SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ACTOR...
Well why not? Someone is going to be an actor. Why not you?
But before you pack your bags, kiss your loved ones goodby, and head off to Hollywood or New York City, it might be a good idea to learn some things about acting - so you don't come across as a total newbie.
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No matter where you audition for a role, you will be competing against many talented people. Most of those people will have quite a bit of experience performing in various media and venues, on stage and on camera; people who can sing and dance as well as act.
But if you are new to acting and don't have any experience, how do you get some experience? That is actually a lot easier than you might think it is.
The easiest, most accessible and, for beginners, the best way to get experience and build a resumé is to get involved in lots of local community, school and church plays.
Why local plays? Well, unless you live in HOLLYWOOD, you probably won’t get many chances to audition for major motion pictures. (Anyway, what Hollywood director would risk a 100 million dollar budget on an unknown with no experience. Sheeeesh! Get real!) So plays are the most likely place to start getting some experience. Participating in local theatre productions is a great way to learn about acting. It’s also great fun and you’ll meet a lot of interesting people.
Most communities have one or more local or regional community theatre. Many churches also put on plays and most high schools put on a play or several plays each year. These same local groups can also help you find out about local classes and workshops where you can study acting and improve your natural talent. Some groups even hold their own classes.
Where do you find local classes or auditions with local groups? Do an internet search. For search terms use your county, city, or town name and “community theatre”. Call the phone number listed for ticket sales or contact info and ask about future auditions and about classes.
Attend community play performances. Talk to cast members after the show. Tell them you are interested in their group and would like to join and audition for plays (be sure to mention how much you enjoyed their play and performance.) Find out whatever info you can about their auditions and also ask if they know of any classes in the area. Many community groups publish a newsletter for members. These will also contain audition or class notices.
Other places to contact are your local colleges and universities. These places frequently produce shows which are open for the public to audition. Many of them also hold classes which are open to the general public through “Community Outreach” and summer programs. Look at your local college and university theatre department websites.
Many city and county Department of Parks and Recreation host theatre classes and even theatre performances as part of their programming. See if your city or county Department of Parks and Recreation have such programs.
Go to as many auditions as you can.
If you don’t get a part in a play, then volunteer to help on the stage, costume, set design or lighting crews. Becoming involved in theatre productions, even behind the scenes, will give you important experience in how the performing business works and can be included on a theatrical resumé as well.
Remember, even the best actors started with behind the scenes work and small parts. Take whatever parts you can get. As you improve your skills and experience, you will get better and better roles.
Don’t be in such a rush to start at the top. Learn your craft slowly, improve your knowledge and skills step by step. You’ll find building that resumé a lot more fun and much less discouraging if you take a smart and methodical approach to your training.
RESOURCES
Of course a website cannot tell you all the information you need to know about preparing yourself to be an actor: unions, contracts, agents, casting, auditions, and the myriads of other things actors should learn about the acting business.
Below are a number of resources that will help you learn about such things to get you on the right road to becoming a successful actor.
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