Matthew McConaughey had to grow a sleazy mustache to get a role in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused. James Michael Tyler’s barista skills got him the role of Gunther in Friends sitcom. Emma Watson’s talkative personality fetched her the role of Hermione in Harry Potter.
The list goes on. Stories of famous personalities becoming actors delineate that the journey is not always straightforward. That being said, there are certain things that you can consider to increase your chances of becoming a successful actor and getting roped in for an essential role in a film or a TV series.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of actors is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, with over 9000+ openings for actors every year.
This article will help you learn how to become an actor, discuss essential considerations to adhere to, the responsibilities of an actor, the skills and experience required for acting, and the significance of creating an acting portfolio website. Let’s dive straight in.
8 Steps to Become an Actor
As an aspiring actor, it is key to develop a strong plan and to be organized. Your career might be dependent on factors you may have no control over. However, if you put in the work over things you can alter, the chances of landing roles increase significantly.
Here are 8 steps on how to become an actor:
- Start Early: Engage in School Activities
- Consider Formal Education and Honing Acting Skills
- Gain Practical Experience Through Local Productions
- Build Your Resume With Minor Roles and Extra Work
- Invest in Professional Headshots
- Craft a Compelling Acting Resume and Portfolio
- Audition for Bigger Productions
- Consider Getting an Agent
1. Start Early: Engage in School Activities
Many successful actors discover their passion for performing at a young age. Look for opportunities to participate in school plays, musicals, and film-making projects. This allows you to develop your skills, gain experience performing in front of an audience, and connect with others who share your passion.
2. Consider Formal Education and Honing Acting Skills
While no formal educational requirements exist for becoming an actor, formal training can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge. While some successful actors have not pursued formal acting degrees, most have received training throughout their careers.
Here are the primary options for learning acting skills:
Acting schools and classes: Acting classes offer a wide range of content, time commitments, and prices. Research available classes in your area and consider auditing a few before choosing the teacher and technique that best suits your style.
Acting coaches: Coaches can provide valuable guidance and feedback, but they're generally more effective for fine-tuning skills rather than teaching fundamental techniques.
Summer training programs: Summer programs offer intensive training for aspiring teenage actors, providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and collaborate with peers.
Higher education: You can pursue a degree in acting from a film school, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theater.
Essential Skills for Actors
Communication: Effective verbal and physical communication skills are crucial for actors to convey characters and interact with others professionally.
Creativity: Actors often need to improvise and find creative solutions to bring depth and authenticity to their roles.
Choreography: Understanding choreography is essential for coordinating movements and performing in sync with other actors.
Memory: Actors must memorize scripts and lines for various scenes, often adapting to changes and improvisations.
Technical knowledge: Basic technical understanding facilitates effective communication with cinematographers, set designers, sound artists, and lighting professionals.
Tips to Hone Your Acting Skills
Start early: Consider taking acting classes or participating in school productions to gain early experience and develop your skills.
Network consistently: Build relationships with other actors, agents, casting directors, and industry professionals.
Be persistent: The acting industry is competitive, so maintain a positive attitude and persevere through challenges.
Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback from teachers, coaches, and mentors to improve your performance.
Embrace continuous learning: Acting is a lifelong journey, so continuously strive to learn and grow as an artist.
3. Gain Practical Experience Through Local Productions
Participating in local productions is a fantastic way to gain experience in front of a camera and test your skills in a real-world setting. Community theater productions, independent films, and student film projects offer valuable opportunities to learn, collaborate with other working actors, and build your resume. Working alongside various professionals, such as camera operators, sound artists, and directors, gives you firsthand insight into the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
4. Build Your Resume With Minor Roles and Extra Work
Early in your career as an actor, embrace opportunities for more minor roles in commercials, short films, and feature films. While these may seem minor, they contribute significantly to building your experience and network. Additionally, working on smaller projects can provide income to support your acting pursuits until you land more prominent roles.
5. Invest in Professional Headshots
As an actor, your image plays a crucial role in securing roles. Having professional headshots taken is an essential investment. These photos should be clear, well-lit, and accurately represent your appearance. Consider capturing images that showcase different emotions and personalities to demonstrate your acting range.
6. Craft a Compelling Acting Resume and Portfolio
A strong resume and portfolio are key tools for showcasing your qualifications to agents, casting directors, producers, and other industry professionals.
Your acting resume should detail your acting education and training, as well as any relevant skills or experience.
A dedicated acting portfolio website can significantly enhance your online acting presence. Your acting portfolio should include professional headshots, work samples (including clips from performances or films you've participated in), and a list of your acting credits and collaborations.
Pixpa offers a selection of acting portfolio website templates designed to showcase your talents and qualifications effectively. Here's how you can craft a compelling actor website using Pixpa:
Select a Website Template
Choose a template that aligns with your professional persona and desired image. Pixpa's website templates provide a solid foundation for your website, allowing you to customize the design and add your content while ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Write an Impressive Bio
Craft a unique and professional "About Me" section that captures attention. Briefly introduce yourself, highlight your expertise, showcase past experiences and achievements, and consider incorporating a touch of humor to showcase your personality. Some actors choose a dedicated "About" page, while others integrate their bio into their homepage. Also, provide a downloadable link to your acting resume.
