Every actor or actress has to start at some point, and you can start now! Acting is a world that is both fun and challenging, be it film, theater or television. If you are willing to learn, put in the effort, and are dedicated, an acting career will soon open up.
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Part 1 of 3: Learn Acting
Step 1. Take an acting course
If you want to act, start by answering this question: is acting a hobby or a career? You'll find it easier to explore the world if you know what you're aiming for (no full plan needed, just an overview). Decide what acting you want to study first, whether theater, musical, improv, television, film, or something else. Then, look for teachers and courses in your area.
Take the course for at least six months, giving yourself a chance to explore. If you like it, continue. After completing the first course, it is a good idea to take a course in another acting field to see if you are interested in that type of acting
Step 2. Watch plays and movies
Even though you have to take courses and get real experience, you can also learn a lot by sitting on the couch and watching a movie. Study your favorite films to learn important techniques in acting from actors and actresses on screen, such as character development, physical demeanor, diction, and reaction. You can also learn about stage actors and actresses by watching plays. Absorb whatever you see.
- If you want to star in a film or commercial, there are several methods of acting to learn. Choose your favorite commercial or movie scene, and try to imitate it.
- If you want to go to theater or musicals, study plays and musicals. Observe an actor's best performance and what could be improved. Apply what you learn from the play to your own acting.
Step 3. Make friends with other actors
Acting is a community, not a solo hobby. So you should be comfortable working with other people. Many actors enjoy dialogue, talk about the creative process, and share stories. Make friends with some of the actors, and learn from them. They may be able to advise or recommend you for an audition.
Step 4. Don't go straight to the big market
Being an actor in a big city is hard enough for actors and actresses who have years of training and experience. If you don't have experience, it's best to start in your own city. Almost all cities have a theater club which is a perfect place to start. You can also work with students or local filmmakers if you are more interested in film and television.
- If you are from Jakarta, for example, that's okay. Focus auditions in community theater or independent film. There are many small community theaters in big cities that will give you a great experience.
- If you decide to become a serious actor, moving to a big city is a smart move to get the best practice. However, wait until you have decided to move on to the next stage.
Step 5. Try volunteering at a local theater
Local community theaters are always looking for volunteers to help with property, setting, costumes, etc. This is an opportunity to learn about the actors in practice, familiarize yourself with the world of acting, and introduce yourself to people in the industry.
If the theater is holding auditions, do a monologue play. You already know them so that audition is the perfect start. They will also give you useful feedback
Part 2 of 3: Get to Work
Step 1. Take an audition
New actors need experience. You may have to start from a free role, but the experience is valuable and any role played can be added to the resume. For example, if a car dealer in your city needs an ad, offer to star in it. Go to your local university and audition for a university play or student film. Free projects like these will fill out your resume and get you used to auditions and acting. There is no better way to learn acting than acting.
- Usually, actors take hundreds of auditions and only get a few calls. If you're new, auditioning is more like a learning experience than a path to getting a role. Take lessons from each audition and ask for feedback.
- Look for audition announcements online. Audition calls for TV, movies, commercials, and theater are usually announced on the internet
- In addition, also look for information in newspapers or other media.
Step 2. Accept almost any role
As a new actor, it's important that you gain experience, play a variety of characters, and build a resume. Even if certain characters are different from the ones you normally play, they will add something new to your resume. This shows that you can play any role, are easy to work with, and eager to get involved in many types of projects.
- If you are given a role that is very contrary to your morals or principles, there is no need to accept it. You can turn down roles that make you uncomfortable.
- Once your career has started to advance and your resume has started to develop, you can choose a role and a job. However, before that, get as many jobs as possible.
Step 3. Learn some special skills
For an inexperienced actor, auditioning against a professional actor is certainly very difficult and scary. This is where special abilities will help. Certain skills such as horseback riding, foreign languages, tennis, or singing can help you win over roles from other actors. You never know that a role will require such special abilities. So, always try to learn new skills.
Step 4. Audition for commercials
While commercials may not be your dream, auditioning for commercials will provide a great experience working with cameras and sets. Advertising is a useful exercise to support a larger role in the future.
Step 5. Be an extra in the film
Extras are a great way to get into acting and make some money. The struggle of new actors is exhausting, especially financially. So look for auditions for movie extras. You can meet people in the film industry and write the film on a resume.
There are many extra auditions announced on the internet, but you can also contact an agency that specializes in extra auditioning. You must provide a photo and a resume. Contact the agency by phone, email, or in person. Look for local agencies in your city
Part 3 of 3: Marketing Yourself
Step 1. Have a photo of the face
Face shots are a professional photo that all actors should have. This photo must be included in the audition application along with the resume. Have a few photos for variety in different auditions. Make sure your photos sound professional, but don't be afraid to show a little personality.
Photos are required for all types of acting: films, commercials, plays, musicals, etc
Step 2. Create a resume
A resume is a document that lists your previous acting, education, and project experiences. Create a resume that looks professional as you will be using it for auditions with directors, producers, agents, managers, etc. Creating a resume as a new actor can sometimes be difficult, which is why you may need to audition a lot, be a film extra, or volunteer at a local community theatre. All of these are valuable additions to a resume.
You will also need to create an online portfolio/resume. As technology evolves, some directors also prefer to look at actor credentials on the internet rather than print resumes. Fill out a portfolio on several audition sites, in case someone important will see your resume
Step 3. Make a video about your acting experience
These videos are usually 2-3 minutes long, highlighting the best work you've done in your acting career. You will also need to record each role played. Videos are a great way to show your acting skills, flexibility, and experience.
- Provide online and physical videos.
- Ask a professional video maker to do it. Video is an important tool for marketing yourself as an actor. So, make a professional video.
- Update the video every time you have a new recording. Videos should be updated as they are the best representation of yourself and your acting.
Step 4. Know your type
While flexibility in roles is a great dimension as an actor, you still have to have a "type." We are all born unique, and there's no denying that. Actors are free to recognize uniqueness, hone, and take advantage of it. For example, are you the smart and tidy young lawyer type, or a guy in his early 30s who doesn't have a steady job? Are you a popular girl or a nerd? By recognizing your type, you can audition for certain and build character strengths.
You can still role-play outside of the type, but you can penetrate the industry more easily if you know and master the type
Step 5. Connect with people in the role industry
There is a saying, "What matters is who we know, not what we know". This expression is very true in the world of acting. Make friends with other actors and industry people, and get them to know you. Connect with directors, managers, talent agents, makeup artists, etc. You don't know who you will meet or if they can help advance your career.
As a new actor, you don't need a talent agent or manager yet. Talent agencies and managers will come in handy once you have a lot of experience and a pretty impressive resume. However, you still need to get to know talent agents and make connections with them, if they are impressed, they may be interested in working with you
Step 6. Find an agent
When deciding to have an agent, do your research first about the agency and the agency. Look for a few that might be a good fit for you, then send in a photo and a resume with a cover letter explaining that you're looking for a new agent. Agents are hard to find, but it's easier when you build a relationship with them and develop a resume.
- Ask your actor friends, teachers, or anyone you know in the acting industry to recommend you to a good agency. If they have a personal connection with an agency, ask if they can recommend you.
- Agents receive lots of photos and resumes every day. So don't be disappointed if you are not contacted again. You'll need to tap into multiple agencies or agencies because that will increase your chances of getting a response.
- If no agency calls, consider updating your resume and taking a new photo.
