There are various ways to get a chance to become an actor. Training as an actor and having an extensive network with people who work in television, film, and/or theater can help smooth your path. Also, accept as many roles as possible, even if they are small, insignificant ones. Lastly, you have to keep working hard to improve the quality of your acting with every role you accept.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Take Training and Promote Yourself
Step 1. Take the training
Join an acting class, preferably at a university or arts institute. Practicing with an acting teacher or drama instructor will allow you to identify acting strategies that can help evoke or correct certain emotions, project your voice appropriately in a variety of dramatic contexts, and get feedback on your performance.
To increase your chances of building a career as an actor, you must have received a minimum of five years of training
Step 2. Learn about the industry
Read biographies of great theater actors, television stars, and/or film actors. Look for detailed information about how they got the opportunity to become an actor and if possible follow the same path to achieve fame. In addition, you need to read magazines that cover the intricacies of the industry to learn the latest trends and tips that can help you break through and gain recognition as an actor.
Step 3. Promote yourself
Write articles on blogs about successful projects you've been involved in. Include information about other well-known actors collaborating, your roles, and the total number of ticket sales. Use social media to talk about the latest roles, and links to your personal site and promo videos.
Never refuse to do an interview
Step 4. Find and choose a role that suits your acting style
Don't waste time sending your portfolio, resume, and general cover letter to production houses or theaters. Instead, send a quick email to an agent or casting director who can truly appreciate and put your talents to good use. Explain exactly why you are the right person for the role.
Step 5. Build a network
Show a friendly and welcoming attitude with your drama school classmates and teachers, your film or theater production director and producer, and the agents who help you land roles. Fascinate industry professionals by laughing at their jokes, and accepting invitations to as many gatherings as possible.
- Make recommendations to other actors or industry professionals you respect. They will probably do the same for you.
- When you meet actors or other professionals from the world of film, television, or theatre, don't immediately ask for help getting a role. Build a relationship with them first and let them get to know you.
- Network with budding and established actors. You can learn something from both, and each can give you new opportunities.
Step 6. Choose the right place to live
In general, to build a career as an actor, you have to move to a big city. For example, in Indonesia you may have to move to Jakarta, Bandung, or Surabaya. If you live in India, Mumbai is the city to go to. Or, if you live in Canada, Vancouver and Toronto are the best options. If you want to go international, you can consider Paris, London, Los Angeles/Hollywood, and many more. Choose the best city for a chance as an actor and move there.
The city you choose can determine the type of acting you can do. For example, if you are interested in theater, you can choose a city like Jakarta or Yogyakarta, while if you want to focus on films, you should focus on Jakarta
Method 2 of 3: Working as an Actor
Step 1. Accept as many roles as possible
Being involved in multiple productions will increase your chances of being recognized in two different ways. First, accepting all roles will give you a lot of experience and increase your track record. Second, being on stage or in front of a camera allows you to meet people who work in this industry and your name will continue to resonate with professionals and the public.
- For example, if possible, take on two roles (or several minor roles) at once.
- If you are involved in a project as a lead role, consider taking on a smaller role in another project.
Step 2. Improve and improve your acting quality
With each role, learn to express deeper emotions and develop your dramatic abilities. Listen to the director's direction and try to meet his demands and expectations.
Manuscripts can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Use a different approach for the same scene. Ask other players and the production team which scene they liked the most
Step 3. Don't turn down small roles
Some people laugh at minor roles or extras. However, these minor roles (and sometimes not featured in the credits) help you get acquainted with other actors, directors, or market participants, and give you the opportunity to impress others with your talent and professionalism. If you are offered a small role, gladly accept it.
For example, if you auditioned for the lead role, but were offered a supporting role or another minor role, forget the pride and accept the offer
Step 4. Take advantage of all opportunities
Many directors and producers are constantly on the lookout for people who have a certain “type,” and sometimes recruit people in unexpected situations. If you receive an offer to audition while walking through the mall, for example, don't turn it down.
If a director or producer approaches you while shopping at the mall or supermarket, or on vacation, say thank you and accept their offer
Method 3 of 3: Successful Audition
Step 1. Prepare to audition
Audition preparation varies widely, depending on the situation. If you're not allowed to use the script during the audition, memorize the lines by reading it aloud over and over until you can say it confidently without looking at the script. Read the script several times to identify the emotions behind the characters. Put that understanding into your acting.
- Prepare to audition. Audition preparation varies widely, depending on the situation. If you're not allowed to use the script during the audition, memorize the lines by reading it aloud over and over until you can say it confidently without looking at the script. Read the script several times to identify the emotions behind the characters. Put that understanding into your acting.
- Also, note the time and location of the audition and try to arrive on time.
Step 2. Submit your resume and photo
Even if you're not the right person for the role you're looking for, you could get a role for another project. Thanks to the resume and photos you provide, theater and film studios can contact you for other more suitable roles.
You may be asked to submit a resume and photograph before the audition, or sometimes you will have to submit it right before the audition or after
Step 3. Don't keep the audition team waiting
While waiting in the lobby or waiting room for an audition, don't scatter items, such as manuscripts, notes, etc., all over the place that will take time to collect and tidy up. This will irritate the director, producer, or casting director.
Step 4. Don't waste time making small talk
Casting directors and producers don't have time to chat with you. They want to know if you can act. Introduce yourself in one short sentence (“Hello, my name is Gilang Pratama and I'll be playing a scene from Hamlet”), then jump into action as soon as you get the signal.
- They may ask for your agent's information if any.
- Also, don't waste time during auditions with questions. If you have questions, ask the agency or audition coordinator, or the person in charge of organizing the auditions.
Step 5. Role play on demand
The process of role-playing during auditions varies widely. In some cases, you are allowed to read notes or manuscripts. Sometimes, you have to memorize dialogue. Some auditions let you choose the role you want to play, while others require you to speak the lines of the roles that will be part of the production.
The rules and requirements for the roles you will play during the audition will be explained in advance
Step 6. Respect everyone
If you don't know anyone involved in the audition, you won't know who is the director, producer, casting director and so on. Some of them will pave the way to the role you want, and sometimes even completely unexpected roles. Don't forget to smile and treat everyone with respect.
- Avoid inappropriate behavior, such as eating, smoking, or chewing gum in the audition room.
- Do not touch a person or their belongings.
- Thank the casting director and the rest of the audition team for the opportunity before leaving.
