If you have read any of my previous acting articles, you will know that I've been in the business a long time. In my time, I've seen many budding actors fail at the first hurdle they face because, lets be honest here, there are no clearly defined rules and very few 'How To' guides that outline what to do, what not to do - and all the in-betweens of becoming an actor. Becoming an actor isn't rocket science, nor is it easy. But becoming an actor can be accomplished if you have a strong grasp of what lies ahead of you down your acting career path.


Feel free to read this article with an open mind, because that's how I've written this piece. I've started at the beginning with how you should commence your acting career and how to get yourself known in the trade. Remember, there aren't any hard and fast rules to follow but there are untold traditions that continue in the acting business today. Your journey to becoming an actor will be much easier once you learn about the film industry and what's worked for other beginning actors like you. So take some time to read this article and the others on this web site before jumping into acting with both feet.

Getting Started
First things first - you need to sell yourself. Promote, network, and promote yourself some more. Starting out, you probably won't have a talent agent, manager or other form or representation. That's okay. Every actor begins working on their own and at the earliest stages of your acting career, you won't need an agent. However, even if you've already signed with a talent agent these rules still apply to you.

All actors, whether signed with a talent agent or not, still need to carry out self-promotion. You can't depend solely on your agent. Your agent surely has other clients who are just as talented and willing as you. Therefore, you must make yourself stand out. Instead of waiting around for a call from your agent, go out, meet people, network and tell others about yourself. And don't think that just because you spent four years studying acting and drama that you will instantly be considered over someone else for a role. It doesn't work quite like that so please, read on…

There are a couple ways to self-promote and they depend upon who you're marketing yourself to. You can market yourself to talent agents and also to casting directors. Like I stated above, talent agents are not necessary at the beginning stages of your career. So let's start with marketing yourself to casting directors.

Self-Promote to Casting Directors
You want to grab the attention of casting directors because they have the power to hire you and offer you acting work. The more you perform for numerous casting directors and casting associates, the more opportunity you will have to be cast in their productions. But as simple as that sounds, you can't just show up to a casting director's office unannounced and perform.

In order to be seen by a casting director or casting associate, you need to attend an open casting call, audition or actor's showcase. Every time you attend an open casting call, audition or actor's showcase, you'll be performing in front of a casting director and a panel of casting associates, producers, directors and other various filmmakers. These people judge your performance, evaluate your acting abilities, and ultimately cast you in their productions.

So where do you find these all-important casting calls and auditions? Start by looking online for casting notices, auditions, and events that are going on in your area. Most of the free audition web sites are inundated by spam and junk casting and audition notices. Therefore, your best bet is to register with a reputable casting web site. My personal choice is Actingland.com. With Actingland.com you can preview the latest casting notices for free and are only asked to register if and when you find a casting call that interests you. Even then, the registration fee is so low it's silly not to register.

In addition to online, check classifieds for any audition notices and attend as many as possible.

Go to all of the auditions you find. Don't pass on unpaid acting jobs because they can still prove to be extremely valuable. With each job (unpaid jobs, too) you can add to your resume and build up your online profile. Plus, the auditions and unpaid roles will give you first hand and on-the-job experience and training. Remember, never stop learning! (continued...)

(continue to part 2)

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Aimee Mitchell is an acting coach, short story author, community theater director and playwright. She has spent the better part of her adult life working with young actors and actresses.

Copyright © Aimee Mitchell. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.

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