Steps to an Acting Career: Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Thespians

By Steve Dezย โ€ขย  Updated: 10/16/23ย โ€ขย  15 min read

Sharing is caring!

Table of Contents



Developing a passion and commitment for acting is crucial in starting your journey towards an acting career. Realize the significance of getting involved in the local theater community, whether through attending plays, enrolling in night classes, or joining a theatre group.

Next, consider training and education in acting. Enroll in different levels of acting classes and consider pursuing a degree in performing arts. However, remember that several successful actors have prospered without formal education.

Prepare yourself by creating a professional headshot and rรฉsumรฉ. Make sure to highlight any previous acting experiences and include any school productions or local theater performances. A demo reel showcasing your acting abilities can give you an extra edge.

Auditioning for roles is an essential step forward. Persist despite rejections as auditions provide opportunities for skill development and can expand your portfolio.

Consider

Best for Beginners
Dezperate Actor - Cracking The Hollywood Code
$97

Designed to help you catapult your career to new heights without compromising your art, all while building a profitable and purposeful acting empire.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

steps to an acting career

Developing a Passion and Commitment for Acting

To commence your journey on the steps to an acting career, you must first harbor a deep passion and commitment for the craft. The world of acting, after all, doesnโ€™t just demand creativityโ€”it also calls for dedication.

Involvement in your local theater community is key in this stage of development. You see, this is not just about stepping foot on stage but also about gaining valuable experience and exposure. By attending plays, taking night classes, volunteering backstage or joining a theatre group, youโ€™ll find yourself immersed in an environment conducive to learning.

Training and Education in Acting

Training forms another vital part of the journey to becoming an actor. Now that I think about it, consider signing up for acting classes available at different levelsโ€”a crucial step catering to individuals with varying degrees of experience.

An added advantage would be pursuing a degree in performing arts or related fields. All things considered though, many actors have achieved Hollywood-level success without formal educationโ€”a testament that passion can indeed surpass paper qualifications.

Creating a Professional Headshot and Rรฉsumรฉ

Framing yourself as a professional is the next step towards fulfilling your acting aspirations. This involves preparing a headshot that captures your unique essence and crafting a rรฉsumรฉ highlighting any prior acting experiences you may have hadโ€”be it school productions or local theatre performances.

A well-created demo reel showcasing your acting abilities can serve as the cherry on top when trying to secure an agent. This, in return, opens a world of casting opportunities.

Auditioning for Roles

The path of auditioning is one that every actor must tread. Even popular actors were once beginners attending auditions, hoping for a role that suited them best. Your journey wonโ€™t be any different!

Joining Performerโ€™s Unions and Securing an Agent

To supercharge your acting career, consider joining a performerโ€™s union such as ACTRA, AEA, AGMA or AGVA. These organizations offer invaluable resources and support for actors.

Securing an agent can also work wonders by opening doors to more opportunities and facilitating strong industry connectionsโ€”critical in landing you the best roles!

Continual Training, Networking, and Patience in Building a Career

Skill development should never take the backseat as you progress in your acting journey. From maintaining vocal stamina with voice lessons to keeping skills fresh through scene study and technique classesโ€”continuous training is key.

Drawing inspiration from past masters by watching their work can enrich your understanding of the craft while networking within the industry introduces you to valuable contacts.

An active online presence on relevant social media platforms can amplify all these efforts while also showcasing your versatility as an actor in this digital age.

Last but definitely not leastโ€”practicing patience; itโ€™s what truly cements everything together in this pursuit of acting.All of our posts, including this one, emphasize that thereโ€™s no set length of time in becoming a successful actor. Consistent effort over time is always rewarded, so keep your eyes on the prize and never lose hope!

steps to an acting career

Best Seller - Special Deal
Dezperate Actor - Bundled Special!
$148

This is the special Bundle of our Flagship Programs in one for a discount! Don't miss your opportunity to get the mentorship and online guidance you need to become an actor today. Includes Dezperate Actor - Cracking the Hollywood Code + Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Before setting your sights on an acting career, itโ€™s important to consider where youโ€™ll train. Different parts of the world offer unique opportunities and styles of instruction. If youโ€™re considering global options, our site offers guides on studying at reputable institutions in interesting locations such as London, New York, or Australia.

Professional training is a significant step in an actorโ€™s journey. But many aspiring actors wonder โ€“ Do actors need to go to acting school? This post explores the pros and cons of formal education in acting.

In addition to education, another crucial aspect of an actorโ€™s journey involves mastering their craft. The process often begins with learning how to give a convincing performance during auditions. For advice on this topic, check out our post on how to give a good audition for acting.

Finally, once youโ€™re ready to start landing roles, you may find yourself questioning how long your acting reel should be. Our page about the ideal length for an acting reel might help answer that question. And donโ€™t forget that while developing your skills and knowledge is important, so is understanding how the industry works. To get some insights, you might want to read our post on the pros and cons of an acting career.

Done For You! - Just Replace with your Information
Acting Resumรฉ Templates
$9 - $12

Our acting resume templates are specifically designed to showcase your talents and highlight your experiences in the industry.

