Have you ever stood in front of a mirror and imitated a favorite movie scene, or imagined yourself receiving the Image Trophy? Instead of just dreaming of being the star of the latest movie, start learning different ways to be able to appear on the big screen. While that means it will take a lot of hard work and years to land a role, there are some basic steps you can take to start an acting career.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Getting Started
Step 1. Read a book about acting
One way to get to know the world of acting is to read books written by acting teachers. You can learn acting techniques and methods, the audition process, and the best way to start an acting career.
Two good acting books that are widely used as references are Sanford Meisner on Acting by Sanford Meisner and Dennis Longwell, or The Art Of Acting by Stella Adler. These books teach you what you will face as an actor
Step 2. Learn about great performance
While acting lessons are a great start, you can learn a lot by watching classic films. Each film teaches various acting skills, such as instinct, character development, stage direction, movement, and physicality. There are important skills and abilities that you must learn as an actor, and one way to do that is to watch professional actors. Here are some of the leading actors who showcased their talents in famous films:
- Rano Karno in the movie Taxi
- Dian Sastrowardoyo in the film Kartini
- Johnny Cash in the movie Walk the Line
- Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada
Step 3. Consider your schedule
Acting is time-consuming, and if you're serious about a career in acting, you'll need to dedicate more time than just weekends. If your current job is very time-consuming, you may want to consider another job with shorter hours or a more flexible schedule.
Many people who aspire to become actors work in the culinary industry as waitresses or bartenders. Restaurants and bars are great places to make money and the opportunity to change schedules with other employees if you suddenly have to audition, or only work hours that will allow you to keep auditioning
Step 4. Prepare finances
Many aspiring actors are surprised to find out how much time it takes to audition, memorize lines, and develop an acting career. Once you realize that, you may need to cut your hours or be tempted to quit your job to focus on acting. Before making any drastic decisions about work, make sure you have some savings in stock. Don't let yourself be unable to pay the bills while you're still looking for a profitable role.
Step 5. Take acting lessons and training
With an internet search, you can find the nearest acting school that offers a variety of lessons. Before joining, do some research on schools and teachers to make sure they offer what you're looking for. As a first step, it's important that you take lessons that teach the basics of acting so you can develop a solid foundation.
Look for schools that teach you how to decipher scripts, create real characters, and show you how to have a strong, flexible body and voice
Step 6. Talk to other actors
By sharing your stories and experiences, you will learn the ups and downs of auditioning and pursuing a career in acting. Talking to actors and aspiring actors will enlighten you, and help mentally prepare for what lies ahead. You can also learn tips and get advice from people who have gone through what you are now struggling with. Here are examples of questions you may need to ask:
- "How are the days of people pursuing an acting career?"
- "How many times have you been rejected after an audition?"
- "How many auditions do you go to in a week?"
- "How much money do I need to get started?"
- "Do you have any suggestions for beginners like me?"
Step 7. Decide what type of acting you want
There are many types of acting jobs, and by deciding what type you want, you can narrow your focus and find what you're looking for. Here are different areas of acting to consider:
- Movies or soap operas
- Television presenter
- Advertisement
- Theater
Method 2 of 5: Preparing Important Materials
Step 1. Have a half body photo
Photos are very important because casting directors use them to get a basic idea of who you are so they can decide if they want you to audition. It's a good idea to take photos by professional photographers so that they are of good quality and can show that you are serious about acting.
- While it can be quite expensive at times, you only need two great photos to get started.
- The cost of a professional photo varies greatly with the quality also varying. So make sure you do your research before deciding. Don't go over budget, but remember that the photo must catch the casting director's attention.
Step 2. Create an acting resume
Resumes must be professional and error free. An acting resume must include personal statistics such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and body size. Include work previously performed, training received or currently undertaken, related experience, talents, and abilities. Here are other things to include on a resume:
- Contact information so acting agents can contact you.
- The acting membership you have.
- The type of role you believe is appropriate to inform agents and recruiters of your type. For example, state that you want a leading role, a supporting role, a narrative reader role, or a role without dialogue such as an extra or stunt double.
- Mastered language. Language skills can open up opportunities for many roles.
Step 3. Write a cover letter
Cover letters are an opportunity to create a personal connection, and add a professional element to the audition process. The content should be tailored to the specific job you are looking for. Below are some of the important things to include:
- Begin the letter with a greeting, and explain your interest in the specific role.
- State where you went to school, what you are currently working on to support your acting career, and what your goals are. The information shows your commitment.
- Inform about your best achievements in acting, or whatever you are currently working on. It shows that you have the ability and experience.
- Suggest that they look at your photos and resume to see what type of actor you are.
Step 4. Build a portfolio
You can organize a portfolio of photos, acting resumes, cover letters, and business cards in binders or folders. A portfolio is a medium for gathering all the important material in an organized place. If you've acted, save the footage on DVD or digital storage ready to show the casting director or agent.
