Do you want to be an actress? Acting is one of the most valued professions, but also one of the most difficult to pursue. Successful actresses have more than natural talents: drive, composure and high self-confidence. If you have these characteristics, consider a few points on how to start your career on stage or on the screen below.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Develop Your Talent
Step 1. Sign up for an acting class
Acting classes can help you discover your strengths as an actress. Some actresses shine in the field of drama, while others are more talented as comedians. You may find that your calling is Shakespearean play or musical theatre. Whatever the outcome, acting classes help you develop and live your character, work with other actors and receive direction.
- You can start with improv classes. Many people think of comedy immediately when they hear the word "improv" but improv classes actually teach basic drama skills too. This type of acting trains you to pay attention to cues and react quickly. You will learn to react naturally to other people's cues and ignore your personal criticism.
- Acting classes will help you understand the art of role-playing from a different angle through "scene studies". Generally you will be given roles from several scenes that you will practice throughout the semester. Then, you will discuss in class about the meaning of the scene and the intention of the scriptwriter. Criticism will be given and you will soon be able to put the skills you learn into practice.
- After you pass basic acting classes, you can choose film or stage specific classes, which require different skills. Experiment with both to find what works best for you.
- You may want to enroll in an acting program at a college and seek a degree in acting, but if you're not ready to commit to an intensive program, try looking for classes at a theater arts college or school.
Step 2. Dig into acting techniques
There are many different approaches to acting, each offering understanding and training in exploring and expressing emotions.
- The Stanislavski method can build character and offer script analysis. Examples of actresses who are trained with this method are Stella Adler and Marilyn Monroe.
- Meisner's technique focuses on role-based character development and actor response. Meisner actresses include Tina Fey, Jessica Walter and Naomi Watts..
- Method Acting adopts your character's behavior and mindset, and immerses them throughout production. Examples of method actresses: Kate Winslet, Natalie Portman and Tippi Hedron.
Step 3. Learn the role of women
Once you know your strengths as an actress and what kind of career you want to pursue, study the big actresses. If you want to work in the film industry, watch the films of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Judy Dench. If your goal is short comedy, watch Saturday Night Live or Opera Van Java. And if you want to be a stage actress, visit your local theater for regular shows.
Step 4. Observe people
Your daily interactions can be a source of knowledge. Studying emotional reactions to various situations can help you develop emotional boundaries while studying facial expressions, speech patterns and body language can equip you to build character and equip you for performances.
Step 5. Develop unique skills & talents
You never know when there will be auditions for actresses who can speak French, play piano, juggle, or somersault. It's important to be armed with unique talents that can set you apart from the rest. Plus, you might even be able to use those talents to give your character depth and dimension.
Step 6. Read a book about acting
Many good books offer valuable advice for aspiring actors/actresses, including:
- The Intent to Live, by Larry Moss
- Audition, by Michael Shurtleff
- An Actor Prepares, by Constantin Stanislavski
Method 2 of 3: Audition Preparation
Step 1. Memorize the monologue
Always prepare two to five monologues to act out. You never know when an opportunity will come and it's better to be prepared than memorize it at the last minute.
- Make sure that the monologues are different. If one is drama, the other should be comedy. Likewise for periods, it is better to have one modern and one classic or Shakespeare monologue.
- You will stand out more if you choose a unique monologue. Look in books and monologue films that can help show your special talents; the more unique it is, the less likely the casting director has seen or heard the monologue before.
Step 2. Create a passport photo
You will need a passport photo to get an agent and to audition for an open casting call.
- Work with a professional photographer who specializes in photoshoots of actors/actresses, and make sure that the photographer provides make-up and hairstyling services.
- Know your type. Roles are written for specific looks and types, and you need to have a photo that fits the casting criteria. If your appearance and acting age group is "high school cheerleading," include those criteria in your photo package. Likewise, if you deserve to be a vampire, city mom or villain's wife, take photos that capture that aspect of your appearance.
