How Do I Break Into Acting?

By Darryl Green

  • Breaking into acting is different for each actor. There is no uniform way to jumpstart an acting career. However, there are a few basic items that every actor needs to get started in show-business, including experience, training, a headshot and acting résumé, and representation (if possible).

    Experience

    Perhaps the best way to begin your acting career is to get involved in local community theatres. Look in the phone book for community theatres in your area and ask them how you can get involved. Community theatres in your area are a great way to gain experience as an actor. You can get exposed to plays from William Shakespeare to Tennessee Williams to August Wilson and others. You can learn how to learn lines and perform characters before live audiences. And you can interact with other actors who can help guide you and share information about the industry.

    Training

    If you live in or near a large city, there should be some acting classes in your area. Find a good acting coach or teacher you can train with. Training is essential to any actor, the same way training would be important to an airline pilot. Without training, an airline pilot will crash and burn. Without proper training, an actor will, metaphorically, do the same. The more training you have, the better you will be able to perform and the wider your range of performances will be.

    Headshot/Résumé

    Your headshot is an 8 x 10, usually black-and-white representation of you. On the back of the photo, you will place your résumé, detailing all the acting work you’ve done, training you’ve received, and special skills you have. Your headshot is like a business card. It is the essential to get a great headshot that (1) looks like you, (2) represents your career path, (3) and details all your skills, training and experience.

    Talent Agency

    A talent agency is a company that helps an actor find work, negotiate contracts and manage their careers. A talent agency is not always essential, depending on where you live. But it can always be helpful because talent agencies understand the industry, understand the work available in your area, and understand what is needed to become a successful actor in your area.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • The subtle secrets to booking an acting job

    The Subtle Secrets to Booking an Acting Job Unveiling the Subtle Secrets to Booking an Acting Job (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Beyond honing your craft, there are subtle secrets…

    A Guide on Becoming a Movie Actor

    A Guide on Becoming a Movie Actor Stay dedicated to your craft (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) Are you passionate about the world of cinema and dream of gracing the…

    10 Effective Ways for Actors to Calm Audition Nerves

    10 Effective Ways for Actors to Calm Audition Nerves Every audition is an opportunity to learn and grow (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Monstera Productions | Pexels) Auditioning is a pivotal part of an…

    10 Tips for Making the Perfect Self-tape

    10 Tips for Making the Perfect Self-tape Produce a flawless self-tape (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Karolina Grabowski | Pexels) Creating a perfect self-tape is essential for actors looking to make a strong impression…

    What to Do at an Audition

    What to Do at an Audition Navigating the Audition Process (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) Auditions are a pivotal part of an actor’s journey, providing an opportunity to showcase your…

  • Ad

  • 10 Mistakes Actors Should Steer Clear Of

    10 Mistakes Actors Should Steer Clear Of Actors should be mindful of common mistakes that can hinder their progress (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Polina Tankilevitch | Pexels) Embarking on a career in acting…

    How to Prepare for an Audition

    How to Prepare for an Audition A Comprehensive Guide on How to Prepare for an Audition (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Monstera | Pexels) Auditions are the pivotal moments in an actor’s life. They…

    How to Become a Series Regular on a Television Show

    How to Become a Series Regular on a Television Show There are steps you can take to increase your chances (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Becoming a series regular on a…

  • Ad

  • 5 Things Every Actor Should Know Early in Their Career

    5 Things Every Actor Should Know Early in Their Career There are several essential insights that can help you navigate the early stages (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Hannah Nelson | Pexels) Embarking on…

    What Should Actors Do Every Day?

    What Should Actors Do Every Day? Daily Habits for Aspiring Actors (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Sigmund/Unsplash) Becoming a successful actor requires dedication, discipline, and consistent effort. To hone your craft, build your skills,…

    What NOT to Say to an Actor

    What NOT to Say to an Actor 10 Things you should avoid saying to a thespian (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Interacting with actors can be an exciting experience, but…

    What Are 5 Things Actors Do

    What Are 5 Things Actors Do Actors engage in a wide range of activities to succeed in their craft (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Sigmund/Unsplash) Acting is an art form that demands a diverse…

    How to Become an Actor at 16

    How to Become an Actor at 16 Embrace the exciting challenges that lie ahead on your acting journey. (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Anastasiya Gepp | Pexels) Becoming an actor at the age of…

  • Ad

  • How to Become an Actor on Broadway

    How to Become an Actor on Broadway 10 steps to achieve your Broadway dreams (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Dreaming of becoming a Broadway actor and gracing the iconic stages of…

    15 Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

    15 Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright What is stage fright and how do you fight the fright? (By Jim Webb) (Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash) Stage fright, also known as performance anxiety,…

    Navigating Pilot Season

    Navigating Pilot Season Tips for Actors Preparing for Auditions (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) Pilot season is a thrilling and competitive time in the entertainment industry when actors have the…

  • Ad

  • 15 Steps for Creating Your Demo Reel

    15 Steps for Creating Your Demo Reel A step-by-step guide for every actor who is ready to put a showreel together (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Terje Sollie | Pexels) Creating a compelling demo…

    How to Get into Acting

    How to Get into Acting A Comprehensive Guide (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Vladimir Fedotov/Unsplash) Acting, often regarded as a captivating art form, has the power to transport audiences into different worlds, evoke emotions,…

    13 Benefits of Taking Improv Classes

    13 Benefits of Taking Improv Classes Here are some ways in which taking improv classes can be advantageous for actors (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Improvisation (improv) classes can provide numerous…

    Mastering the Art of Self-Taping: A Guide for Actors

    Mastering the Art of Self-Taping: A Guide for Actors (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Mart Production | Pexels) In the digital age, self-taping has become an essential tool for actors to showcase their talent…

    20 Good Acting Tips

    20 Good Acting Tips Important advice and tips every actor should know (By AM Staff) (Photo: Emre | Pexels) 1. You don’t have to make your acting performance “bigger” to make it memorable….

  • Ad