How do I get started as an actress?

Question

I really want to start trying to become an actress once I graduate High School, and I'm only 4 years away from graduation. If anyone knows, I'd like you to tell me how you can get started in the business, and know when and where to audition. I'm going to be a movie/TV actress, mainly, and I need to know how to acquire an agent. This answer would help me so much! Thanks.

Answer 1

Monica,

Getting started in the acting industry is a challenge, but if you're determined then nothing can stop you! As a HS Freshman, I would say the first thing to do is to begin gaining experience and training. Sign up for drama class, join the drama club, start getting used to reading scripts (you can find so many online for film, TV, and theatre!), get an acting coach, and get educated! Training is vital. Acting is behaving truthfully while under imaginary circumstances, and in order to behave truthfully you must develop a deep understanding of the following;

1) Your own type, look, physicality, vocal qualities, habits, and opinions

2) Why people do the things they do (why does this person walk, dance, speak, listen, wash dishes, sleep, and laugh the way they do?)

3) The expressive body/voice

From there you learn script analysis, character development, relationship building, object specification, etc.

You must then develop audition technique skills in order to feel comfortable and confident in the audition room. Being outgoing is not the same as being good at auditioning. You are born with talent, but skill must be learned!

Next is performance technique skills. What are the subtle differences between acting in film and acting on stage? How do you get rid of stage fright? How do you remember where your mark is without looking at the floor?

Finally, you must learn to navigate the industry. An agent will work with you if you are trained, talented, skilled, motivated, and interesting. What's the difference between an agent and a manager? How do you dress for auditions? Where do you even go to FIND auditions (backstage, castingnetworks, actorsaccess...)? How do you make a self-tape audition video? How many audition monologues do you have in your arsenal?

This is not as easy path, but if you are passionate about it, you will find joy and satisfaction in life on a daily basis. Even through the mountains of rejection that we actors face non-stop.

I hope this helped!

Darius A. Journigan

Answer 2

You can get started a couple of different ways. Acting is one of those careers where there's not one clear path.

One way is to get training. As an actor myself, whenever I'm working with someone I can tell if they've trained and studied. Experience is a great teacher, but in my opinion, if you want to be really good, you should take some classes / workshops.

You can also jump right in! You'll need 3 things:

1. Headshot: a professional picture of you
2. Acting resume: if you are getting started and haven't done anything, this can be training or education, and special skills
3. Acting Reel: this is your "visual resume". A one or two minute video of different things you've done as an actor. If you don't have anything (which you won't at first), you can film yourself with your phone doing some monologues.

You can find auditions online on a couple of different platforms. It all depends on where you're based, but if you're in the United States, the big three are: Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks. A great way to get started is to do student films. These are not payed usually, but they're great to build your resume and your acting reel!

Another thing you can do is start doing background work. This won't give you training or experience per se. You won't always get called, and when you do you won't always show up on the final product. But you'll get the opportunity to be on set and see how things work. A big one is Grant Wilfley Casting. You can create a profile for free and submit to NON-SAG roles.

I wouldn't look for an agent until you've built yourself a resume. Once you have some experience and feel ready, a great site to find an agent is Repunzel — where you can purchase email lists and start reaching out.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

The first thing I would tell you is: don’t wait until you graduate to begin. Start training now. Acting is a craft, and the earlier you begin developing that craft, the better prepared you’ll be when professional opportunities come your way.

I’ve worked professionally in film, television, and theater for more than 25 years, and one of the most important things I’ve learned is that talent alone isn’t enough. Training, discipline, preparation, and perseverance are essential.

Start with a good acting class and take advantage of every opportunity you have to perform. If your school has a theater program, get involved. Read plays and screenplays, watch great actors, and begin learning how to break down a scene: What does your character want? What is standing in their way? What are they doing to get what they want?

Since you’re particularly interested in film and television, I would also recommend studying on-camera technique. Acting for the camera requires learning how to work within the frame while remaining truthful, present, and connected to the other actor.

As for getting an agent, I wouldn’t make that your first priority. Build your craft first. When you’re ready, you can begin putting together your professional materials—strong headshots, a résumé, and eventually footage that represents your work.

Most importantly, don’t be in a hurry. An acting career is a marathon, not a sprint. If you genuinely love the work and continue developing your craft, you’ll be building a foundation that can serve you throughout your entire career.