Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Basics on how to Start an Acting Career

By Kurt Fowler


Hollywood is littered with unemployed actors. If you don't want to be added to that growing pile, you must know how to start an acting career. It's not just about headshots, agents and resumes. If it were, we'd all be starring in blockbusters. So, chat to employed and out-of-work actors as they possess insights that will help in your decision of whether to join the acting fraternity. Research local talent agencies and see whether there are any that might be reputable and honest and can get you on your way.

Get to the library to study acting technique books that will give you an insight into the numerous methods that can help you maintain riveting performances over the duration of your career. Also look at the way in which acting classes function, thus making it easier to choose the right school for you.

Possessing some understanding of basic business practice will come in handy as you, a freelance professional, must grasp the skills needed to make an impact on directors, producers, agents and casting directors. A portfolio including headshots (commercial as well as dramatic), a well-written resume, a precise cover letter, and two monologues (comical and dramatic) as a minimum is essential. This package represents who you are as an actor and what image you wish to project, so think about it carefully.

Having a regular income can be a problem, especially early in a career, so it's advisable to have a steady income not related to acting. If you're aiming at being full-time, you'll require savings or be backed maybe by your parents as your focus has to be on progressing your career and not on worrying about rent payments. If eyeing up a part-time career, try to locate a sympathetic boss willing to allow you days off when required.

Experience is important, so gain small parts on major film productions, work as an extra on TV, or secure meatier roles with independent movies. Don't forget to check out community theatre or low-budget theatre as any work will help you grow as an actor, and possibly give you a small income, too.

Now is the time to employ an agent. Contact them via meet-and-greets, forums where casting directors as well as agents accept auditions and individual interviews, showcases, school seminars which organize auditions, or invite agents along to a show you're in or to view a TV program or movie in which you were cast. A reputable, licensed talent agency will help you too; do your homework and don't fall for scams that charge a registration fee.

Actors don't ever believe they've learned everything there is to know about their art, thus perfecting and refining monologues or improv skills is constant. However, you're a product to be bought so must create a market in which you're in demand if wishing to go beyond the first steps on the ladder of how to start an acting career.




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