How to Get Start Acting Career: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Actors

By Steve Dezย โ€ขย  Updated: 10/16/23ย โ€ขย  14 min read

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Many dream about stepping into the spotlight and forging a successful path in acting, but arenโ€™t sure where to begin.

This step-by-step guide will teach you how to get start acting career, from honing your craft in local theaters and acting classes, to showcasing your talent through professional headshots, resumรฉs and demo reels.

Auditioning for roles, studying great performances, defining your acting style and setting career goals are all part of the process. Also crucial is starting early with a sense of persistence and determination; joining performersโ€™ unions for expanded opportunities; seeking education options like drama schools or performing arts programs; and finally, networking effectively within the industry.

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Focusing on the Craft of Acting: The Foundation for Starting an Acting Career

Imagine the lights dimming, your heart pounding and then, thereโ€™s silence. Suddenly, youโ€™re in a different world as you embody a character completely. Thatโ€™s the magic of acting! Starting your acting career isnโ€™t just about showing up for auditions; itโ€™s about honing your craft and connecting to the soul of your performances.

Get Involved in Local Theater: Building Experience and Confidence

Dive into the Hollywood dream by getting involved in local theater. It offers a hands-on experience that lays down an impressive foundation for future roles. Remember, every great actor started somewhere.

Take Acting Classes and Begin Training: Developing Skills and Techniques

In any case, acting is like any other skill โ€“ it improves with practice and training. So, hop into acting classes , absorb wisdom from experienced mentors, learn techniques like character development, voice modulation, improvisation and more โ€“ essentially everything thatโ€™ll make you stand out at casting calls.

Showcasing Your Talent: Headshots, Resumรฉ, and Demo Reel

You see actors shining on-screen but what happens behind scenes? They have headshots capturing their unique look; resumes highlighting their skills; impressive demo reels showcasing their range.

Prepare a Professional Headshot: Capturing Your Unique Look

A good headshot is your passport to Hollywood. Make sure it captures not just your physical attributes but also hints at the breadth of characters you can portray.

Create a Compelling Resumรฉ: Highlighting Your Experience and Skills

Now that I think about it, acting isnโ€™t just about talent, itโ€™s also about selling your skills effectively. So, make a resume that highlights everything from your acting training to roles played in theater or films, and even the relevant non-acting skills.

Produce an Impressive Demo Reel: Showcasing Your Range and Abilities

An actorโ€™s demo reel is like a visual CV. Consider it as a sneak peek into what you can bring into character development. So, ensure to include varied performances that display your range โ€“ comedic, dramatic, romantic โ€“ everything!

Auditioning for Professional Roles: Gaining Experience and Exposure

All things considered; auditions are key for actors looking to make their mark in the film industry. They serve as gateways to opportunities and an effective way of making connections within the industry.

Attend Auditions: A Gateway to Opportunities

Auditions scare even experienced actors but donโ€™t let them hold you back! In fact, consider each audition as an opportunity for growth โ€“ even if you donโ€™t land a role every time.

Studying Great Performances: Enhancing Your Craft through Observation

To be great in anything โ€“ watch the greats! That holds true for acting too. Classic films and live theatre performances serve as masterclass sessions.

Learn from Classic Films: Analyzing Stellar Acting Performances

All the popular picks among classic films offer a wealth of knowledge for budding actors. Analyze performances, understand how actors use silence or command presence on-screen, and apply these learnings in your craft.

Explore Live Theater: Experiencing Inspiring Stage Productions

Theatre brings raw acting talent right in front of you. Itโ€™s unfiltered, intense, and very enlightening; definitely something every actor must experience regularly.

Deciding Your Path as an Actor: Identifying Your Niche and Goals

Itโ€™s important to find your niche early on in your career โ€“ it helps shape your training, auditions you choose, people you network with and essentially dictates the trajectory of your acting career.

Starting Early with Persistence and Determination:

To make it big in Hollywood or any film industry for that matter requires grit & perseverance along with talent. In any case, if possible start early โ€“ it offers ample time to nurture skills while weathering challenges that come along the way.

Expanding Opportunities through Performer\โ€™s Unions:

If possible join ACTRA, AEA, AGMA or AGVA after gaining a yearโ€™s worth of experience. Being part of these unions can enhance credibility along while offering additional opportunities through union contracts.

Education Options for Success in the Industry:

Drama schools or Performing Arts Degree programs offer formal education that can not only improve acting skills but also provides industry insights, making them an excellent option for those seriously considering acting as a career.

Networking in the Field for Future Opportunities:

In the film industry, who you know is often just as important as what you know. The right connections can lead to auditions that arenโ€™t advertised or give you a foot in the door at talent agencies. So get out there and start shaking hands!

