How to Be an Actor on TV: A Step-by-Step Guide
Television is one of the most popular forms of entertainment today, offering actors a platform to reach millions of viewers worldwide. However, breaking into TV acting is not an easy feat. It takes dedication, skill, persistence, and a clear understanding of the industry’s inner workings. From landing an audition to building a sustainable career, becoming a successful TV actor involves numerous steps. In this article, we will explore how to become an actor on TV, providing insights, advice, and examples from industry veterans who have navigated the journey to television success.
1. Understanding the Role of an Actor on TV
To become an actor on TV, it’s important to first understand the nature of television acting. TV acting differs from film acting in several ways. TV shows typically have a faster-paced production schedule and are often filmed with multiple episodes per season. This requires actors to work efficiently, often portraying their characters over an extended period. TV actors must be adaptable and comfortable with the demands of shooting long hours and adjusting their performances based on feedback from directors, producers, and writers.
Example:
One actor who has navigated the TV world successfully is Bryan Cranston, known for his iconic role as Walter White in Breaking Bad. Cranston began his career in television with minor roles in sitcoms and dramas but later rose to fame through his multi-season commitment to Breaking Bad. Cranston’s ability to consistently evolve his character over five seasons is a perfect example of how TV acting demands long-term commitment and adaptability.
2. Developing the Necessary Skills
To break into the television industry, aspiring actors must develop a wide array of skills, including acting techniques, emotional range, and physical presence. Acting on TV requires both subtlety and believability, as characters often exist in the viewer’s everyday world. Unlike theater, where actors may need to project larger-than-life emotions and gestures, TV actors must focus on delivering performances that feel real and natural in front of the camera.
Acting Techniques:
TV actors must become proficient in various acting methods, such as Stanislavski’s system, Meisner technique, or Method acting. Each method offers different tools for connecting with a character and expressing emotion.
- Stanislavski’s system focuses on the internal process of an actor, guiding them to develop a deep understanding of their character’s motivations.
- The Meisner technique emphasizes emotional honesty and reacting truthfully to other actors.
- Method acting involves immersing oneself completely in the character’s experiences and emotions, sometimes even staying in character off-camera.
By working with acting coaches or attending an acting school, you can hone your craft and understand how these techniques work in a practical, TV-specific setting.
Example:
Viola Davis, renowned for her role in How to Get Away with Murder, is known for her powerful and emotionally charged performances. Davis has openly credited her rigorous training and education in acting as key factors that have enabled her to give such a nuanced portrayal of her character, Annalise Keating. She spent years at the prestigious Juilliard School, where she fine-tuned her skills, and later found success on TV with her breakthrough role.
3. Building Your Resume and Gaining Experience
Breaking into television acting often requires a combination of experience and a solid resume. One of the first steps in this process is gaining acting experience, which can be done through community theater, student films, and other acting opportunities. While these projects may not pay much, they help build your skills and make your resume more appealing to casting agents and directors.
Building a Demo Reel:
A demo reel is an essential tool for any aspiring TV actor. This short video compilation showcases your acting abilities, including scenes from your previous work (even if they are from short films, theater performances, or student projects). A strong demo reel allows casting agents and directors to see your range as an actor, giving them the confidence to consider you for more significant roles.
Example:
Kerry Washington, who played Olivia Pope in Scandal, spent years in smaller television roles and theater before landing her big break. Washington’s first major TV role was in Save the Last Dance (2001), but she continued to build her resume with guest appearances and supporting roles until she was cast as the lead in Scandal. Her career shows that persistence and consistently honing your craft, even in smaller roles, can eventually lead to significant opportunities.
4. Auditioning for TV Roles
The audition process is a crucial step toward becoming an actor on TV. TV casting directors often review hundreds of audition tapes and hold several rounds of auditions before choosing an actor for a role. Therefore, it’s vital to be prepared, confident, and professional during auditions. You may audition for multiple roles before landing one, so it’s essential to stay patient and persistent.
Preparing for an Audition:
To prepare for a TV audition, an actor should thoroughly read the script or sides (the portion of the script you are asked to perform), understand the character’s background, and bring their interpretation of the role to the table. TV actors must also be ready to perform multiple takes of the same scene, so it’s important to maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the audition process.
It’s also helpful to work with a coach who can guide you through mock auditions, helping you refine your delivery and emotional range for the specific role.
Example:
Sarah Jessica Parker’s rise to fame began with her audition for the role of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Before landing the role, she had a series of auditions, some of which she felt didn’t go as planned. However, her commitment to finding the right balance of humor, charm, and vulnerability eventually led her to the role that would define her career. She used her early audition experiences as learning opportunities, gaining the confidence needed for her iconic role.
5. Networking and Building Relationships in the Industry
Like any other entertainment industry, TV acting requires significant networking and relationship-building. It’s important to connect with people within the industry, including casting directors, agents, producers, and other actors. Networking events, acting classes, and industry mixers can provide valuable opportunities to make connections that could lead to job offers.
Working with an Agent:
A reputable agent can help guide your career and secure auditions for roles that align with your skills and aspirations. Agents have connections in the industry and can negotiate on your behalf. While it’s possible to book jobs without an agent, having one can be an essential part of securing more significant TV roles, especially as you move from smaller roles to bigger productions.
Example:
Jennifer Aniston’s rise to stardom involved both talent and the right connections. She was initially represented by an agent who helped her land roles in TV shows like Friends, which ultimately became her breakout role. Aniston’s ability to network and build relationships with key industry figures, combined with her acting talent, made her one of the most recognized TV stars of her generation.
6. Staying Consistent and Persistent
Acting on TV is not an easy path, and success rarely happens overnight. Many actors spend years honing their craft, auditioning, and taking on small roles before landing a major TV role. Persistence and consistency are essential, as rejection is a natural part of the process. Developing a thick skin and being able to handle rejection gracefully is important to long-term success.
Example:
Jon Hamm, known for his role as Don Draper in Mad Men, spent years auditioning for roles before landing his breakout role. Hamm worked as a bartender while auditioning for various TV shows and films, and it wasn’t until he was in his late 30s that he got the role of a lifetime. His career trajectory exemplifies the power of perseverance and never giving up on the dream of becoming a successful TV actor.
7. Embracing Continuous Learning and Growth
The best actors on TV understand that their work is always evolving. Whether they’re learning new techniques, experimenting with different genres, or taking on new types of roles, successful TV actors never stop learning. They take feedback seriously, seek out new opportunities to grow, and embrace change in their careers.
Example:
Tatiana Maslany, the lead actress of Orphan Black, is known for her ability to play multiple characters with distinct personalities, which made her performance stand out on the show. Maslany continually worked with directors and acting coaches to refine her performance and deepen her understanding of each character. Her dedication to learning and improving her craft earned her critical acclaim and several awards, including an Emmy.
Conclusion
Becoming an actor on TV is a journey that involves hard work, perseverance, and a continuous commitment to improvement. From mastering acting techniques to auditioning, networking, and landing significant roles, the path to TV success requires determination and resilience. However, with the right combination of talent, training, experience, and persistence, anyone can make their way onto the small screen. As demonstrated by the examples of iconic TV stars, the road to TV stardom may be challenging, but with dedication, it is a journey worth taking.
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