In fact, the world's film industry provides a very large space for children or teenagers who want to actively participate in it, especially because the roles for children will always be there, but the actors and actresses who used to fill these roles will surely grow up. Disney Channel even recruits more than 1,200 child actors and actresses every year! Some of them don't even have professional acting experience before. Interested in exploring the industry? Check out this article for some powerful tips!
Step
Part 1 of 4: Practicing Acting Skills
Step 1. Join a local school theater group or film community
Through these organizations, you can begin to learn the right way to study play scripts, follow directions on stage, and feel comfortable in front of an audience. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to meet fellow actors from various age groups and get to know the world of acting more deeply.
Recognize the opportunities that exist where you live. In fact, many schools, religious communities, and local theater communities hold plays and involve children in them
Step 2. Watch popular movies
If you want, you can also visit a local production house to observe the professional shooting process; most importantly, try to learn how to act as a professional actor and use that knowledge to familiarize yourself with the different types of scripts and stories you will find in the acting world.
Also watch films that involve child actors and/or actresses to understand examples of roles that are generally assigned to children and youth
Step 3. Get used to appearing in front of the camera
Try acting in front of the camera and recording it. If you want, you can even upload the video on YouTube or Vimeo, you know! Use this method to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Step 4. Take an acting class
In fact, many local theater communities or film organizations provide it. Some areas also provide special acting classes that you can take during the school holidays. Take relevant classes to show your seriousness in acting and help you get to know the industry more deeply.
Part 2 of 4: Presenting Yourself
Step 1. Have a photo of yourself
In fact, aspiring actors or actresses over the age of 10 must have a headshot (a front view photo that focuses only on the face). Meanwhile, prospective actors or actresses under the age of 10 are generally allowed to include a photo of themselves without certain conditions. If you are interested in entering the world of acting, you must at least prepare one headshot photo and one clear full-body photo. Don't wear black, white, or intricately patterned clothes; make sure you also include a recent photo, yes!
Step 2. Create a resume or curriculum vitae
In the resume, include your age, height, weight, and agency that accommodates you. Include all classes in the performing arts or theater community that you have attended. In other words, show what you have – and are capable of – doing to the production team you will be working with!
Step 3. List any other abilities you have
Are you good at music or speak a foreign language that Indonesians don't usually learn? Don't hesitate to include it to distinguish your qualities from other prospective actors or actresses. Who knows, these abilities will come in handy on stage or an ad production, right?
Part 3 of 4: Join a Professional Agency
Step 1. Be careful
In addition to the many professional agencies, there are also many low-quality agencies working in the film industry. Generally, the second kind just wants your money! Remember, a professional agency will only receive payment if the actor or actress under them gets a job. Therefore, do not easily believe if there are agencies who ask you to pay registration fees and/or representation fees, or ask you to take classes and work with specific parties.
Browse the internet to find a list of various professional agencies in Indonesia, and try to contact the agency that is easiest for you to reach and is willing to supervise actors or actresses aged children and teenagers
Step 2. Prepare for an interview with the agency
In general, the agency is more interested in children who look relaxed, comfortable, and confident when being interviewed. Therefore, feel free to answer each of their questions with complete sentences instead of just “yes” or “no”. Show that you are able to focus and receive direction well. Convince them that your focus can be maintained well even though you have to follow the shooting process for a long time.
Step 3. Keep your positivity
In fact, each agency has a different vision and mission. Therefore, sometimes you receive rejection because your "look" doesn't match what they are looking for. Don't give up easily if you receive rejection. Keep trying and expand your connection!
Part 4 of 4: Auditioning
Step 1. Take as many auditions as possible
In fact, auditioning is an effective method to improve your skills. In addition, you also have the opportunity to get to know and establish professional relationships with fellow actors and/or film directors.
- Browse the internet to find information regarding child actor or actress auditions available in your area of residence.
- If you currently live in the United States, try going to the Backstage and Casting Call Hub sites which include various information related to film cast auditions for children and teenagers.
Step 2. Prepare yourself to give the best performance
To do this, make sure you get enough rest, prepare some headshots and a complete portfolio, and attend auditions on time.
- If auditioning to be a commercial star, study the product to be advertised carefully. Most likely, the agency will ask your opinion on matters relevant to the related product. Surely your value will increase in their eyes if you are able to answer the question correctly and naturally.
- If you're auditioning to play in a film, drama, or television series, at least understand the setting of the story and the characters in it.
Step 3. Prepare for a monologue
If asked to showcase your skills, try performing a monologue that you may have studied in school or community theater. If you've never performed a monologue before, try exploring various examples of monologues that are appropriate for children and teenagers to practice at the following link.
Step 4. Prepare yourself to master the script quickly
Chances are, the agency will give you a few pages of script and ask you to prepare yourself in no time. Even if the time is limited, keep trying to read the entire script in detail, determine the approach you will use when acting, and present it with confidence!
Step 5. Always remember the old saying, "There are no small roles; there are only small actors."
In fact, even though at this time you have to start your career from a very simple and “small” role, actually this role is the door to make you known by more people. Most likely, after that, even bigger roles will come your way! After all, taking on various simple roles is an ideal step for aspiring actors or actresses who are still trying to explore the industry.
Tips
- Don't forget your academic responsibilities! Believe me, even an actor is still required to have a good educational background. After all, most agencies are not willing to hire actors with poor academic backgrounds.
- Sharpen your hobby. Indeed, a quality agency will definitely look for prospective actors or actresses who have a range of experience in other fields such as cycling, sports, music, speaking foreign languages, or other abilities that can differentiate you from other potential actors.
- Practice well before auditioning!
- Don't give up if you can't get the role you want. Keep trying because you can't read the future!
- Be yourself, and treat people who don't like you wisely. After all, why care about other people's negative remarks?
- Try to stay relaxed during the audition. Remember, the audience can easily see your fears!
- Practice a few scenes from your favorite movie or television series, then record your performance. After that, watch the recording to evaluate your current performance. Keep repeating the process until you feel comfortable acting in front of the camera.
