Essential Steps to Launch an Acting Career
Launching your acting career can seem daunting — where do you even start? But there are clear moves you can take to begin your journey with organization and enthusiasm. Take it one step at a time. Learn the business, build your network, get professional headshots, make casting profiles, create a demo reel, audition actively, land an agent, expand your horizons, and keep improving. Let's break it down below.
Step 1: Learn the Business
Understanding the ins and outs of the acting industry is fundamental for anyone wondering how to become a professional working actor. As an aspiring actor, you must be well-versed with the industry's dynamics to build your acting endeavors.
There are many ways to go about learning the business — try as many as you can! Attending classes, industry events, and workshops can all help you gain knowledge and experience. Ask questions — be curious. Read what industry professionals are saying online. Keep up with websites like Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter. Subscribe to Reelarc's Rundown for news catered to the working actor. Read acting memoirs like Jenna Fischer's The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide. Follow your favorite industry members on social media — including casting directors, acting coaches, agents, directors, managers, and fellow actors.
Notably, it's not always about landing prominent roles. Start where you can. This can mean featuring in student films, local theater productions, or school plays. These relatively minor stages provide essential experience. Remember that it takes patience, determination, and grit to carve a place in acting. But with commitment and resilience, you step closer and closer to your dream of becoming a professional actor.
Step 2: Build Your Network
Gaining industry experience and making connections are key in addition to formal education. Attend industry events and engage with industry professionals. For instance, a conversation with a successful actor or casting director could lead to an unexpected opportunity or invaluable advice. Look for Q&As, networking mixers, expos, and social media meetups with other screen actors.
Step 3: Get into Local Theater
While it's never too late to start an career in acting, you'll benefit from building experience over time. Jump into theater in high school or get involved in community theater. Getting a feel for performing in front of an audience, developing your skills through hands-on practice, and working with other actors will serve you well.
Step 4: Take Acting Classes
While no educational requirements exist for actors, formal training is a good place to start. If you’re a student, consider getting involved in your school's drama classes and theater productions. Pursuing an acting degree, such as a BFA or MFA in theater, is a great next step, and attending summer programs can be another great way to hone your craft. Even if you don't wish to commit to an acting degree, local acting classes can help you get started.
Step 5: Professional Headshots
A headshot is an 8” x 10” color photo of an actor from the chest up, with their face visible. It serves as your calling card for casting directors, talent agents, and anyone else deciding whether or not to give you a shot. Headshots are the foundation of your marketing materials—and, ultimately, your brand. A lot is riding on a few photos.
Professional headshots are a vital tool to help you get cast. A standard headshot is a nice starting place — a solid picture of you looking your best. But having multiple photos that showcase different aspects of you as an actor is even better. You may want one headshot that leans more comedic and one more dramatic. You may want a picture showing you as a white-collar professional and one as more rural/blue-collar. Knowing your types and what you can sell yourself best is important here. It helps you pick auditions and helps you market yourself best at those auditions.
And remember — a good headshot is one of the first ways to make yourself stand out. Before they look at your resume, before they see you act — a stellar photo hooks casting directors. It can make them want to see more before seeing anything!
Step 6: Prepare a Headshot, Résumé, and Demo Reel
You'll need a headshot, acting résumé, and demo reel — casting directors often require you to submit these materials before they will consider you for roles. The experience you build in smaller roles early in your career will be crucial to building up your résumé and helping you create a demo reel.
Step 7: Update Your Casting Profiles
Several websites offer casting notices and submission services, including Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks. Paid memberships to these sites allow you to search their database for up-to-date audition notices. You create your casting profile and submit yourself as often as possible for roles that fit you. Keep your profile professional (no selfie headshots), and highlight all your accomplishments on your profile. List any training you've had and any work you've already gotten. Don't forget to mention any special skills you may have too! Whether it's a second language, juggling, or having a valid driver's license — every little bit helps market you to potential casting directors. Upload your best headshots to your casting profiles and any good demo reel material you have.
Step 8: Create a Demo Reel
Having clips of your acting or an entire demo reel for casting directors to view majorly helps your chances of getting cast. If you haven't had enough experience yet for a reel or aren't fully satisfied with how you're showcased in the clips you have great news — Reelarc is here for you. At Reelarc, we work with you to determine the best types of scenes to market you fully. You'll leave with clips that show characters and genres you best inhabit as an actor. You may also have scenes from student or independent short films you've worked on. If the footage is high quality and showcases your acting skills, then use it! Upload it to your casting profiles and submit your clips to appropriate casting calls.
