So you have decided to become an actress and want to taste all the fame, money and celebrity status that comes with it. You have the passion, the training, the dedication and the grit and guts to take on the competition; to take a shot at making your name figure in the top credits on the silver screen.
Well, if you do have all the above, you are just about ready to make it as an actress.
We have listed 7 steps to guide you in achieving your aspirations as an actress.
1. Learn The Craft
Acting is a craft and there is no way that you can make any progress in your career if you are not aware of the technical aspects of this craft. Try to get a formal education in acting and drama. A Master in Fine Arts will give you a good grounding in the theory of acting.
Formal training can teach you the history, traditions and heritage of the performing arts; but nothing can replace performance in front of a live audience. Sign up with your local theater group or community drama club. Take every opportunity to perform in whatever role you get -the more diverse, the better to improve your acting skill. Try out all genres – comedy, tragedy, improve, cinema verity, method acting….
Remember, getting “discovered” without skill is winning the sweepstakes – the chances are minimal to zero.
2. Relocate If Necessary
Know where the action is. Though there may be plenty of opportunities to improve your acting skills in the place you reside, it is necessary to be close to cinema and theater hubs. Los Angeles and New York, though not the only cities, are the main movie-making capitals where most casting directors live and work. Relocate if possible.
3. Do What It Takes
Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Remember that you have come all this way after loads of study and training and endless hours of practice and hard work. It’s now time time to give it your all. You may have to make certain sacrifices along the way – maybe give up on a relationship or a friend. And don’t worry about the “casting couch”, how to deal with it will be a matter of you personal choice if ever you do come to this situation.
Acting requires a huge commitment to the job – 14 to 20 hour daily work schedules, shoots at odd times, in all sorts of locations and situations – it is grueling and harsh. It takes a special determination to overcome the physical and mental pressures.
4. Give It Your 100%
Now that you have armed yourself with the basics and have also trained yourself in the art and craft of acting, it is time to commit yourself fully in the craft. There are no easy solutions to become a master at it. Be willing to sacrifice your ego and take up whatever role you get. Get to really know the range. You have perhaps done all the genres and styles in stage plays and theater; but this is the real world you have to be really at it. Live the role, get under the skin of the character you are playing whatever the size of the role. The method school of actors literally transform themselves into their character – Robert De Niro and Tom Hanks are great method actors.
Forget about looking cool or trying to maintain an image – it won’t get you anywhere, and the money will run out. Concentrate on your craft instead.
5. Network And Be Nice
Your success in becoming an actress will depend a lot on the people you know. Move around, meet new people and let them know you are around. Have a resume and your head shots ready at all times – you never know when someone may ask for it.
And be nice to everyone, and I mean everyone, you meet. Clapper boys, spot boys, makeup men, assistants, fellow cast members, all are important. Some of them may one day rise to significant levels in the industry and make an impact on your own career. So be nice to everyone, always.
6. Get An Agent
Agents are often shown as slinky, sleazy characters who are out to make a fast buck out of your hard earned money. I think it is totally unfair to them. Though it may be true in some cases, agents generally work on trust and only take a percentage of your earnings (typically 10%). Anyone who asks money upfront needs to be shown the door.
Getting an agent is one of the most important things you have to do on your way to become an actress. The agent becomes your front man. His contacts and reach in the industry can ease your hunt for a role. He is the one who gives important leads, sets up meetings and showcases your caliber. The agent will also help you in getting a membership in an acting guild, association or union, which may be required to land a role
Your agent is your PR man and your guide in the confusing maze of the acting world.
7. Persistence And Patience
These are two virtues which will ultimately get you there. You have to be persistent, day in and day out. Keep on trying by knocking at all doors. You will have a better chance than that snooty Julliard trained actor who waits to be discovered.
And be patient. There is no such thing as overnight success or sudden discovery of talent. Those who suddenly come into the limelight overnight were out there in the sweatshops toiling away at their craft for years.
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