Method 3 of 5: Finding Acting Jobs
Step 1. Find an acting agency or management
Acting agencies or management make use of contacts and inside information to help aspiring actors find jobs. They want you to work so they can make money too. They will arrange a meeting with the casting director and get an audition for you. Your information and skills will be sent to a suitable project for you. They also receive information you can't access, such as why you didn't get a role. Bitter criticism is hard to accept, but it will help your development as an actor.
- Try to find an agent or manager who is a member of a film or artist organization. They have more connections, and can represent you better.
- To find a manager, try searching the internet and tagging the people you feel are appropriate. You can read reviews about them and check if they have been involved in a legal case or dispute.
- Once you've found a suitable manager, arrange a meeting or send your portfolio, and pray that they'll be interested in working with you.
- Never pay a manager before you get a job.
Step 2. Find an audition yourself
If you don't have an agency or manager, or want to experience the audition process for yourself, start an internet search to check out local auditions. There are several producers announcing new projects and auditions that you can view for free.
Be wary of audition sites that ask you to pay a certain amount of money to register. Usually, these sites are just scams
Step 3. Prepare for the audition
One of the most important things you should do for an audition is memorize the script. It shows that you are serious and professional. In addition to knowing the dialogue, make sure you also understand the characters. Practice beforehand at home, in front of a mirror or other people, to understand roles and build self-confidence. You have to practice enough so that the acting feels natural and convincing.
Step 4. Have good manners
If you come across as disrespectful to people, no matter how good you look at the audition, your chances of getting the role will be lost. Here are some tips to keep in mind when auditioning:
- Do not touch equipment or food at the audition venue. You are a guest, and should appreciate everything and everyone there.
- Leave personal habits outside. Don't smoke or chew gum during auditions, unless it's part of the role.
- After the audition, thank the casting director and anyone else who helped you land the audition.
Step 5. Consider moving to another city that offers more acting opportunities
Acting auditions are not available everywhere, and if you want to increase your opportunities for pioneering and career development, you may need to move to a city that provides many audition opportunities and forms connections with people in the acting world.
Although Jakarta is the acting center of Indonesia, there are other cities that are also popular with production companies, such as Bandung, Surabaya, and Medan
Method 4 of 5: Avoiding Scams
Step 1. Take precautions
Before entering anything, make sure its legitimacy first. If an opportunity seems too good, it may be too good to be true. There are many people who want to make a lot of money by taking advantage of people who aspire to become actors. So make sure all the projects you audition for are legal and don't just want your money.
If you are unsure about the validity of the audition, please contact the PARFI/PARSI office, and present your concerns. They know this kind of information and can provide useful advice
Step 2. Watch out for audition ads
If you get information about an acting opportunity from the radio or in the newspapers, it's probably a scam. Sometimes, casting directors and producers open open auditions for films, but the information is easily accessible. Hundreds of trained actors send photos and resumes to legitimate agencies every week, and that means agencies don't have to look for "New Faces."
Step 3. Stay away from sites that charge fees
There are many seemingly professional sites that promise to get you auditions and help you become an actor for a fee. However, such sites are scams that will do nothing but take your money.
Step 4. Don't pay talent agencies for photos
If a talent agency wants to charge you for a photo, it's probably a scam. The talent agency took advantage of inexperienced actors by convincing them that they had to pay for the photos. No reason to pay. If you find yourself in a situation like this, don't hesitate to head for the exit.
Method 5 of 5: Developing an Acting Career
Step 1. Get a lot of experience
Take advantage of anything that can hone your skills. Consider community theatre, low-budget projects, student films, commercials, or indie films. Also, look for behind-the-scenes work on TV, movies, or commercials to learn as much as you can.
- Film students at art colleges usually advertise the need for actors for their projects. So, try those roles as an experience.
- Actors who are just starting out shouldn't look away from minor roles or roles they don't think are suitable. All acting jobs are opportunities to practice acting and develop skills and experience.
- You never know what role will lead you to another.
Step 2. Take time each day to hone your skills
Regardless of whether you dedicate all of your free time to pursuing an acting career or just a regular side job at the office, try to devote at least an hour to realizing your goals in acting. You can search for a new audition, take an acting class, watch a play, study a film, or update your resume. There is always a lot to be done. So, try to do one thing every day.
Step 3. Use feedback to improve acting
No matter how long you act or how many classes you've taken, there's no end to learning. There is always something to improve, develop, or challenge. You have to be open to suggestions and willing to change.
When a casting director or acting instructor makes a suggestion, don't deny it and be offended. Listen to criticism, and ask for their advice so you can do better
Step 4. Be prepared for a lot of rejection
You could go for ten auditions and not get a single call. Reality is heavy for the ego and spirit. Remember that rejection is part of the business. Competition is fierce, and you won't get all the roles you want. Sometimes, the agency will tell you what the casting director doesn't like about you or your audition, and you should be prepared to hear that. Instead of feeling inferior, think that criticism can help you improve for your next audition.
- Realize that there may not be anything wrong with your audition, but the casting director may already have a specific idea, and you're not in it. Be patient, and don't stop auditioning.
- Acting is not for people with weak willpower. When you feel tired, remember that most actors have experienced it.
- Find emotional support by chatting with other actors about their struggles and fears.
