Breaking into the acting business can seem overwhelming, particularly if you have little or no experience. If it has always been your dream to become an actor, there are steps you can take to make the process easier and less challenging. Here are four tips that can help you as you move forward with your acting career.
Hone Your Craft
A good actor is always working on becoming better. Treat your acting like art. You may want to consider going back to school to get a college degree in performance or theater. If you don’t have the time or money to commit to an entire degree program, you can also hire an acting coach or join local theater classes. Make sure that you also study on your own by regularly watching films, television shows and stage performances. Read books about acting and record yourself practicing lines so you can work on improving.
Gain Experience
An important part of becoming a successful actor is making sure you are always working. Even if you don’t make a lot of money, you will gain experience and exposure. You never know where your big break will come from. Try out for local productions first. Your ultimate goal should be to connect with casting directors in your area. Depending on where you live, you may need to get comfortable with the idea of traveling often or even moving to a larger market to get more work.
Network With Industry Professionals
Entertainment lawyers like John Branca know that successful actors have a team of professionals working for them to help with business needs. Once you decide that you would like to pursue acting seriously, you should consider hiring an agent. An experienced agent can help you communicate with other professionals, such as film studios and casting directors, and assist you with booking roles. He or she can also work on contract negotiation. You can also hire an entertainment attorney to protect your interests and represent you in any legal disputes.
Be Patient and Work Hard
Finally, know that building a solid acting career is a long process. You will need to be patient and be prepared for many years of hard work. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Always be searching for your next role and networking with others in the business. You may need to sacrifice in other areas of your life to make your new career successful, such as spending less time on recreational activities.