International Cinema Festival of India

Don’t believe for a moment that it’s easy to make it in show business. For every working actor you see on the big screen, there are countless others either unemployed or scratching out a meager existence. Resumes, headshots and agents are all well and good, but there’s so much more to making a success of being an actor. But here you can learn how to start an acting career. Research talent agencies, looking for a business that will help you but not take your money.

Seek out books on acting techniques so you’ll be aware that there are many methods that will help you sustain gripping performances throughout a career. You should understand how acting classes are run to make an informed choice when looking to enroll at a school.

Learn the basics of business because, as a freelance professional, you have to know what it takes to impress agents, casting directors, producers and directors. Begin collating a portfolio by getting headshots (commercial and dramatic), writing a resume, a cover letter, and preparing at least two monologues — one comical, one dramatic. Doing all this will convey how you want to be seen as an actor, so take particular care to portray a consistent and appropriate image.

The early years can be shaky when it comes to finances, so ensure you have a strong financial base. If you want to be full-time, you’d better possess deep pockets or have a backer — maybe your parents — as you need to devote every waking hour to the job and can’t worry about rent. As a part-timer, you can seek out an understanding boss who will give you time off when a job comes along.

Experience is important, so gain small parts on major film productions, work as an extra on TV, or secure meatier roles with independent movies. Don’t forget to check out community theatre or low-budget theatre as any work will help you grow as an actor, and possibly give you a small income, too.

Now is the time to employ an agent. Contact them via meet-and-greets, forums where casting directors as well as agents accept auditions and individual interviews, showcases, school seminars which organize auditions, or invite agents along to a show you’re in or to view a TV program or movie in which you were cast. A reputable, licensed talent agency will help you too; do your homework and don’t fall for scams that charge a registration fee.

An actor never stops learning and developing, honing their ability to cold read or working on monologues. But it’s imperative to understand how to promote yourself as a commodity worth paying for if you aim to get past the first steps of how to start an acting career.

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