Don’t turn down jobs unless you think they might hurt your career. Show Business Weekly Magazine and Backstage advertise casting calls, offer the most up-to-date directory on agents and casting directors, and have a Theatrical Index detailing plays and musicals in various states of production. View Backstage’s database of casting calls by city here: https://www. backstage. com/casting/open-casting-calls/.
Applications should include a headshot, resume, cover letter, and demo reel. Be sure to address each manager personally in your cover setter and explain why you think they are a good fit. Prepare questions for your manager, such as, “How have you helped other actors grow their career?” and “How can you help my career in particular?”
Strasberg Stella Adler Chekhov Meisner Stanislavski Practical Aesthetics
Some job examples include editor, film sales agent, art department assistant, marketing assistant, music editor, painter, paramedical staff, and hair and make-up artists. Ask yourself: what do I enjoy doing most? Use your answer to this question to find the best job for you.
Don’t wait for talent scouts to hunt you down—go to them and show them what you’ve got!
Consider applying for a Master’s degree after completing your Bachelor’s. Master’s degrees provide you with highly specialized training in acting. You can also choose to focus on other related areas instead, such as film, theater, and drama—all of which can be a great help in your acting career. Meet and talk to as many people as you can during your degree—this is just as important as what you learn! Take courses outside of acting, such as writing, singing and dancing. Some of the most successful actors are versatile and knowledgeable in other facets of the performing arts.
Record yourself performing monologues and watch the footage after—this is a great way to find ways to improve.
Lots of schools have regular meetups for kids interested in acting. Attend them and meet as many people as you can—this is a great way to find productions looking for actors and meet friends with the same interests. Ask a friend to videotape your performances—these videos will come in handy for your demo reel.
Professional talent organizations are designed for actors with lots of experience. These include organizations like the Screen Actors Guild, Casting Society of America, and Actors Equity Association.
To narrow down your search, type in “volunteer actor” or “unpaid actor” within the “TV, Media, & Fashion” section on Kijiji, or “talent” and “tv/film/video/radio” section on Craigslist.
Watch your videos when you’re done and look for ways you can improve.
Look for an acting coach that has experience in lots of entertainment fields (actor, agent, manager, etc. ). When you’re looking for coaches, ask them what kind of acting techniques they’re familiar with, and what they can offer you. For example, if you want to be a theater actor, look for a coach with this kind of experience.
If you’re busy and find you don’t have time to promote yourself, agents are great choices They will send your headshot, show reel, and resume to casting agents to get you parts.
Check the website of potential photographers and look at their portfolio. Be sure to ask how much they charge for a session, how long each one lasts, and how many photos you get. Talk to your photographer—if something isn’t feeling right or you’re feeling uncomfortable, let them know. Try and look as natural as possible—pretend the camera isn’t even there. Focus on communicating your emotions through your eyes, and be as subtle as you can so nothing looks forced.
Include your name, website, and e-mail at the beginning and end of the reel. Try to include footage from web series’, student films, and independent films. Professional footage is best, but you’re a beginner, any footage is fine—even footage that your friend takes! Keep in touch with the director, editor, and producer of all of your productions so that you always have enough resources for your reel. If you’re ever low on quality footage, contact everyone you have worked with and ask them to help! Ask any television or film professionals you know for feedback on your reel. If you don’t know any, ask your family and friends, or search online acting forums and post your reel.
For all credits, include the title of the show(s), your role, as well as the directors and production companies. Don’t worry about listing your age or general personal details—your audition will reveal these. For film productions, include physical characteristics like height, weight, and eye and hair color. If you’re applying for a theater audition, you probably don’t need to include these details. Include a link to your demo reels, personal website, and/or IMDb page if you have the room. If these additions are going to add unnecessary space, don’t worry about including them.
Create a Facebook Fan Page and include information on your current and previous work, as well as your contact information. Connect with fans whenever possible—don’t be shy! Post your acting work on YouTube and ask for feedback. Keep an eye on what videos get the most views.
