The A B C of Chasing an Amazing Acting Career
Since you were little you always dreamed of performing on stage professionally. The feeling when the spotlights shine on your face in the theatre and the audience stand up with a rapturous applause is second to none. Your dream job is within touching distance, but you realise it will take a while to get to where you want to be. There are so many elements to consider when embarking on an acting career, from headshots to knock-backs; you need to be prepared for a long journey ahead. Staying positive and being true to yourself will get you where you want to be in the end, but there are no guarantees. The following ideas will help you to chase an amazing acting career and find success along the way. Consider everything with an open mind and you will be able to attain your career goals soon.
A Headshot is Everything
If you have professional representation in the form of an agent, then they will always do their best to put you up for jobs that are suited to your abilities. It is so important that you get professional headshots taken as these will be the first thing a cast agent sees. A high quality image that truly represents you as a person will impress them from the very beginning and then a good audition will be the icing on the cake.
Another Job is Useful
Don’t pin all of your hopes on landing that dream job straight away. Be realistic and sensible with yourself and find a way to make money on the side of your acting career. Whether you become a waitress or work in a sales job, there are many ways that you can keep money coming in, so you aren’t struggling to pay the bills.
Be a Triple Threat
Sometimes being labelled as just ‘an actor’ can stop you from being considered for certain roles. You need to show yourself to be a well-rounded performer who can do anything that is thrown in front of them. Take dance classes or enrol in singing lessons; you could even learn how to play a musical instrument. Anything you can add to your CV will show you are willing to learn and capable of doing anything you put your mind to.
Be Open to Everything
When a potential job comes up, but it doesn’t quite seem like your cup of tea, you shouldn’t hold back from doing your best. Be open to every job opportunity that falls in front of you and feel lucky that you have the chance to do it. Many actors are struggling to get any work at all, so they would be jealous of you landing an audition for any role.
Be Prepared for Knock Backs
If you land a job from your very first audition in the performing arts industry, then you are one very lucky person! You should fully expect to be knocked back in the first instance, so don’t expect to come away successful if you have never been to an audition before. Ask for feedback and learn from what the casting director tells you. Take all advice and critique on board and you will only become a better actor.
Complete Your Training
Make sure you see your drama school training through until the end and get as much out of this process as you can. You are probably being trained by experts who have worked in the industry themselves, so listen to everything they have to offer you and absorb every ounce of information.
Calmness and Patience is Key
Don’t get frustrated with yourself when you don’t get a job straight away. It takes an average of about three years until an actor lands a job they really want. Stay calm, be patient and enjoy the process of trying to chase your dream career.
Deciding to become an actor is brave decision that you should never look back on. If it’s something you are truly passionate about you will stick it out until the end and do everything you need to do in order to succeed. As long as you have a thick skin and never doubt your own talents and abilities, you will be able to get your dream job one day. Whether you are performing on stage in a musical on Broadway or you land a role in a popular television program, there are so many avenues you can follow and so much excitement to look forward to on this journey.