Enroll in acting classes and community theater programs as a young actor. No matter how competitive or well-funded, these experiences will help you build up a strong acting résumé. Look for programs that encourage improvisation and cold reading skills.
Attend a four-year university and major in theater or performing arts. Two-year programs are also an option, as well as local acting classes taught by industry professionals well-versed in Meisner, Stanislavski or other noted acting methods.
Take professional, full-color headshots with a photographer who is used to shooting actors. For TV commercial work, choose a few different looks that you or your agent can use to submit you for auditions (girl-next-door, business, sportswear). For TV episodic work, you will want a full-color photo that is more dramatic and shows three-quarters of your body (from head to hip).
Reproduce your headshots on heavy-gauge card stock paper so that they can support a résumé stapled to the back. They should be glossy and 8 by 10 inches in size. Lithographs are the industry standard as opposed to photo reproductions.
Move to Los Angeles or New York if you want to pursue your acting full-time. These markets are the centers of all entertainment production. Vancouver, British Columbia is also a viable market for some actors.
Get a job that allows you to audition and do acting work during the day. This could be a night job or a position that allows you to work from home.
Land an agent through an actor referral or mail submissions. In Los Angeles, in particular, mailings are less effective than referrals. Although there is no set way to get an agent, these representatives are crucial in helping you build a solid TV career, so finding one is a priority.
Meet other actors through extra work or peer groups. Central Casting in Los Angeles is a popular agency that staffs extras in most TV productions in Hollywood.
Keep taking acting classes. You can meet other actors who can refer you to an agent and you will also continue to hone your craft. Find teachers who record your performance so you can review and improve your on-camera technique.
Attend auditions either set up through your agent or by directly submitting yourself on casting sites such as LA Casting or Actor's Access.