Enroll in an acting class or college. The popular show-business myth goes that actresses are just plucked from a crowd by a random agent or director. That might be true for a lucky few, however most actors and actresses work for years to learn their craft and hone their talent. There are dozens of acting classes across the state and many performing arts schools as well. Minnesota is home to the Lundstrom School of Performing Arts, Collings School of Fine Arts, as well as the Youth Performance Acting Company and many other classes that cater to aspiring and beginning performers. Rates and availability vary at each location and it is recommended that you contact each school far in advance.
Audition and act in local theater, film, and television productions. The best way to get work as a beginning actress or performer is to aggressively pursue it. There are more than 15 community theaters across the state that regularly hire amateur or beginning actors in their productions throughout the year. If film is more your focus, seek out an area school with a film or television department, as students are in constant need of actors to work in their projects throughout the year. By immersing yourself in auditions and productions, you will meet other actors in the community and establish yourself and your name.
Seek an area agent or manager. After you have built up a substantial acting resume, try submitting it to a local acting agent or manager. Include your resume, along with a head shot, and a brief statement outlining your acting philosophy or reasons why you think you would make a good candidate for their agency or firm. Rejection is an inevitable part of the acting process. It is important to be persistent. There is no sure-fire method to acquiring representation, and it will be necessary to continue to audition and find acting work independently throughout your acting career.