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The Complete Guide To Becoming An Actor: Skills, Training And Strategies

Quick Answer

Becoming an actor requires dedication to developing your craft through substantial training and practical experience. Take acting classes to build foundational skills like memorization techniques, effective vocal projection, body awareness, and imagination exercises. Study different acting methods to find an approach that resonates. Perform in community or school productions to get comfortable on stage and gain material for your resume. Research local agents and managers to understand their submission requirements. Compile marketing materials like headshots, reels, and resumes that reflect your brand. Attend open calls and auditions consistently. Develop relationships in the creative community by networking and making referrals. With substantial training, stage experience, professional materials, and persistence, aspiring actors can gain the skills and contacts necessary to break into the industry.

Introduction

Many people dream of becoming an actor and seeing their name in lights. Acting seems like an glamorous and exciting profession at first glance. But making it as a professional actor takes far more than raw talent and charismatic looks. Acting is an extremely competitive field with a high washout rate, yet also deeply fulfilling for those willing to put in the hard work.

Becoming a successful actor takes years of diligent training, constant improvement, patience through rejection, and smart career management. The acting path is filled with hardship, heartbreak, and uncertainty. But for those with the commitment and passion for the craft, it’s a deeply rewarding vocation.

If you have dreams of gracing the big screen or stage, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you’ll need on your journey towards becoming a professional actor. We’ll cover the acting skills required through training and experience, mental toughness to endure constant rejection, business savvy to manage your freelance career, and more. While the road is challenging, success is attainable for dedicated actors who continually hone their abilities. Keep reading for an in-depth look at how to make your acting aspirations a reality.

Training and Education

While some actors are self-taught, training gives you skills and confidence needed for auditions and roles. Here are some options:

Acting Classes

• Community theaters, local acting schools, universities offer acting classes. Learn basics like memorization, voice projection, movement.
• Scene study classes let you perform scenes from plays and get feedback.
• Improv classes teach you to think on your feet. Vital for acting.
• Method acting teaches you to draw on personal memories/experiences to inform your acting.

Formal Education

Getting a university degree in theater or acting gives a strong foundation. You'll take classes on:

• Acting fundamentals and different techniques
• Voice, speech, movement, dance
• Theater/acting history
• Stage production
• Theater technology
• Directing
• Playwriting
• Theater management

A BFA or MFA specifically in acting gives intensive training. Applying what you learn in university productions is invaluable.

Private Coaching

Many actors work with private acting coaches throughout careers. Helps you hone skills, prepare for big auditions. Can be expensive but wise investment.

Gaining Experience

Ultimately, nothing teaches you more than hands-on acting experience. Here are paths to get experience:

Community Theater

Great way to start out. Smaller time commitment and pressure than professional gigs. Build fundamental skills like rehearsing, collaborating with directors/other actors, taking direction.

Drama School Productions

If you attend a university drama program, perform as much as possible in their productions. Apply what you're learning in class to live performances.

Background Work

Doing extra or background work for TV/movies gets you on professional sets. Observe how productions run, get comfortable on camera. Can lead to speaking roles.

Improv/Sketch Comedy

Joining an improv troupe or sketch comedy group gives stage experience. Improves thinking on your feet. Sketch writing skills could lead to bigger comedic opportunities.

Commercials/Voice Acting

Great way to get introduced to TV/film acting. Build resume credits. Commercial auditions favor fresh faces so ideal for newcomers. Voice acting similarly develops on-mic skills.

Smaller/Independent Films

Indie films generally have smaller budgets so accept less experienced actors. Opportunity to build reel and get on-set experience. Work with up-and-coming directors.

Theater Tours/Cruise Ships

Touring with theater productions or working as ship entertainers gets you consistent paying gigs. Develop skills and professionalism working full time as an actor. Gain stage experience and confidence.

Agents/Representation

At some point, you'll likely want talent agents or managers to get bigger auditions/roles. They know casting directors and negotiate contracts. You generally need credits, reel, and recommendation to be considered by reputable agents.

