How to pursue a career in acting

A successful career in acting is a dream come true for many. Making it big in Television and Motion Pictures takes persistence, ambition, and a great deal of luck. For the very young at heart, there are several avenues that you can take if considering an acting career. Keep in mind school and education come first, they are priceless commodities.

First, check your local newspaper for any advertised open call auditions. Open call auditions do not have to be booked through an agent. Open call auditions will usually give a description of what type of person they are seeking for a particular part or commercial. If you feel you fit the profile you are free to audition.

Los Angeles is the place where the majority of Television sitcoms and Motion Pictures are made. However, some are still filmed in New York City and in various other states. In addition, in your free time you may want to join a local theatre group. Most towns have a small theatre group that performs plays and meets a couple of times per month.

You may want to consider taking acting classes. The major acting schools are located in New York and Los Angeles. Lee Strasburg is a well known acting school that many famous stars were former students. However, there are smaller acting type schools located in various states you must inquire.

Once you begin to get some experience, it is a good idea to secure an agent. Agents represent actors, they take care of bookings, auditions, movie offers, negotiations, and offers. Keep in mind agents take a minimum of 20% of any wages earned by the actor.

It is critical that you join and become a member of The Screen Actors Guild (SAG). If you want to receive substantial TV or movie rolls with competitive pay you must be a union member. It is possible to receive your SAG card by completing a successful audition. Agents can offer you instant membership if they are truly interested in your abilities. However, the majority of people must earn their entrance in to SAG, there are monies you must pay to become a member.

Don’t become discouraged. Acting is tough, if you have a passion to act something will eventually come along. It is a good idea to have another career to pursue or fall back on if your acting dreams are not fulfilled. College is very important, keep that in mind.

If you are going out on auditions, you will need headshot photos and a resume. Any agent that tries to sell you headshot services probably isn’t legitimate. Agents pay the actor not the reverse.

It is better to try and start your career in a smaller market. New York City and Philadelphia can offer the new actor some opportunities. If you do become a successful actor you will more than likely end up in Los Angeles. Take things slow, success is never instantaneous.

You may wish to request the monthly Ross Report. The Ross Report gives a list of New York and California Talent Agencies with addresses and phone numbers. You will have to pay a fee monthly in order to receive a copy.

Pursue your ambitions and you may be surprised how far you can go.