Showcase Your Skills With Demo Reels
Your demo reel is crucial, allowing you to demonstrate your acting skills. You can create this reel by including clips from past performances, such as school plays, local productions, or commercials.
Aim for a length between 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Each clip should be approximately 10-20 seconds long and collectively demonstrate the range of emotions and characters you can portray. Ensure your reels are prominently displayed on your website and presented in high quality.
Pixpa allows you to easily embed videos from YouTube and Vimeo. The website builder also offers various layout options to enhance your video presentations further.
Connect With Your Audience
While your acting portfolio website serves a professional purpose, social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter offer a space to connect with fans. Include a social media bar on your website, allowing visitors to discover your social profiles and learn more about your work.
Offer a Glimpse of Behind-The-Scenes
Showcasing headshots is essential for maintaining a professional image, but consider adding behind-the-scenes photos. These glimpses into your work environment and personality can create a more authentic and engaging connection with visitors.
Leverage Reviews and References
Include positive press reviews, testimonials, or references to reinforce your skills and credibility. Strategically integrate these elements throughout your website to ensure maximum impact on potential collaborators and fans.
7. Audition for Bigger Productions
As you gain experience, actively pursue auditions for roles in larger productions. Auditions allow casting directors to assess your on-screen presence and acting skills. Prepare thoroughly for each audition and focus on delivering a strong performance that highlights your unique talents.
Finding Auditions and Casting Calls
Utilize online casting platforms: Websites like Casting Workbook, Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks regularly update listings for casting calls. Search for auditions based on role, location, and project type.
Leverage social media: Follow casting directors, agents, and production companies on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok. Stay updated on their posts regarding upcoming auditions.Network Effectively: Inform your peers, teachers, coaches, and colleagues about your search for auditions. Let everyone know that you're actively seeking acting opportunities.
Preparing for In-Person Auditions
Research the project thoroughly: If the audition is for a TV show, watch episodes. If you have a script, read it thoroughly.
Familiarize yourself with your lines: Spend quality time with your lines, rehearsing them thoroughly and understanding the character's motivations.
Dress appropriately and arrive early: Make a positive impression by dressing professionally and arriving at the audition at least 10 minutes early.
Self-Tape Auditions
Master the technical aspects: Familiarize yourself with video and audio equipment, framing, backdrops, and lighting techniques.
Practice and prepare: Rehearse your lines thoroughly and ensure your self-tape audition is well-prepared and professional.
8. Consider Getting an Agent
The experience you gain can help you build a strong portfolio and impress an acting agent. An agent can be vital in connecting you with casting opportunities and securing roles in larger projects. While not all actors require an agent, having a good agent can open doors and help you advance your career.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Actor?
Actors play a pivotal role in bringing stories to life. Their responsibilities encompass:
Portraying diverse characters accurately: Actors must convincingly embody a wide range of characters, from historical figures to fictional personalities.
Adding improvisations: Spontaneity and improvisation enhance performances, bringing characters to life and adding depth to their interactions.
Thorough research: Actors must delve into character backgrounds, historical contexts, and script nuances to deliver authentic performances.
Memorizing scripts: Committing lines to memory is essential for delivering smooth and natural dialogue.
Developing character personas: Actors must create distinct character personas to ensure authenticity and believability.
Performing across platforms: Actors work in various mediums, including television, theater, film, and internet content.
Modeling for visual media: Actors often model for still images, posters, advertisements, and promotional materials.
Collaborating with sound professionals: Actors work closely with sound artists and editors during dubbing activities to ensure accurate lip-syncing and voice-over work.
Different Types of Actors
The acting industry offers a diverse range of opportunities, each with its unique demands and requirements. Here are the primary types of actors:
Screen Actors
Film: Actors in films perform in feature-length movies, ranging from independent productions to blockbuster hits.
Television: Television actors appear in various formats, including dramas, comedies, reality shows, and miniseries.
Commercials: Actors in commercials are often required to deliver short, impactful performances that promote products or services.
Web series: Actors participate in online productions ranging from short-form content to serialized dramas.
Stage Actors
On-broadway and Off-broadway: Actors in these theaters perform in live productions in New York City, showcasing their skills to a large audience.
Musical theater: Actors in musical theater combine singing, dancing, and acting to bring stories to life through song and dance.
Voice Actors
Animation: Voice actors provide voices for animated characters in films, television shows, and video games.
Advertisements: Actors voiceover commercials and other promotional materials.
Podcasts: Voice actors participate in podcasts, narrating stories, conducting interviews, or hosting shows.
Video games: Actors voice characters, bringing them to life through their vocal performances.
Audiobooks: Actors narrate audiobooks, bringing written works to life through their voices.
Additional Types of Roles
Extras: Extras are background actors who appear in scenes without speaking lines or having significant roles.
Dubbing artists: These actors provide voices for foreign language films or television shows, matching their voices to the original actors' lip movements.