Actor Training Resources

Beyond formal education, there are many resources to continue developing acting skills:

Books/Plays

Read acting books like Stanislavski's work. Study plays you aspire to be cast in. Analyze story, characters, style. Insights make you a stronger, versatile actor.

Acting Podcasts

Podcasts hosted by working actors share valuable tips and industry insights. Hear how professionals train, audition, choose roles, manage careers.

YouTube/Social Media

Follow acting YouTube channels. Successful actors share training videos, vlogs documenting their work. Great free resource.

Workshops/Intensives

Many acting studios offer weekend intensives or multi-week workshops. Dedicated time to master skills like voice work, improv, cold reading technique.

Apps/Online Lessons

Apps provide acting lessons/exercises. Online coaching lets you take virtual lessons with teachers worldwide. Convenient training from home.

Scene Study Groups

Meet up informally with other actors to rehearse and constructively critique scenes. Good way to stay sharp between gigs.

Additional Skills For Actors

Besides pure acting ability, some other skills are extremely helpful:

Memorization

Quickly memorizing large amounts of dialogue is crucial. Develop rock solid memorization abilities.

Accents/Dialects

Mastering dialects and accents makes you suitable for more roles. Especially helpful for theater, period pieces, foreign characters.

Combat/Stage Fighting

Many plays/films feature fight scenes. Stage combat training keeps it realistic but safe. Highly marketable skill.

Dancing/Choreography

Musical theater and many TV/film roles require dance skills. Having a repertoire of styles like tap, ballet, hip hop makes you more versatile.

Vocal Training

Even actors with natural talent benefit from vocal lessons. Expand range, power, breath control. Eliminate vocal strain.

Musical Instruments

Proficiency with instruments like piano, guitar comes in handy surprisingly often. Especially with musical theater roles.

Improv/Comedy

Improv develops quick thinking which applies to acting in general. Comedic abilities also expand the roles you can play.

Self-Improvement Areas For Actors

Besides concrete skills, success also depends on continuous self-improvement in these areas:

Confidence

Having confidence when auditioning and performing is huge. Develop rock solid belief in yourself and your abilities.

Networking/Schmoozing

So much depends on who you know and constantly making contacts. Get comfortable introducing yourself to industry folks.

Perseverance Through Rejection

Auditioning involves constant rejection. Build resilience and don't take it personally. Persist through years of "no's" before the "yes's" come.

Handling Criticism

Critique is part of the job. Don't let it damage your self-esteem. Hear it objectively and use it to improve.

Public Speaking

As an actor you are a professional speaker and storyteller. Practice speaking clearly and engagingly in everyday situations.

Professionalism

Behave professionally at auditions, gigs. Be easy to work with. Build stellar reputation that gets you rehired.

Organization/Punctuality

Juggling a busy audition schedule requires grit. Be organized, prompt, dedicated. Always know your lines cold.

Self-Promotion

Advocate for yourself. Have acting resumes, headshots, reels available. Promote work on social media. Generate buzz.

Dealing With Rejection and Setbacks

Pursuing an acting career means facing constant rejection and setbacks. Here are some strategies for coping:

Separate Performance From Self-Worth

Audition rejections are not a judgement of your value as a person. Staying grounded in self-acceptance lessens blow of rejections.

Reframe as Learning Experiences

Every audition and role, even unsuccessful ones, provides learning and growth. Reflect on experiences to keep improving.

Avoid Taking It Personally

Understand repeated rejection is part of the business. Don't let it chip away your self-confidence. Focus on your own progress.

Lean On Your Support System

Stay connected to encouraging friends/family who bolster your spirits during the ups and downs. Don't isolate when struggling.

Take Breaks When Needed

It's easy to get burnt out. Take time off if rejections are really getting you down. Clear your head and recharge. The opportunities will still be there.

Focus On The Work, Not The Results

Place attention on the preparation and performance itself. Detach from worrying about the outcome. Process over product.

Visualize Future Success

When demoralized, imagine yourself succeeding as an actor. Visualization fuels motivation and hope during rough patches.

