Acting is one of the most challenging and rewarding professions out there. Alongside the high earning potential, you get the chance to work in incredible environments and collaborate with other well-known performers.
As exciting as it can be, getting a starting role isn’t easy. There are a lot of other candidates for casting agents to choose from, and you need to be able to stand out from the crowd.
Not sure where to get started? Then keep on reading! Below we are going to discuss how you can gain more experience as a beginner actor.
Work as an extra.
Many famous actors and actresses once started out as an extra. Although they are not speaking roles, being on set gives you the chance to observe how the industry works and make valuable connections for the future.
To book a role as an extra, you’ll still need to attend casting calls. Be sure to have a portfolio ready and obtain photographs from a professional, such as this headshot photographer in Los Angeles. Who knows, you may even get upgraded to a speaking role!
Attend auditions.
Even if you don’t think you could land a large role, don’t neglect auditions altogether. Although the odds of being selected may be low, they are such great learning opportunities.
You’ll gain exposure and knowledge that will improve your chances later on. It’s also good to get used to rejection. Just because something doesn’t work out, doesn’t mean that you’ll never achieve your goals!
A few tips to remember during your auditions include:
- Dress appropriately.
- Be prepared with your song or monologue.
- Introduce yourself.
- Be on time for your appointment.
- Show that you are confident.
- Don’t lie.
Find an agency and mentor.
If you haven’t already joined an agency, now is the time to do so. Alongside helping you find relevant roles they may introduce you to other jobs, including voice acting opportunities and more.
Just remember to be wary of scams as they are quite common. Always do your research and read your contract carefully before you sign anything. If you have any doubts, hire a lawyer for further advice.
A mentor can also be highly beneficial. They can provide feedback on your work and guide you through the ins and outs of the industry.
Join a theatre group.
Joining a theatre group is an excellent way to get more experience on stage. Take a look around your local town and see if there are any auditions for upcoming plays or performances.
Even if you don’t book a role, the audition process can provide further insight. You’ll gain more confidence and can ask for assistance on what you should work on improving.
Attend workshops and classes.
Another great way to gain experience as an actor is to attend related workshops and classes. Many acting schools offer beginner classes that will teach you from the ground up. This way you won’t miss any important steps.
Alternatively, workshops are a great way to network with other actors. You’ll see presentations and learn from some of the best industry professionals. They are well worth the investment!
Create your own content.
While you may wish to work for some of the top producers in the world, start your journey by creating your own content. You can collaborate with other aspiring actors, writers, and directors to develop productions and short films.
Through content creation, you can learn different aspects of directing, writing, and producing. These can then improve your overall acting skills as you can watch others who are already well-established.
You should also aim to improve your own social media following. For example, TikTok has opened up a whole new world where performers can create mini-stories and episodes for the world to watch. While growing your account can take time, it’s worth it.
Get an internship.
Internships are another wonderful way to learn more about the acting world. Contrary to what many believe, they can actually be quite fun – even if you do get stuck with some of the more tedious tasks.
Again, they can help you gain an understanding of the business side of things. All of this works in your favor, as you’ll learn what it really takes to be on a film set.
Participate in improv.
Improvisation is one of the most crucial skills in acting. It trains your mind to think quickly, embrace emotions, and act spontaneously – all of which are highly beneficial to producers and directors.
Check out if there are any local improv nights in your area. You might be surprised at how popular they are!
Read plays and scripts.
Reading plays and scripts regularly can come in handy if you wish to become an actor. You’re able to practice dialogue delivery, understand character motivation, and learn different acting techniques.
It also exposes you to different writing styles. In your mind, you can create your own personality for the character and think of unique ways to represent them.
Work on your techniques daily.
Finally, just like another other skill, acting requires daily practice. Set aside a bit of time each day to work on something, whether it’s practicing a monologue or memorizing lines.
Just 30 minutes – 1 hour a day makes a huge overall difference. You could even get some family and friends involved so that the entire process is more enjoyable.
You can find some fun drama games and warmups to try out here.
Final Words
And that’s it! Gaining experience and making it as an actor requires time, effort, and perseverance. While you may not think you will ever achieve your dreams – it is possible!
By following the tips above, you can put yourself on the right path toward success. The key is to take advantage of every opportunity and never stop learning.
The more you practice, the better you will be. Just think of how great it will feel when you finally land that big role!