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Whether you are looking to dive into the exciting world of acting with no prior experience, or wanting to explore further avenues for professional development, planning out your career path is essential. For starters, selection of an institution that can guide and drill you in the art is a crucial decision. Check out our comprehensive guides on where to study acting in London or if you fancy studying across the pond, consider studying acting in New York.

If North America isnโ€™t your preference, we also provide guidance on studying acting in Australia , amongst many other regions around the globe. Once youโ€™ve secured your education path, itโ€™s time to prepare for auditions. Hereโ€™s where giving a good audition for acting becomes pivotal.

As an actor, itโ€™s important to continuously sharpen your skills and keep up with industry trends. Our post on how does acting work provides valuable insights into what it takes to build an impressive portfolio. Additionally, understanding how agents play a key role can help shape your career decisions; thus our article โ€“ can you be an actor without an agent might be worth exploring.

In conclusion, mastering the craft of acting requires dedication, continuous learning, and most importantly, a well-planned career path. By leveraging our resources and guides, you can navigate your way through the exciting journey of an acting career.

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My Personal Take about How to Get Start Acting Career

Hey there, itโ€™s your friend Steve Dez! Iโ€™m here to share my knowledge about the Hollywood acting world and the business behind it.

You see, Iโ€™ve spent my entire career perfecting the art of acting and understanding exactly how to get start acting career. Itโ€™s a journey thatโ€™s been filled with incredible highs, challenging lows, and plenty of learning experiences in between.

Now that I think about it, this journey is a lot like preparing for a role. You dive in headfirst, immerse yourself completely, and work tirelessly to deliver the best performance possible.

So you want to know how to break into Hollywood? In any case, letโ€™s discuss a few key pointers! First off: hone your craft. Acting skills are paramount โ€“ theater training or drama classes help immensely. Secondly: make connections. Networking goes a long way in this industry. Lastly: be patient but stay persistent. Success doesnโ€™t happen overnight but when it does โ€“ itโ€™s worth every second of the process.

All things considered, becoming an actor involves hard work and dedication but also so much joy when you step on set for the first time.

You see, hereโ€™s one thing Iโ€™ve learned from all my years in show business โ€“ There are no shortcuts on this path but with passion and determination; you can certainly become part of Hollywoodโ€™s brilliant tapestry. Itโ€™s all about embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth because after all โ€“ every role is another chance to tell a new story that could inspire millions around the world.

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Before you goโ€ฆ

Takeaway 1: Start with the basics

To kickstart your acting career, focus on honing your craft. Jump into local theater, where you can build a solid foundation for your future endeavors. Acting classes are also a must-do; theyโ€™ll help you develop your skills and unleash your potential. Remember, training is an ongoing process for any aspiring actor.

Takeaway 2: Showcase your talent

To get noticed in the industry, prepare three essential materials: a headshot, resumรฉ, and demo reel. These tools are like a magic spell that showcases your talent to casting directors. Keep them updated as you grow as an actor. And donโ€™t forget about getting an agent โ€“ they can be a valuable asset in finding roles tailored to your abilities.

Takeaway 3: Experience is key

Auditioning is like training wheels for actors โ€“ it gives you invaluable experience from day one. Sure, not every audition will lead to stardom right away, but over time some will bring you those roles thatโ€™ll elevate your skills and make you shine. Take inspiration from the greats by studying their performances in classic films or local theaters. Oh, and decide early on what kind of actor you want to be โ€“ itโ€™ll guide your path.

Remember, starting early has its advantages, so if acting is tugging at your heartstrings from an early age, embrace it! Be prepared to face challenges along the way; showbiz isnโ€™t for the faint of heart. Stay positive and patient in this rollercoaster journey called acting. And hey, once you have at least one year of experience working under union contracts (if possible), consider joining performerโ€™s unions like ACTRA or AEA โ€“ they might open doors to more opportunities. If education is your thing, explore drama schools or performing arts degree programs โ€“ they can equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed for success. Lastly, never underestimate the power of networking; connections might prove helpful in finding future roles or projects. And most importantly, understand why acting is your passion before diving into it full-time. Trust me, itโ€™ll make all the difference in your journey.

Once youโ€™ve made the decision to pursue an acting career, itโ€™s important to educate yourself and acquire the necessary skills. Browsing through our compilation of the best acting classes might help you find a class that resonates with your aspirations.



No time for in-person classes? Donโ€™t worry! Dezperate Actor offers a list of the best online acting classes where you can hone your craft at your convenience.



Taking a class from our selection of either in-person or online courses will provide an excellent foundation as you begin your journey into acting. So, why wait? Start investing in your talent today with one of Dezperate Actorโ€™s recommended courses.

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actorยฎ and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

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