You know best the natural talents and passions you possess.
If you have ever been dubbed the class clown, perhaps you would enjoy working on a sitcom or comedy film. If Shakespeare is your literature of choice, a one-hour TV drama, soap opera, live theater or dramatic film may be the right fit for you.
The key is to know yourself and pursue the genre that naturally suits your personality.
Becoming an actor can be a very competitive process. To set yourself apart from the competition, attend a fine arts school or take acting classes at a local university or community center. The idea is to do your research and look for every opportunity to gain, maintain and even improve the skills needed for acting.
Everyone has a favorite actor. Study your favorites. Watch how they deliver their lines and interact with other actors in a scene. It is also helpful to read books and magazine articles about successful actors, to learn the path they took to get to where you want to be.
Though the path to becoming an actor may seem difficult, remember you are not alone. Check online forums to find networks of people who share your aspirations. There are even acting job opportunities posted through such groups. If nothing else, you will receive valuable insight from the experiences of others.
Los Angeles and New York have long been heralded as the best cities for aspiring actors. After all, most TV shows and movies throughout history have been filmed in these locations. However, over the past few years, other cities such as Chicago and Atlanta have emerged as the home for up-and-coming movie studios and production companies. If you want to be close to the action, you may consider moving to one of these cities.
Before you respond to a casting call, be certain to have a professional headshot taken that represents you well. Find a local photographer who has a proven track record for taking compelling headshots and a portfolio that reflects this. You will need this headshot not only for the audition, but to land an agent who can represent you throughout your career.
If you are lucky enough to land an audition, prepare for it as you would any other job interview. Consider the character you are being asked to portray and focus on becoming that person. Practice playing the character in a scene with one of your friends. Study the work of actors who have played similar characters in the past.
Arrive at the audition early with your best headshot and resume. To really set yourself apart, you may consider arriving dressed as you would envision the character dressing. This could help shape the perception of the panel judging your audition.