So you have always enjoyed being in the limelight and taking part in college plays, but you’re wondering how you actually become an actor. Well here is a few tips and guidelines to show you just what is concerned.
Before you even start to think about a career in acting you are going to require some coaching. It’s simple to become a mediocre performer but to become an impressive one it takes a lot of time, commitment and grit, and for folks to take you seriously you are going to require formal and a bit of paper to prove it.
Where to Begin
Your first step so is to attend classes at one of the approved performing arts schools in the United Kingdom or attend a Varsity where you can do a qualification in drama. A Bachelors Degree will take 3 years and a Masters will take 1 year. A College course is more academic than practical, and a degree could help if you need to sign up for other drama related roles like stage manager, television production helper or drama teacher, for example.
Drama school is the best place to start for any ambitious actor since they are going to take folk of any age. The courses generally last 2 to 3 years. Once you sign up for a place at performing arts school you'll be needed to attend an audition. At acting schools such as the Bristol Old Vic, you'll be asked to perform a solo excerpt from a classical piece, another from a modern play and an easy, alone song. You will also get given a short piece to read on the day and this can be followed by a brief and ad-hoc chat, during which time you get to ask any questions you could have. If you're successful at this point you'll be recalled for a radical one day audition. From this recall a short list is assembled of successful candidates who will be offered a place. Performing arts schools are always over subscribed, so you really do have to give it your best shot.
Qualities required
Good communication skills
Articulate speech
Good vocabulary and appreciation of language
Capability to interact well with others
Good memory and ability to focus
Great timing skills
High energy levels
Physical ability
How to get ready for acting college
1. Be keen and determined, smart, and adaptable
2. Get some good black and white photographs taken, professionally if at all possible. Called ‘headshots ‘ these will form a part of your portfolio
3. Prepare a good CV or resume with a creative and artistic bias. You can begin by including references to school plays, talent shows or singing competitions which can sometimes be replaced whenever you get any further acting roles
4. Practice a couple of monologues, one classical and one modern, till you know them inside out
5. Confirm your money affairs are pretty healthy as this career will drain you from the word go. Most actors are unemployed for much of the time, particularly after graduation
What to do after graduation
Having worked hard and graduated from acting school is only the start. You’ll notice that job offers aren't landing on your doormat. You now have a need to find an agent to represent you and also to aid in building up your Cv so you are ready for your online job search. The agent will represent you and recommend you for roles, taking a commission of around 10%. But don't forget it is not a question of sitting back and waiting for the telephone to ring, you will need to get your face out there and get yourself known.
Look after your appearance and keep in good shape, after all you'll need a large amount of stamina for this job. Go to as many auditions as you can and do not be too proud to accept any ‘extras ‘ work. Get involved in your local community, budget productions and plays. Subscribe to online versions of trade magazines like Hollywood Report and, if you can, subscribe to the actors union Equity. Watch a spread of films, attend film holidays and read all you can about the business. Network among friends and their buddies and just generally get yourself out there.
Informal approach
There’s absolutely nothing to stop you from making your own content, filming it using whatever resources you have, and posting it on sites such as YouTube to let the world know you have arrived.
Ultimately, be ready to take on other work while still chasing your acting career. Ensure you are well informed and attend as many short courses as you're able to afford, to keep your abilities well honed. Good luck!
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