Step 9: Audition Actively
Remember to apply to casting calls ASAP when using a service like Actors Access. The industry moves quickly, and you don't want to miss out on a possible gig! Several of these casting websites offer daily email services alerting you to possible roles that fit your acting parameters (think your age range, gender, race, etc.). Once you have an acting agent or manager, they will inform you about industry casting calls and submit you when appropriate.
Remember that applying to casting calls is a numbers game. Don't expect to hear back from every submission. You may not hear back from most of them. That's normal. However, the more consistently you apply, the better your chances are!
So when you hear back and get invited to audition — what then? Don't panic. You've honed your acting skills and built connections within the industry — now it's time to navigate the audition process. This is essential in establishing your acting career. Agents and casting directors scrutinize your audition more than any other piece of work you can prepare. How to become an actor is tied to how well you fare at auditions.
First, remember that casting directors are human beings too! They are not adversaries but people who wish to find the best person for the role. Interact with them professionally, just as you would with any other industry professional.
From the few seconds when you walk through the door or your face appears on a self-tape, you're being examined. A confident posture and a friendly smile set the tone. Don't forget that each audition is an opportunity to strengthen your acting skills, so embrace it even if it doesn't result in a role.
Another point worth considering: reach out to acting coaches and inquire about acting techniques specific to auditions. Methods to calm those nerves, quickly inhabit a character, and take notes are all invaluable. These are skills you must always keep working on. Enhancing your execution of acting techniques makes you a stronger actor in the audition room and on set.
Many actors swear by practicing in front of a mirror or video themselves. Watching playback can provide insight into any habits you need to break or improvements you can make. Practicing with fellow actors can also provide valuable critique and can help improve your performance under pressure.
Lastly, in the acting industry, "rejection" is a part of the journey. Many successful actors faced their fair share of no's before landing their break. A tip from a professional working actor — don't let rejection break your spirit. Instead, let it fuel your determination to succeed. And remember, a successful audition doesn't always mean you land the role. It means you left a lasting, positive impact in the casting director's mind and they plan to call you back in again.
Step 10: Get an Agent
Landing an acting agent or manager can help kick your career goals into gear. They have connections you may not have and can submit you for projects you couldn't do on your own. Many agents may have workshops you can attend to meet them and where they may offer feedback on your headshot or an audition monologue. You can also submit yourself to talent agencies directly.
However, to successfully land an acting agent, you need to follow some specific steps:
- Figure Out Your Career Goals: Determine if you want to focus on theater, TV, or film, as some agents specialize in specific areas.
- Research Agencies: Look for agencies that align with your career goals. Identify agents who represent actors with careers similar to yours.
- Prepare Your Submission Materials: Ensure you have a professional cover letter, headshots, and a résumé ready to go.
- Attend Workshops: Participating in workshops can be a great way to meet agents and receive valuable feedback.
- Leverage Referrals: If you know industry professionals, ask for referrals as they can significantly boost your chances.
The process can be disorienting at times. You might feel unsure where to start. How do I market myself? How do I show these professionals they need me on their acting roster?
For more detailed guidance, consider seeking resources that cover everything from nailing your first agent meeting to recognizing the telltale signs of a bad agent. Additionally, branding strategies can be crucial. They can help sell you to agents and managers in a way you won't find anywhere else.
Reelarc can help with this, too. We offer branding strategies and sell you to agents and managers in a way you won't find anywhere else.
Step 11: Keep Updating Your Résumé and Demo Reel
As you audition and land more roles, you’ll acquire better footage for your reel — and more parts to list on your résumé. Consider these materials to be documents that live and grow alongside your career.
Step 12: Promote Yourself
Naturally, talent and skills matter in the acting industry, but don't overlook the power of promotion. Simply having talent isn't enough. How you display that talent can make all the difference in your acting career.
In this digital age, having an online presence is a must. If your social media accounts are public, remember to maintain professionalism. Regularly update your profile on platforms like Actors Access with your latest work. Create and maintain a professional acting website that lists all your recent news and career successes, as well as your headshots and resume. You can use a company with pre-built templates like Squarespace or Wix or hire a UX designer for a more custom look.
When you're online, remember that the best media strategy is to show your followers a human side. Let your audience see you as a human being first and an actor second.
Step 13: Expand Your Horizons With Continuous Improvement
No matter what in this business, you can never stop growing. Exploring diverse roles, genres, and mediums can help you fully discover your range and versatility as an actor.
Never stop learning and refining your craft through workshops, classes, acting school, and professional training programs. Seek out feedback, whether in acting class or at industry events. Keep making connections, and don't forget to foster the ones you already have. Ask for advice from all professionals you meet — from other actors to casting directors to on-set production assistants to directors. Find out what motivates them. What they're looking for in a successful actor. What the most significant lesson they've learned from the industry is. Listen well and invest in the stories of others — and you may find them invested in your story, too.
