The Basics on how to Start an Acting Career
There are countless numbers of youngsters hoping to make it big in the entertainment business. But how to start an acting career involves much more than just putting together a few headshots, a resume and finding the right talent agency. If it was that simple, there wouldn’t be so many out-of-work actors. Before jumping in, talk to working and unemployed actors. They can give you tips on what you should and should not be doing.
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.
Gaining experience is vital. Try to get bit parts in major studio films, even background work as an extra on television, or a larger role in an independent production. Then there’s low-budget theatre or community theatre — really, anything to gain confidence and experience, and maybe a little money, too.
You’ll need an agent now. Try contacting them through meet-and-greets, showcases, forums with casting directors and agents that allow for auditions and personal chats, auditions at school seminars, or ask them to watch a movie or television show you’re in or a show in which you’re performing. Even send out masses of mail to agents and make follow-up calls. Do your homework on talent agencies to find one that’s licensed and has been around for a number of years.
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.
Avenue Model & Talent Agency gives an overview of talent extra work. Call Avenue Model & Talent Agency today!
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