- Request an electronic copy of your passport photo. Some agencies may ask you to email your resume and passport photo.
- Make sure that the printed photo is the same size as your resume. If you want to print your resume on folio-sized paper, your passport photos must also be the same size. This way you will appear more professional.
Step 3. Create a demo recording
The demo tape contains footage showing your acting. Make sure your shows are filmed and rearranged with the director for use on recordings. The site www.productionapprentice.com/tutorials/general/create-a-winning-demo-reel-that-people-will-actually-watch/ provides tips on how to mix demo footage for different casting directors.
Step 4. Find a talent agency
It is important that you get an agent who is registered and has a business license. Many people claim to be agents. Legitimate agents are registered by the state and generally receive 10% of your income.
- The best way to meet agents is to attend a casting workshop. Casting workshops are opportunities to audition before casting agents and directors. You have to pay to participate, but it's a fantastic way to introduce your name & face. Do a search for casting workshops online in your area.
- Look for a list of trusted talent agencies; an example is The Call Sheet, which can be accessed at www.backstage.com. Another example is the list of agents from the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) website, www.sagaftra.org.
Step 5. Be part of a role-playing union
For example, in the United States, an actress can obtain a SAG-AFTRA card or Actors Equity Card.
- SAG-AFTRA is a small screen actor union. SAG-AFTRA can find higher paying (and more prestigious) jobs, provide health insurance and ensure that your work is not abused. The union also opens up many audition opportunities, as agents have access to union phone calls.
- Actors' Equity is a union of stage actors. As above, this union provides health insurance and ensures a fair salary and good working conditions. Equity members can also participate in workshops and seminars and have access to more auditions.
Method 3 of 3: Getting a Role
Step 1. Take an audition
If you have an agent, he or she will find you an audition. Otherwise, visit www.backstage.com and other actor-only sites to find auditions in your city.
Come to auditions as often as possible. Even if you don't get a role, you can continue to train yourself
Step 2. Choose your monologue
Be prepared to read a monologue that seems appropriate for your intended role. Keep in mind that you should prepare several monologues just in case you are asked to read more than one.
Dress according to your role. If you read the role of a businesswoman, wear a formal suit and shoes
Step 3. Prepare for an impromptu reading
You may be given material to read without practicing first. You can prepare for this by reading various scripts and monologues. Practice with a friend to imitate the experience of reading in front of an audience.
Step 4. You should be thick skinned
Auditions will always be judged and often even rejected. Sometimes even though you look good, you are not what they are looking for. Other times, you may forget dialogue. Get rid of disappointment and keep trying. Keep in mind that even if they don't hire you, casting directors are generally sympathetic to the difficult audition process
Step 5. Keep trying
Auditions will be a part of your acting career forever. Think of auditions as part of your job. If you start accepting roles, use what you've learned at your next audition. It may take years for you to earn enough as an actress, but keep fighting. As you continue to hone your skills and learn more about acting, more opportunities will open up to you.
Tips
- Take advantage of your uniqueness. Just because you don't think you're beautiful doesn't mean your face isn't suitable for all kinds of roles and characters
- Since these jobs are sometimes inconsistent, it's best if you have a regular job to rely on. Make sure this job has flexible hours so you can attend auditions, which are often in the middle of the week. Good jobs for actresses include shift work such as waiters and waitresses. If you want a more established but flexible career, you can become a hairstylist or fitness trainer.
- Build relationships with fellow actresses. Even though they are competitive, they can help you at any time. These fellows can coach you on auditions and can often recommend someone whose work they respect.
Warning
- An acting career doesn't guarantee you will become famous, so if you commit to doing it, it must be based on a love of art.
- Many people, including photographers and agents, are not averse to exploiting your hopes and dreams for their own benefit. Make sure that the people you work with have good references. Never pay in advance and refuse nude photos.