Conclusion
Perseverance is a trait you'd cultivate on your journey to becoming a professional actor. An acting career entails overcoming various challenges, including constant rejection. But remember- every 'no' brings you one step closer to the 'yes' that can change everything.
So you've got the tools, the tips, and the know-how. Now, it's time to put them into action. Your talent and hard work are critical, but you must promote yourself effectively. Get your acting resume and headshots polished. Network at industry events and maintain a solid online presence. Don't limit yourself to casting calls - explore local theaters, create your material, and work on student film productions. Stay persistent- keep learning through workshops and classes. Always believe in your capabilities. With a blend of these elements and a dash of luck, you're on the path to a successful acting career. Now, step into the spotlight and let your talent shine.
Remember, your journey to becoming a professional actor is built on a combination of talent, hard work, effective self-promotion, and a dash of luck. The silver screen is waiting for you. Go ahead and conquer it.
Key Points to Remember
Acting classes can play a critical role in honing your skills and techniques. They give an insight into precisely what the industry demands, ensuring you're not just an actor but a professional actor. Likewise, a good acting coach will guide you throughout your learning process, teaching you the ropes of the industry.
Acting workshops can range from learning how to read and interpret scripts to mastering audition techniques to learning various acting methods. Taking advantage of these courses also offers a platform to meet other actors, acting coaches, and casting directors- all of which can be invaluable to your career.
Local theater productions, high school plays, student films, and producing your own scripts all help you gain experience on your journey to the big screen.
Understanding the acting industry also means understanding that you are a product. Your skills and talent are all part of your brand. A professional headshot and a well-structured acting resume help to strongly present this brand to casting directors. Knowing how to market yourself professionally can make the difference between landing extraordinary roles and missing out on opportunities.
Acting resumes and professional headshots are crucial in showcasing your potential to casting directors. An acting resume shouldn't just tell; it should sell. Highlight your acting classes, workshops attended, roles played in theater productions, student films, and any professional acting experience you've accrued. Don't forget to keep your headshots updated, showing your versatility and range.
Another aspect that aspiring actors tend to forget is the value of networking. You'll be surprised how many acting opportunities can arise from relationships formed at industry events. Make it a habit to attend as many such gatherings as possible and interact with industry professionals and fellow actors.
Please don't limit yourself to casting calls when putting yourself out there. Explore many avenues - local theaters, community and school plays, or consider acting in your material. The power of versatility cannot be overemphasized, as it enables you to take on diverse roles, making you more appealing to a broader range of casting directors.
Persist, persevere, and have unyielding belief in your capabilities. Working actors will tell you that rejection is part of the journey, but persistence often leads to success.
Book a Call
Reelarc can help set you on the road to success in becoming an actor. We're here for you every step of the way. From discovering your brand to learning how to sell yourself, gaining valuable on-set experience, and getting the professional reel footage of your dreams, Reelarc is ready to jumpstart your career. Book a call with us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Don't ever feel silly for not knowing the answers to industry questions. Everyone has to start at the bottom, and everyone has to learn somehow. You've already started learning by reading this article! Keep going—stay curious and keep looking for knowledge. You'll be an expert before you know it.
"How do I get into acting with no experience?"
You start by joining an acting class, auditioning for your local community theater, taking workshops that casting directors may offer, joining Actors Access or Backstage, and submitting yourself for casting notices. Follow the advice we've given above—you can do this!
"Is it hard to become an actor?"
Yes, but it's tough to be successful in most industries! You will have to overcome significant hurdles, but if you follow the advice above and keep your work ethic strong, you'll be rewarded.
"How do beginner actors get paid?"
Many beginner actors will still work a "day job" (aka survival job) to help pay their bills while training and working to establish themselves in the acting industry. You can apply for background acting work immediately and get paid well, though it can be inconsistent. You could also apply to work as a production assistant to earn a paycheck while learning the ins and outs of how a professional set works.
"Is 25 too old to start acting?"
It is never too old to become an actor! Age may help you in some regards. Years of life experience may make it easier to relate to more potential acting roles. You may also have already honed professional skills, like making an excellent first impression or nailing an interview. That's what the auditions are! Don't Don'ta, a late start discourages you from following your dreams.
Do I have to be beautiful and thin to get acting work?"
Abs"lutely not. Casting directors want to see you looking your best, which means professional. Clean face, well-done hair, sharp outfit. More than anything, they want to see real people invested in the dialogue and scene. The best way for you to get cast is to be yourself. Authenticity is your most robust acting tool!