Dealing With Success and Maintaining Humility

If your career takes off, success and fame brings different challenges. Stay grounded with these tips:

Express Gratitude

Consistently thank the people who helped you - instructors, agents, directors. Success is not achieved alone. Appreciate those on your team.

Give Back

Use your position to help others break into the industry. Recommend new talent to your agent. Audition unknown actors for your projects.

Stay Down-To-Earth

Don't let fame and fortune inflate your ego. Treat crews/fans with friendliness and respect. Remember your roots.

Keep Studying

Never stop learning, even at the height of success. Take classes, work with coaches. Hone your instrument lifelong.

Save/Invest Wisely

The acting income is unstable. Manage money prudently. Live below means. Save for dry spells and retirement.

Avoid Excessive Partying/Drugs

Steer clear of temptations and toxic scene behavior. Protect your instrument, reputation and bankability.

Maintain Work/Life Balance

Don't become consumed by career. Make time for family, friends, passions outside work. Keep perspective and replenish yourself.

Handling the Business Side of Acting

Beyond art and craft, acting is a business. Manage the business aspects wisely:

Research the Market

Know what's selling. What genres/archetypes are in demand? Align your image and training accordingly. Market yourself strategically.

Build Your Brand

Define and consistently project your personal brand. What makes you unique? Use image, style, online presence to build recognition.

DIY Marketing

Don't rely solely on agents to get you work. Make acting resumes, profile pages, websites. Self-promote actively on social media.

Learn to Negotiate

Study negotiating tactics before accepting jobs. Know your worth. Politely push for higher rates when possible. Say no if undervalued.

Understand the Trade-Offs

Certain gigs pay well but limit future options (e.g. softcore). Be selective about potential "boxes" you could get put in.

Save for Dry Spells

Acting income fluctuates wildly. Build emergency savings fund. Invest wisely. Buy insurance. Financially prepare for instability.

Know Your Rights/Contracts

Study acting labor laws, union rules. Understand what you are signing. Look out for your interests in binding contracts.

Dealing With Rejection At Auditions

Auditions typically involve constant rejection. Strategies to cope:

Don't Take It Personally

Rejections reflect factors beyond your control - age, type, what producers want that day. It's not about your worth.

Focus On the Experience

Rather than pressuring yourself to book the role, focus on enjoying the process and using the opportunity to improve.

Learn From It

Ask the casting team for feedback after. Improve weak areas. Adjust approach for next time.

Know When To Move On

If a project/role is repeatedly rejecting you after many tries, take it as a sign to shift focus elsewhere.

Come Prepared and Confident

Thorough preparation and believing in yourself maximizes chances of booking. Don't undermine yourself with self-doubt.

Have a Growth Mindset

View auditions as valuable growth and learning experiences, not pass/fail tests. This mindset reduces pressure.

Find the Fun

Lightheartedly enjoy auditions and simply put your best skills forward, rather than worrying about factors outside your control.

Keep Perspective

Auditions are a narrow window into your abilities. Don't let one determine your self-worth. Focus on big picture.

Key Takeaways

To recap, succeeding as an actor requires:

• Comprehensive training through classes, degree programs and/or reputable coaches
• Relentless perseverance through years of rejection and small roles while building skills and resume
• Gaining experience through commercials, theater, indie films, background work
• Continuous improvement by training and learning throughout your career
• Thick skin and self-confidence to endure constant rejection
• Wise management of the financial ups and downs
• Staying humble, grateful and generous once achieving success

Acting is not an easy profession but tremendously rewarding if you possess dedication, passion and talent. With drive and patience, a successful acting career is possible.

Selecting Acting Coaches

When seeking private acting coaches, it's important to vet them thoroughly, as instruction quality varies greatly. Here are tips:

• Verify credentials. Where did they train? What's their experience level? Do they have industry connections?
• Ask for references. Reach out to former students for candid feedback.
• Audit a class. Observe their teaching style before committing.
• Look for specific expertise relevant to you - e.g. dialects, comedy, on-camera, etc.
• Ensure they offer a curriculum. Avoid coaches who only offer general motivational advice without concrete technique.
• Consider personality match. Respond best to tough love or gentle encouragement?
• Investigate rates. Avoid either very cheap (red flag) or unaffordably expensive.
• Go in with clear goals. Communicate the areas you want to improve. Ensure they can tailor training.
• Discontinue if not seeing results, growth within a few months. Don't stick with bad fits hoping for improvement.

