5 Easy Steps To Becoming An Actor Or Actress Today
October 25th, 2007 by u2charger
Alright, so that’s probably not something you want to hear. If you’re chasing high income, turn around and go someplace else. There are easier ways to make lots of money. But if you have something else inside pushing you, driving you into the acting world, then read on. Because I’m going to show you 5 things you need to do to get started right now building your career as an actor or actress.
One more thing, notice I used the word “build”. That’s because that’s likely what you’ll be doing. Success as an actor won’t come overnight. There is a BUNCH of competition and loads of rejection in store for you. Look at this as a journey and you’ll be fine.
Ok, here we go…
1. Act - If you want to become an actor, you have to act. Now before you roll your eyes at the obvious, lots and lots of people simply dream of acting. They research how to do it, they watch movies, they daydream. But they never act. If you live in a half-way populated place, then there are community and school plays for you to get involved in. The more the better. You’ll hone your skills and begin building your resume. But above all you’ll be taking action.
2. Get Some Class – Some say an acting class is great, others a waste of time. Some “artistes” believe a class stifles their true artistic profession. My opinion, that’s ridiculous. The value of a class is immesurable. First you get feedback. Ok, criticism. But that’s good. You need to learn early how to handle it because it kind of goes with the territory. But you also build relationships and contacts, plus you can actually learn how to act better. I know, it’s a novel concept. Bottom line is, you’ll benefit and will likely find more jobs.
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“Never treat your audience as customers, always as partners.” James Stewart |
3. Do Your Homework – Don’t worry, this is the fun kind. Start going to plays and watching movies with a purpose. Take notes on things you notice. How a scene is shot or how an actor or actress handles a certain emotion. Get a feel for the energy build up. You know what I mean? Be critical. Ask yourself how you would do it better. You can also rent a great movie, copy down the dialogue from a scene, and video yourself performing it. You want to start immersing yourself in the world of acting. Again, it’s about taking action.
“Don’t measure success by fame or money. Some of the wealthiest and most famous actors are completely lonely and miserable people. On the other hand, many unknown actors may not be basking in fame and riches, but they’re having a lot of fun just being on stage or in front of the camera….If you truly love acting more than anything else in the world, you’ll always be a success….” Breaking Into Acting For Dummies
4. Major City Move? – Lots of people say you’ve got to make the move. Well, if you want to get real serious as an actor or actress, you do. But in my opinion, you do this after building up your basic skills first. Spend some time on the first three steps I’ve just talked about and save a lot of money. You’re going to need it.
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“Life, is not about having and getting, but about being and becoming.” Myrna Loy |
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5. Act Like A Real Actor – Ok, I don’t mean be snooty and offer to sign autographs. I’m talking about doing the things “real” actors do, or have to do. Get a headshot done. It’s your 8×10 calling card to casting directors. It needs to look like you. I’m serious here. Don’t try to look glamorous. Look like yourself and you’ll get cast for the right parts. It may cost you $200, but it’s the price of doing business. Also read the trade papers like “Backstage” and “Dramalogue.” You’ll stay up on the happenings in the industry plus find lots of casting call opportunities. Finally, exercise. Acting can be strenuous, so you need to be in decent shape.
I think that’s enough to get you going. In my opinion, the best way to become an actor is to start acting like an actor. Be a professional in how you prepare yourself, look at yourself, and treat your career. And before you know it, casting directors and audiences will begin to see you as an actor, too.
Recommended Resource: The Insider Secrets On How To Break Into The Acting Scene
Learning How To Become An Actor By Finding Your Voice
October 17th, 2007 by u2charger
The article focuses on the vocal class offered by acting coach Shane Ann Younts. In it, the writer talks about how countless actors have improved their careers by finding a good vocal coach. Addressing vocal quirks such as accent, nasal pitch, um’s and ah’s, etc., can go a long way toward improving your employment chances as an actor.
I think this is an area that many actors, myself included, often ignore. Probably because we rarely hear ourselves the way a potential director or audience does. Learning to control our voices just makes us more “castable.”
Here’s how Younts put it:
“In addition, a voice coach can help an actor overcome a monotone speech pattern or a voice that is nasal or tight. These qualities limit the actor’s ability to express the full range of what he or she is feeling. An actor should be able walk into an audition knowing that he/she has the tools to handle any kind of material from voice-over-copy, to a film script, to one of Shakespeare’s texts. Agents, casting directors, and directors feel, as well as hear, this confidence”
Now you may not be able to move to New York and attend Younts’ class. But you can find a good vocal coach in your area to help you conquer certain vocal tendencies. Staying employed as an actor sometimes comes down to just “how” you say it.
Here’s a link to the article. I hope you find it helpful.
Taylor
Technorati Tags: acting lessons, actors, actresses
How To Become An Actor Without Moving To A Major City
October 16th, 2007 by u2charger
According to the article you really need to develop your education in craft. This includes taking on as many acting jobs as you can. And if you live in a decent-sized community, there should be lots of opportunities via community theater and commercial work.
I found the article very useful. Getting the “big break” rarely just happens. Breaking into the acting biz is building process that includes taking on the small stuff at first.
In fact here’s what Actingbiz.com has to say about that:
“You don’t need to move to a major city to find outlets where you can practice and improve your acting proficiency. You can start acquiring your practical on-stage experience in your very own home town. There are plenty of opportunities to perform in community, school and church plays. Don’t simply dismiss these plays as amateurish before you give them an honest try. You’d be surprised how many low-budget community and school plays are professionally produced.”
So the bottom line is be an actor, you have to act. Most every acting jobs you take on is a chance to not only improve your craft but to also build that marketable resume you need for your “big break.”
Then you can move to a major city. 
Here’s a link to the article.
Let me know what you think.
Taylor
Technorati Tags: acting lessons, actors, actresses