Lately I’ve had a lot of people (an overwhelming amount of people) ask me how to get into acting. I spoken to a few and some seem to not be really happy with my answer. To be honest, I don’t have the “get rich quick” answer, I have the work hard, stay focused and don’t give up answer. Look I’ll write it all in steps for you!
Step 1: Take an Acting Class.
See if acting is something you even enjoy doing. Learn how to act, it’s not all easy believe it or not. Maybe you can hop in an improv class or something, but you definitely want to see if you enjoy it and get familiar with the audition process.
Step 2: Take Some Headshots.
Your headshot is your calling card. You want it to look as natural as possible. You want it to look like the best natural version of you. Of course you want different looks (business, badass.. etc) but that can come later. To start you definitely want a “go to” headshot. (Click Here to see mine)
Step 3: Build Your Resume.
That mean doing plays, or short films, or even student films. Find your local theater company and see when they hold auditions, you can go to actorsaccess.com if you are looking more for film stuff and don’t know where to start.
Step 4: Get an Agent
Okay you now have built your resume a bit, and you love acting so much you want to take it more seriously… you can now look for an agent. A simple google search should give you a list of talent agents in your area. Be careful for scams!!! Don’t sign with any one asking for money up front or at a monthly rate. They get paid when you get paid! They help you with your career. *Key Word: HELP* You still have to put in that work. They get you in the room you have to book the role. They represent you but you also represent them and the other talent they have on their roster!! Y’all are a family and it’s a beautiful thing when you find a good agent.
Step 5: WORK, WORK, WORK, WORK!
Just like the Rihanna song!!! You have to be willing to but in that work, keep training, stay focused and humble. There are soo many people that have the same dream as you. You have to decide how you are going to set yourself apart from them. Nothing is not valuable on set than hard work and dedication. It speaks volume about you and your team and it keeps people wanting more.
*EXTRA NOTE*
When I was making that switch from stage to film, I hopped on set and did some extra work to see if I even liked being on a professional production. I recommend doing the same thing! Its a fun way to see how things go behind the scenes!! To be an extra check out mycastingfile.com
I really hoped all this helped! If you have any questions please don’t be afraid to reach out to me.
Betsy Borrego. 