Creating an Acting Business Plan

Acting is freelance work so creating a business plan helps you strategically build your career, not just passively go on auditions.

Elements of an acting business plan:

Mission statement

• Your career purpose, vision, goals. What fulfills you as an actor? Dream roles? Creative challenges?

Target market analysis

• Your "niche" - age range, types, attributes you embody that are most castable. Leverage your niche.

SWOT analysis

• Analyze your strengths, weaknesses as an actor, opportunities available, threats/risks to avoid.

SMART goals

• Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound goals. E.g. Book 5 commercials in the next 6 months.

Growth strategy

• Short and long-term plans to systematically build skills, experience, network, recognition.

Budget/financial forecasting

• Project income and expenses. Plan for variability and dry spells. Set savings goals.

Marketing plan

• Strategic self-promotion to attract opportunities - online presence, networking events, targeting influencers etc.

Performance tracking

• Record auditions, callbacks, bookings. Analyze progress over time. Adjust strategies as needed.

Creating an intentional business plan rather than just improvising helps actors progress efficiently toward goals. It provides clarity and direction when the acting journey can otherwise feel aimless and frustrating.

Self-Tape Audition Tips

Many auditions now use video self-tapes rather than in-person. Some tips for self-taping:

Prep

• Study the sides extensively. Memorize dialogue perfectly. Work out character choices.
• Rehearse on-camera until the performance feels polished but fresh. Avoid seeming over-rehearsed.
• Time yourself to ensure staying within limit.

Setup

• Frame yourself from mid-chest up. Simple backgrounds only. Avoid distracting elements.
• Use adequate front lighting. Side lighting creates unflattering shadows.
• Place camera at eye level. Looking down distorts facial features.
• Record strong audio. Use external mic if built-in mic sounds muffled.

Performance

• Slate clearly with name, height, location.
• Make engaged eye contact with the lens. Don't look down at sides.
• Stand at mark and limit blocking to essential organic movement.
• Take a moment before starting to get grounded. Breathe and focus.
• Avoid stopping/restarting. Power through mistakes like you would on stage.

Delivering professional self-tape auditions requires practice but increases odds of getting callbacks as more roles use this system.

• Acting classes - memorization, voice, movement, projection
• Scene study - perform scenes, get feedback
• Improv - think quickly on feet
• Method acting - use real experiences
• University degree - comprehensive foundation in technique, theater history, production
• BFA/MFA specifically in acting - intensive training
• Apply learning in university productions
• Private coaching - hone skills, prep for auditions and roles

• Community theater - smaller time commitment, develop fundamentals
• Drama school productions - apply classroom learning
• Background work - get comfortable on professional sets
• Improv/sketch comedy - gain stage experience
• Commercials/voice acting - intro to TV/film, build resume
• Indie films - build reel, on-set experience, work with emerging directors
• Theater tours/cruise ships - consistent paid gigs, develop professionalism

• Memorization abilities - quickly memorize large amounts of dialogue
• Accents/dialects - expand roles you can play
• Combat/stage fighting - realistic yet safe, highly marketable skill
• Dance/choreography - needed for musical theater and many film roles
• Vocal training - expand range, power, breath control, eliminate strain
• Instruments - useful for musical theater roles
• Improv/comedy - develops quick thinking and comedic timing

• Confidence - believe in yourself and abilities
• Networking - constantly make industry contacts
• Perseverance - persist through years of rejection
• Handling criticism - use critique to improve
• Public speaking - professional speaker skills
• Professionalism - easy to work with
• Organization/punctuality - always be prepared
• Self-promotion - market yourself online, in-person

• Don't take rejections personally - many factors beyond your control
• Reframe as learning - grow from each experience
• Avoid isolation when struggling - stay connected to support system
• Take breaks when burnt out - clear your head, recharge
• Focus on the work, not outcome - process over product
• Visualize future success - fuels motivation during rough patches

