Tips to become a successful actor!

Tuesday, January 1st @ 1:37 PMpost viewed 612 times

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 Tips to become a Successful Actor!

1. Overnight discoveries are a myth and occur once in a million. Upon closer inspection, most "overnight discoveries" have been performing for years. The bottom line is: you must have talent. Were you ever in a school play where your acting teacher, fellow classmates, the audience - and yourself - were completely amazed at how well you portrayed your character? If that happened, then you possibly have talent. Talent and the desire will motivate you to succeed.

2. Educate yourself! Learn about the business end of performing and film making. The more you know, the more it will help you. Acting is a craft. It is something you spend your life learning. Read books on acting auditions, the right monologues for you; take acting classes; attend acting camps, acting workshops, audition workshops; watch DVD's on acting methods; go to seminars; get an acting coach. Do a certificate or degree in Film Arts at a university or local community college. Find the right monologues for you to prepare for your audition (not all casting directors require a monologue for each role; but if you have one prepared, great!). Read the audition tips on this website.  If you want an acting coach, find the one that is just right for you. Attend a film school.

3. Watch films! Different genres: comedies, drama, action, thriller, sci-fi. Watch movies from different countries. Watch critically: why did you find one particular character more convincing than others? What would you have done differently? Today you can have satellite TV, cable, movies on the Internet, movies delivered to your front door, movies that you can download directly on your computer.

4. Talent agents are a great source of information. In order to register with a talent agency have your tools ready: your headshot and a resume. Read the article on headshots on this website. The resume should include your name, contact details, age, height, weight, skills, training and experience ( or the lack of it). Any agency that ask for money upfront is not a legitimate agency. Be cautious if an agent insist taking your head shots himself. Sometimes these people will work with a photographer and just scam people by charging them a large amount for pictures while they can't really get them much work, if any. It is a good idea to get a list of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) agents in your area. Talk to other actors about the talent agencies that are representing them and how they feel about them.

 

5. Audition! Take that first bold step. Go to that first audition. Casting calls are posted frequently on this website. Read the audition calls everyday. One day the role that is just right for you will appear. Don't give up... If you don't get the role you auditioned for, don't lose heart. Read the audition tips on this website.

6. Act! Always be performing. Somewhere, anywhere. For pay or for free. Do it for the love of acting, not because you think you will get rich. Most actors are what is called "working actors". They have other jobs to support them - until they get their big break. Act because you love it. This website posts casting calls frequently - check them out every day.

7. Know how to develop a character. Understand how the character interacts with the other characters. Know what role your character represents....the protagonist, antagonist...etc.

8. Learn about psychology, emotions, human nature. Actors portray emotions. Observe people. Learn how different people interact.

9. Learn physical movement. Learn about it and learn to do it. Jim Carey is a great physical movement actor - a bit over the top, but you know what I mean with physical movement. Know how to move on stage. Know how to move on camera. They are different.

10. Know how to break down a scene and/or analyze the scene and the entire play/screenplay.

11. Learn and know your lines. To forget a line now and then is OK; but don't make it a habit. Sometimes it is also OK to improvise if you forget a line. Sometimes the director will like it; sometimes he or she won't - don't argue.

12. Learn and know the "language " of actors. Learn the technical terms of the performing arts industry. Know basic technical information and terms. Actors who know things like what a "first position" is are much easier and pleasant to work with than actors who don't know how to work with crew. Read "The Glossary of Acting Terms" on this website!

13. Learn different techniques of acting; e.g. Stanislovsky, Meisner, etc.

14. During rehearsals on a set or on stage, know when to talk and when to listen.

15. Show up on time. Waiting on an actor can cost the production a lot of money.

16. Don't show up on the set stoned or drunk. You can get hurt on the set and if this happens a lot nobody will want to work with you.

17. Have fun on the set but don't be obnoxious.

18. Follow directions: Do what you are asked to do and go where you are asked to go. Wait in the area you area asked to wait. Stand where you are asked to stand.

19. It's ok to talk to the crew when they have time and they not busy working. Don't be afraid to ask questions about terms you hear crew members saying or what a piece of equipment is called or what it does. Don't think the crew don't have any influence on actors getting jobs. They work on different assignments with different producers and directors and see various actors perform. They will certainly make recommendations to a casting director if asked. They will also remember which actors were especially obnoxious and pass that information on.

20. Establish a good relationship with the press - you need them to help you be successful.

21. Treat your fans (if you have any) well. Be nice and kind - and grateful!

22. Keep in shape and care for your appearance. Straighten those crooked teeth; whiten those teeth; get rid of that acne. If you are overweight, lose weight.

23. Always keep two or more heashots and resumes in your car - you never know who you may bump into. And never be caught without a business card - it is small enough to be kept in a purse or back pocket.

24. Market yourself on your own website or webpage. Remember: Subscribers to this website get a free webpage! Note your website address on your business card.

Are you ready to turn your acting dreams into reality? Do you want to pursue a career on stage or screen? Then Becoming a successful actor, which is packed with over 1,000 tips from industry professionals is for you. For more information, visit, click here or on the image below: 

www.usafilmproduction.com if you are serious in becoming an actor!