With a polished and professional resume, you can stand out to casting directors and increase your chances of landing your next big role.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

My Personal Take about Steps to an acting career

Hey there! Itโ€™s Steve Dez, your friendly Hollywood insider. If youโ€™ve been dreaming about taking the steps to an acting career, youโ€™re in great hands! Iโ€™ve been around the block a few times, letโ€™s just say.

Now that I think about it, acting is more than just a profession, itโ€™s a journey and, like any journey worth pursuing, requires some planning and keen understanding.

In my latest blog post โ€˜Steps to an Acting Career: Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Thespiansโ€™, I lay out a useful roadmap for you.

You see, every seasoned actor knows these are critical parts of our narrative.

All things considered, with passion and persistence by your side โ€” making it big in Tinseltown isnโ€™t as far-fetched as it seems. Remember my friend, Hollywood is always on the lookout for its next big star and who knows โ€“ that could be you! Trust me when I say this; there is nothing more rewarding than turning an inspiring dream into exhilarating reality.

In any case, know that stepping into this world requires courage; but as long as you have the willingness to learn and grow in abundance โ€“ success wonโ€™t be far behind. Lights, Cameraโ€ฆ Action!

Mentorship on the Go
Dezperate Actor - Coaching For Actors Online Program
$79

Coaching for actors focused on marketing can help actors develop strategies for promoting themselves and their work to agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Bundle Deal - Exclusive Price
Dezperate Actor - Complete Edition Program
$198

The Complete Edition is the ultimate bundle designed to give actors the tools and knowledge they need to effectively promote themselves and succeed in the competitive world of acting. It includes - The Dezperate Actor - Cracking the Hollywood Code Program, Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand, Dezperate Actor - Coaching For Actors Online Program + Bonuses


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Before you goโ€ฆ

Takeaway 1: Passion and Commitment are Essential

To start an acting career, youโ€™ve got to have a fire in your belly for this craft. Acting isnโ€™t just about glamour and fame; itโ€™s about pouring your heart and soul into every role, bringing characters to life with authenticity. So, ask yourself if you truly love acting, because without that deep passion, itโ€™ll be tough to stick it out through the ups and downs of this industry.

Getting involved in your local theater community can be a game-changer. Not only will you gain valuable experience on stage, but youโ€™ll also get exposure to different styles of acting and meet like-minded people who share your love for the art. Attend plays, take night classes, volunteer as backstage help โ€“ dive right in and soak up as much as you can! Joining a theatre group is another great way to immerse yourself in the world of acting and build connections with fellow performers.

And hey, donโ€™t limit yourself to just theater! Consider participating in local gigs or even creating your own short films. Itโ€™s all about embracing opportunities that allow you to showcase your talent and grow as an actor.

Takeaway 2: Training Matters

Letโ€™s face it โ€“ we all need some guidance when diving into something new. Acting is no different. Sign up for acting classes that cater to your current level of experience; there are courses available for beginners right up to advanced actors looking to fine-tune their skills.

While some actors choose to pursue a degree in performing arts or a related field, formal education isnโ€™t a strict requirement. Many successful actors have thrived without those fancy degrees. But whether you opt for school or not, make sure youโ€™re constantly learning and honing your craft.

Having a professional headshot, rรฉsumรฉ, and demo reel will help you stand out from the crowd when seeking representation or auditioning for roles. Highlight any acting experiences youโ€™ve had, even if they were school productions or local theater performances. Remember, every little bit counts!

Takeaway 3: Perseverance and Networking are Vital

Auditioning is a necessary stepping stone on your path to becoming an actor. Donโ€™t be disheartened by rejections; even the most successful actors have faced their fair share. Keep pushing forward and audition for roles that resonate with you.

Joining a performerโ€™s union like ACTRA, AEA, AGMA, or AGVA can provide valuable resources and support as you navigate your career in acting. And letโ€™s not forget about securing an agent โ€“ they can open doors to more opportunities and help guide your career.

As you build your career, remember that training should never stop. Keep improving your skills through voice lessons to maintain vocal stamina and participate in scene study and acting technique classes to keep those skills fresh.

Lastly, build connections within the industry by networking at shows and maintaining an active online presence on social media platforms relevant to the profession. You never know who might discover your talent!

Becoming a successful actor takes time; thereโ€™s no set length of time for success in this industry. So be patient, stay consistent with your effort over time, and always believe in yourself โ€“ because with enough dedication and hard work, dreams really can come true!

Starting your journey towards becoming an actor requires good training to perfect your craft. I recommend you check out our list of the best acting classes which could be key in helping you master different acting techniques.



Donโ€™t let your location limit your dreams. We have made it easy for aspiring actors everywhere by compiling a list of the best online acting classes. Sign up for these courses and start honing your performance skills from the comfort of your own home.



Choosing the right class is one of the pivotal steps to an acting career. Whether you prefer face-to-face interactions or finding flexibility with online courses, we offer options for both with our guides on top-ranking acting classes and online acting programs.

Best Seller
Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand Online Program
$98

As you progress in your career, you're going to need Representation and what better way to obtain it than by following a proven system that works in landing you the best agents, managers, publishers and more! This online program will help you get closer to your goals in being a working professional Hollywood Actor.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Sharing is caring!

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.

Keep Reading