• Express gratitude - thank those who helped you
• Give back - help others break in
• Stay down-to-earth - don't let ego inflate
• Keep studying - lifelong improvement
• Save/invest wisely - prepare for instability
• Avoid partying - protect reputation
• Maintain work/life balance - prevent burnout

• Research market trends - align training and image
• Build personal brand - define and project what makes you unique
• DIY marketing - websites, social media, networking
• Learn negotiating tactics - know your worth
• Understand trade-offs - avoid limiting boxes
• Financially prepare - savings, insurance, investing
• Know rights/contracts - protect your interests

• Don't take rejections personally - many factors at play
• Focus on growth - enjoy the process and learning
• Ask for feedback - improve weak areas
• Know when to move on - shift focus if repeatedly rejected
• Come prepared and confident - maximize booking chances
• Growth mindset - auditions are learning experiences
• Keep perspective - one audition doesn't determine self-worth

• Comprehensive training through classes, degrees, coaches
• Perseverance through years of small roles
• Gain experience through commercials, theater, indie films, background work
• Continuous training and improvement entire career
• Thick skin and self-confidence
• Wise financial management
• Staying humble, generous and grateful when successful

• Verify training credentials and experience level
• Get candid references from former students
• Audit class to observe teaching style before committing
• Look for expertise in relevant areas like comedy, dialects, etc.
• Match personality - tough love or gentle encouragement?
• Research pricing - avoid very cheap or expensive extremes
• Communicate goals and focus areas
• Discontinue if not improving within a few months

• Mission statement - career purpose, vision, fulfillment
• Target market analysis - niche based on attributes
• SWOT analysis - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
• SMART goals - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound
• Growth strategy - short and long term plans
• Budget and forecasting - predict income/expenses, savings goals
• Marketing plan - online presence, networking, targeting influencers
• Performance tracking - auditions, callbacks, analyze progress

• Study and memorize sides extensively
• Rehearse until polished yet fresh performance
• Time yourself to stay within limit
• Frame yourself from mid-chest up
• Use front lighting, avoid side lighting shadows
• Camera at eye level, not angled up
• Record clean audio with external mic if needed
• Slate clearly with name, height, location
• Engaged eye contact with lens
• Limit blocking to only essential movement

• Books/plays - analyze stories, characters, styles
• Podcasts - insider tips from working pros
• YouTube/social media - training videos and vlogs
• Workshops/intensives - focused training in specific skills
• Apps/online - convenient remote coaching
• Scene study groups - stay sharp between gigs

• Research market trends - align training/image
• Build unique personal brand
• Self-promote online and in-person
• Learn negotiation tactics - know your worth
• Be selective about limiting roles
• Financially prepare for instability
• Understand contracts and protect rights

• Stay grounded as fame grows
• Thank those who helped you
• Give back by helping others
• Keep improving through ongoing training
• Save/invest money wisely
• Avoid partying - protect reputation
• Maintain work/life balance - prevent burnout

Conclusion

Becoming a successful actor requires tremendous dedication, perseverance, hard work, and passion. The acting path is certainly not for the faint of heart - it necessitates weathering constant rejection, intense training, financial instability, and more. But for those willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears, acting can be an incredibly fulfilling, meaningful vocation.

The information in this guide gives aspiring actors an honest look at what it takes to make it in this competitive industry. From honing your skills through a mix of education and experience, to strategically managing the business side of acting, to coping emotionally with rejection, this covers the full spectrum of competencies required to succeed. While the acting journey is challenging, it is undeniably rewarding for those who wholeheartedly commit to the craft.

For any dreamers out there debating whether you have what it takes, use the knowledge in this guide to make an informed decision. Understand the demands and what you’ll need to sacrifice, but also trust that you have the inner strength to persist. If acting is your true passion, hold onto your vision and let it guide you through the difficult but gratifying path ahead. With laser focus, relentless commitment and humility, a thriving acting career awaits.