comedic, to expand your repertoire. Venture beyond your comfort zone and persist relentlessly. You're capable of achieving greatness, Jason! Keep going and never stop believing in yourself. You've got this!
Embarking on an acting journey is all about taking that first step and making your presence known. There's a world of community theaters out there just waiting for someone like you to apply. Remember, the competition may be tough with many individuals applying for each role, but don't let that dampen your spirit if you don't land a role on your first attempt.
Consider practicing independently with monologues and scenes, pushing your boundaries and testing your limits. Mix it up, from dramatic to comedic, to expand your repertoire. Venture beyond your comfort zone and persist relentlessly. You're capable of achieving greatness, Jason! Keep going and never stop believing in yourself. You've got this!
Larry Richards
Television Producer
7
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hey Jason,
That's a great question. Have you checked out community theater, casting notices at local colleges for student films, even Craigslist? Even if those things don't pan out immediately for you to find a role, simply meeting other local actors, directors etc can be just as beneficial. Just as it with any role in theater or tv/film production, many if not most opportunities are the result of networking. Break a leg!
That's a great question. Have you checked out community theater, casting notices at local colleges for student films, even Craigslist? Even if those things don't pan out immediately for you to find a role, simply meeting other local actors, directors etc can be just as beneficial. Just as it with any role in theater or tv/film production, many if not most opportunities are the result of networking. Break a leg!
JOHN German
85
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
- Create a profile on Stage32: www.stage32.com. Plenty of forums to ask questions and/or find insights to and make networking connections.
- Masterclass.com has many courses from directors, actors, writers, and more. Grasping many sides of the moviemaking imprints can help your acting bloom.
- Look into the production sectors in your area (or outside if okay with relocating/traveling) like https://www.shiningredfilms.com/film-selects. Potentially inquiring about helping a project, even outside of the acting you're desiring. Getting into the industry can help heighten your opportunities.
Grateful within your imprints.
God Bless,
John German
- Create a profile on Stage32: www.stage32.com. Plenty of forums to ask questions and/or find insights to and make networking connections.
- Masterclass.com has many courses from directors, actors, writers, and more. Grasping many sides of the moviemaking imprints can help your acting bloom.
- Look into the production sectors in your area (or outside if okay with relocating/traveling) like https://www.shiningredfilms.com/film-selects. Potentially inquiring about helping a project, even outside of the acting you're desiring. Getting into the industry can help heighten your opportunities.
Grateful within your imprints.
God Bless,
John German
Phyllis Gordon
Actor
7
Answers
Worcester, Massachusetts
Updated
Phyllis’s Answer
Hi,
First take an acting class. Google "acting classes near me" and do a search for beginning classes at schools, colleges or community theaters. If your high school has a drama teacher go ahead and ask them if they know of a class. Improv might be a fun place to start. Then take the class and see how it feels. Don't put pressure on yourself to be the best actor in the world. Just be open and dip your toe in the pool. If you don't like the first class try another one. Classes are great because you meet other people with the same desire to act, at whatever level and they can be a great support system, suggesting auditions, etc.
Also if you like theater, research some local community theaters and audition for a play. Again, see how that feels.
If you're heading to college, explore the theater scene there. You will learn all of this as you go. Take it easy and slow. Read biographies of actors and books about acting technique at your local library. Most of all have fun with your search. Becoming a professional actor requires first that you get really good at acting. But you're not there yet. Just see if it's something you really like.
First take an acting class. Google "acting classes near me" and do a search for beginning classes at schools, colleges or community theaters. If your high school has a drama teacher go ahead and ask them if they know of a class. Improv might be a fun place to start. Then take the class and see how it feels. Don't put pressure on yourself to be the best actor in the world. Just be open and dip your toe in the pool. If you don't like the first class try another one. Classes are great because you meet other people with the same desire to act, at whatever level and they can be a great support system, suggesting auditions, etc.
Also if you like theater, research some local community theaters and audition for a play. Again, see how that feels.
If you're heading to college, explore the theater scene there. You will learn all of this as you go. Take it easy and slow. Read biographies of actors and books about acting technique at your local library. Most of all have fun with your search. Becoming a professional actor requires first that you get really good at acting. But you're not there yet. Just see if it's something you really like.
Marlon D Deleon
Program Coordinator
1
Answer
Osceola, Indiana
Updated
Marlon D’s Answer
Community theatre is the best way to start. Improv classes/workshops, local productions. They are always looking for more people to participate, and if you don't get cast, there are ways to help backstage, which is a HUGE plus when entering the performing arts world.