Choosing a Medium
Your acting technique may vary depending on the medium you choose. Acting for the camera differs from acting for a live audience, and voiceover work requires distinct training compared to preparing for a musical theater audition. Many actors transition between mediums throughout their careers, but it's beneficial to consider your interests and preferences as you begin your journey.
How Do I Start an Acting Career With No Experience?
If you're new to acting and are a struggling actor with no experience, here are some steps to get started:
1. Understand the Industry
Research the film and theater industries, focusing on the roles and practices of actors.
Watch films and participate in local theater activities to gain firsthand experience and insights.
2. Develop Your Skills
Identify the essential skills for acting, such as communication, creativity, memory, and technical knowledge.
Work consistently to develop these skills through acting classes, workshops, or practice.
3. Connect With the Acting Community
Network with established actors, directors, writers, and casting directors.
Attend industry events and workshops to meet like-minded individuals.
4. Market Yourself Effectively
Utilize social media to showcase your talent and build your online presence.
Connect with talent agents who can help you find acting auditions and secure roles.
5. Gain Experience Through Auditions
Attend auditions and casting calls to familiarize yourself with the process and improve your performance with each experience.
Don't be discouraged by initial rejections; focus on learning and growing with each audition.
Is It Hard to Become an Actor?
While it's not difficult to start acting, building a sustainable career in the industry is challenging. Many attempt to become a professional actor, but only a small percentage achieve lasting success. Initially, you may need to actively seek out opportunities and consistently audition for roles.
Successful actors continuously monitor and analyze their performances to identify areas for improvement. Acting often requires strict diets and workout regimens to meet specific project demands.
Additionally, actors must be adaptable learners, as the industry requires them to acquire new skills quickly. Consistent practice and training are essential for sustaining initial success and achieving longevity in creative fields.
It's crucial to be realistic about the challenges of the acting profession. While talent is essential, factors like luck and connections also play a significant role in achieving widespread success.
Before embarking on an acting career, consider your motivations. If your primary goal is the work and the creative process, you're more likely to find fulfillment. However, if fame is your sole motivation, it's a more elusive goal that can lead to disappointment.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Actor?
The time it takes to become an actor varies for each individual. Some may find success quickly, while others may take years. Building a career in acting involves continuous training, auditioning, and gaining experience. Focusing on improving your craft and being patient with the process is important.
Expect to invest years of hard work before achieving significant results. Rejection is a common experience, even for established actors, so it's essential to develop resilience and the ability to handle setbacks.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful actor requires a combination of talent, dedication, and strategic planning. Following the steps outlined in this article can increase your chances of achieving your acting goals. Remember to actively pursue opportunities, network with industry professionals, and continuously hone your skills.
A professional website is essential for showcasing your talent and attracting potential clients. Pixpa offers a user-friendly, no-code website-building platform with customizable acting portfolio templates for actors and models. Easily showcase your headshots, demo reels, resume, and testimonials to create a captivating online presence. Create your acting portfolio website with Pixpa today.
FAQ
What do you need for an acting audition?
For an acting audition, you typically need a professional headshot, a well-prepared resume, and a monologue or sides (specific scenes) to perform. Being punctual, dressing appropriately for the role, and bringing confidence are also crucial. A well-designed actor website can help provide easy access to your portfolio for casting directors.
How to get an acting agent?
To get an acting agent, build a strong resume with training, experience, and credits. Create a professional actor website and portfolio to showcase your talent. Research reputable agents and submit your headshot, resume, and demo reel. Networking within the industry and getting referrals can also help you secure representation.
Where to live if you want to be an actor?
Cities like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and London are known for having vibrant acting industries with many opportunities. Depending on your career goals, you may live in one of these cities to be closer to casting calls, auditions, and industry events.
How to become a famous actor?
Becoming a famous actor involves talent, hard work, and a bit of luck. Building your reputation through consistent work, networking, and self-promotion is essential. Leveraging social media, maintaining a solid online presence with an acting portfolio website, and choosing the right roles can help you gain visibility.
How much do actors make?
Actor salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and the type of projects they work on. Beginners may start with lower pay, while established actors can earn significant amounts for major roles. It's common for actors to have side jobs or freelance work until they achieve financial stability through the art of acting.
What is an actor website?
An actor website or an acting portfolio website is an online portfolio that showcases your acting experience, including your headshots, resume, demo reel, and contact information. It acts as a professional hub where casting directors and agents can easily access your materials and learn more about your talents.
How to design an acting portfolio?
Designing an acting portfolio website should focus on simplicity and professionalism. Use high-quality images, ensure easy navigation, and prominently display your headshot, resume, and demo reel. Incorporate an "About" section and contact details. Choose a clean and modern design that highlights your work and personality.
How to make an acting portfolio?
To create an acting portfolio website, use a website builder like Pixpa to start a full-featured 15-day free trial, which offers customizable templates for creatives. You can easily add pages for your portfolio, resume, and contact information. To increase visibility, make sure your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines. No coding skills are required with Pixpa, making it easy to create a stunning and functional actor website. View subscription plans