5 Practical Steps to Start Your Acting Career Today

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

So, you're thinking, "I want to become an actor—where do I start?" You've come to the right place! In this blog, we'll guide you through five practical steps to kick-start your acting career today. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Getting Familiar with Acting

Before you can confidently step onto the stage or in front of a camera, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the art of acting. This includes understanding the basics, improving your skills, and learning how to connect with your audience. Here are three ways to get started:

Community Theater

Joining a local community theater is an excellent way to gain practical experience and learn from others who share your passion. Participating in community productions allows you to:

Develop your acting skills by playing diverse roles.
Build connections with fellow actors and theater enthusiasts.
Get a feel for the stage and learn how to engage with a live audience.

Acting Workshops

Attending acting workshops is another great way to develop your skills and broaden your understanding of the craft. These workshops often focus on specific aspects of acting, such as:

Improvisation
Scene study
Character development
Voice and movement

By participating in workshops, you can refine your acting abilities and learn new techniques to enhance your performances.

Online Courses

For those who prefer learning in the comfort of their own homes, online acting courses are a convenient option. Many websites and platforms offer acting courses that cover a wide range of topics, such as:

Script analysis
Audition techniques
On-camera acting
Monologue preparation

These courses can help you build a solid foundation for your acting career and allow you to learn at your own pace.

Step 2: Networking for Success

Now that you're familiar with the world of acting, it's time to start building connections in the industry. Networking is crucial for actors, as it can lead to new opportunities and help you stay informed about upcoming auditions and events. Here are three effective ways to network:

Creating a strong social media presence can help you showcase your talent and connect with others in the industry. To get started, consider the following tips:

Create profiles on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and share your acting journey with your followers.
Follow and engage with actors, directors, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
Join acting groups and communities to exchange tips, advice, and audition information.

Local Events

Attending local acting events, such as workshops, seminars, and networking mixers, can be a valuable way to meet like-minded individuals and industry professionals. Keep an eye out for events in your area and make an effort to attend as many as possible. Remember to introduce yourself, ask questions, and exchange contact information with the people you meet.

Industry Professionals

Building relationships with industry professionals, such as acting coaches, casting directors, and agents, can be highly beneficial for your acting career. These connections can lead to valuable advice, mentorship, and potential job opportunities. To connect with industry professionals, consider the following steps:

Reach out to acting coaches and ask for recommendations on classes or workshops.
Attend casting director workshops to learn about the audition process and make a lasting impression.
Research reputable acting agents and submit your portfolio for representation.

Step 3: Building Your Portfolio

A solid portfolio is essential for showcasing your talent and making a strong impression on casting directors and agents. To start building your portfolio, focus on creating high-quality headshots, a polished resume, and an engaging demo reel.

Headshots

A professional headshot is the first thing casting directors see when considering you for a role. Make sure your headshot represents you well by following these tips:

Hire a professional photographer who specializes in actor headshots.
Choose a natural, well-lit setting that complements your features.
Wear simple, solid-colored clothing to keep the focus on your face.
Ensure your headshot reflects your current appearance and style.

Resume

Your acting resume should highlight your experience, training, and special skills. To create an effective acting resume, consider these guidelines:

Include your name, contact information, and union affiliations at the top of the page.
List your acting credits in reverse chronological order, separating them into categories like film, television, and theater.
Add any relevant training, workshops, or classes you've attended.
Include a special skills section to showcase any unique talents, such as singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument.

Demo Reel

A demo reel is a compilation of your best acting work, showcasing your range and versatility. To create an engaging demo reel, follow these suggestions:

Keep your demo reel between 1-3 minutes in length, featuring your strongest performances.
Include a variety of scenes, highlighting different emotions, characters, and genres.
Ensure the video and audio quality are high, and edit your reel for a smooth, professional flow.
Update your demo reel regularly as you gain more experience and footage.

With a compelling portfolio in hand, you're one step closer to landing auditions and kick-starting your acting career. Remember, building a strong portfolio takes time and persistence, so keep refining your skills and updating your materials as you progress.

Step 4: Finding Auditions

Now that you have a solid portfolio, it's time to start looking for auditions. The more auditions you attend, the greater your chances of landing a role and gaining valuable experience. To find auditions, consider these resources:

Casting Websites

There are numerous casting websites available to help you find acting opportunities. These sites often provide detailed information about upcoming auditions, submission guidelines, and required materials. Some popular casting websites include:

Backstage
Actors Access
Casting Networks
Playbill

Most casting websites require a subscription, but the investment can be worth it for the access to a wide range of auditions.

Acting Agents

An acting agent can be a valuable asset in your career, as they have connections and access to auditions that may not be publicly advertised. To find an agent, follow these steps:

Research reputable agencies and agents in your area.
Prepare a submission package, including your headshot, resume, and demo reel.
Attend agent workshops or showcases, where you can perform a monologue or scene in front of multiple agents at once.
Be prepared for interviews and meetings with potential agents, discussing your career goals and expectations.

Remember that finding the right agent may take time, so be patient and persistent in your search.

Referrals

Networking with other actors, directors, and industry professionals can often lead to referrals for auditions. Keep in touch with the people you meet through workshops, classes, and events, and don't be afraid to ask for advice or recommendations. You never know when a connection might lead to your next big opportunity.

Finding auditions is an ongoing process, so make it a habit to regularly search for opportunities and submit your materials. As you continue attending auditions, you'll gain experience, confidence, and exposure in the industry.

Step 5: Continuing Education

As with any profession, continuing to learn and grow is essential to becoming a successful actor. As you start your acting career, make it a priority to keep honing your craft and expanding your skills. Here are some ways to continue your education:

Acting Classes

Even after you've begun working as an actor, it's important to keep taking acting classes. There's always something new to learn or a technique to improve upon. Look for classes that focus on specific aspects of acting, such as:

Scene study
Improvisation
Voice and diction
Physicality and movement
On-camera techniques

By continually developing your skills, you'll become a more versatile and in-demand actor.

Industry Events

Attending industry events, such as conferences, workshops, and panel discussions, can help you stay current with trends and advancements in the acting world. These events often feature guest speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, allowing you to learn from experts and connect with fellow actors.

Feedback and Improvement

Constructive feedback is crucial for growth in any career, and acting is no exception. After performances or auditions, ask for feedback from directors, casting directors, or fellow actors. Be open to their suggestions and use their insights to identify areas where you can improve. Also, don't forget to celebrate your successes and acknowledge the progress you've made along the way.

Continuing your education and staying committed to your craft is essential for long-term success in the acting world. Remember, the question "I want to become an actor; where do I start?" is just the beginning. As you continue to learn and grow, you'll find that your acting journey is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

If you're looking to elevate your filmmaking skills, don't miss the workshop 'Lights, Camera, Action!' by Gianna Adams. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to take your films to the next level, helping you create compelling and captivating stories through the power of cinema.