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How to Become a Nigerian Actor

Actors are in a perpetual state of submitting resumes, auditioning, and enduring long lengths of uncertainty and self-doubt. One of the most important parts of being an actor is recognizing that acting, though an art, is still a business. An essential part of every business is brand image. The more specific you are in how you display yourself, the better the chances you'll be cast. Being Nigerian can help you receive some roles, sometimes because of your nationality and sometimes because you can play the more general role of an African.

Things You'll Need

  • Headshots
  • Resume
  • Pen
  • Scissors or cutting edge
  • Manila envelopes
  • Postage stamps
  • Computer
  • Internet access
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide where you wish to reside as an actor, in Los Angeles or New York City. In LA, there is more television and film work. In New York City, there is much more theater and regional theater work. Print out your resume onto the back of your headshot or print out copies of your resume on paper. Then staple your resume onto the back of your headshot. Trim spare paper from your resume so the edges line up with your headshot print, using a pair of scissors or a cutting edge.

    • 2

      Search through the Equity Membership Candidacy program participating theater list on the Actor's Equity Association Union website.

    • 3

      Buy the weekly "Backstage" periodical or purchase a subscription. Read the audition submissions and find characters that are open for audition. Write down the company holding auditions, the date, time and location of the audition, the shows and what you should bring to the audition.

    • 4

      Sift through the "Playbill" website's job listing pages for auditions that include roles for Nigerians or Africans. Email a digital copy of your headshot and resume to the company or mail a hard copy of your headshot and resume in a manila envelope to the theater by postal service.

    • 5

      Research websites of theaters that produce multicultural productions. Write down the company holding auditions, the date, time and location of the audition, the shows and what you should bring to the audition. Submit your headshot and resume to the company through the route they specify online.

    • 6

      Research every theater where you are auditioning and read as many plays as you can that are relative to your auditions. Prepare yourself and write under the special interest area of your resume that you are Nigerian. Add, if applicable, any Nigerian languages you speak fluently.

Screen Acting

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