So how does one get into acting as a profession?

Question

I have read many profiles on many stars to try and get to the bottom of this question but I cannot. I am fifteen and I have always wanted to perform!
Now Kiera Knightley got an agent when she was four, how do you get an agent? And does getting an agent work? Does he/she take a cut of your wage or do you have to pay him/her up front?
Can someone please answer my question?

Answer 1

Some good comments here.

Two keys to get into 'acting'. Training and practice.

Yes there are some very fortunate people who don't have any formal training and become fantastic actors...but they are the exception not the rule (in the same breath there are a load of people who have "done" drama school, played a tree, been on numerous courses and sabbaticals and STILL stink).

Most important of all...practice. Whenever and wherever you can. If you are in the UK there are amateur theatre groups everywhere...go to auditions, take on minor roles, work backstage - whatever - but watch other actors work and then try and adapt what they do to improve your skills. You can't beat live theatre for experience and for gaining an insight into how demanding it actually is...believe me! You'll also learn (through experience) how to do the things you never get taught (like digging the rest of the cast out of a huge hole when someone blanks, goes off script or just freezes up - or, indeed, how to "control" corpsing).

Sod the agents and managers at the moment...the really good ones will want to see that you have done stuff first...but, if you really want an agent, try a library...there are directories full of agents!!

Oh, and keep half an eye on "The Stage" - you'll find out a lot about whats going on!

DON'T GIVE UP - if you are serious, it could take a long time...but keep plugging away!

Answer 2

Hi there, I don't know where you live, but the best thing you can do is start by both getting into drama productions at school, and also by joining a drama society or drama club that puts on regular shows locally in your area, maybe at a local theatre or hall. Check your local papers for info on who is doing what, they like new members! If you want to be a professional it can be important to go to college to study drama, from about 18 years, preferably at a college with a good or famous reputation. Of course it is possible to get into acting without formal study, but I have found a qualification means you are taken more seriously. It is important to build up lots of acting experience onstage, as you will need a full CV. Keira Knightley got an agent at 4 but I doubt she did this herself! Maybe she had pushy parents? An agent will usually only take you on if you have some experience and should not charge a fee to join, but they will take maybe 10%-15% of anything you earn! You are still young and have asked the question at the right time, so go out there, join in with as much stage stuff as you can, and then study if possible. Good luck!

Answer 3

It's best to find an agent via recommendation from other actors- try speaking to some at your local theatre. You can also try speaking to casting directors or people that work in your local theatre or film industry.

You can't be gaurenteed that an agent will take you. Because your agent's pay is a percentage of your pay, they won't take you unless they think they can find you paying work. An agent should never ask you for money up front- that is a sign of a scammer.

A good (and free) place to start your career is to write your performance resume. Remember to audition and perform every chance you get- school, local theatres, church, etc. Always be professional- you're always making contacts, and you never know who might get you your big break!

Answer 4

my friend wants to be a actress: 1st you need to get training BELIEVE ME NO ONE IS A NATURAL go to as many classes for acting as possible,take HEADSHOTS(PICS), then find movies that are shooting were u live or anywhere you can get to and become a EXTRA, yes u need a manger 1st then get a agent, yes they get paid if you get paid, but when you are being a extra on movies you dont need a manager or agent,NEVER NEVER pay anyone (manager, agent or otherwise, well except the photographer)getting a agent does work, and here is the most important thing YOUN MIGHT BE A EXTRA FOR YEARS AND YEARS until you get ur big break, sweetie you need patience in the entertainment industry.

Answer 5

i don't know much about performing arts, in particular but what i can tell you is that you should enrol on a performing arts school. from there on, you should be able to learn your trade as an up and coming actress. but as far as wages go, i'm not sure. the royal academy of dramatic art (RADA) is hard to get in but you can give it a go. on the other hand, try envenio New faces. it is website that specialises in placing people like yourself in pop videos, tv shows and films! you can also try LISPA- the london international school of performing arts. but do a through search on the internet. i wish you the best of luck!

Answer 6

Hi you could try West 1 they are a agent, they would be able to help you get a portfolio together.

Answer 7

Oh boy. properly it seems you have misunderstood the performing industry. in case you're in it to make money, you have picked the incorrect occupation. contained in the U.S. their are 3 unions that maximum actors belong to. show screen Actors Guild, the yank Federation of Radio and tv Artist, and Actors fairness (point). SAG has some thing like one hundred twenty,000+ actors and at any given time, ninety 8% or so of those actors earn decrease than $6,000 in line with calender year meaning contained in the U.S. you're under the poverty point in case you try to recollect entirely on performing earnings. to no longer point out each and each of those unions fees some grand to even connect. you're truly a initiate organization and maximum initiate businesses take some years to teach a earnings. it truly isn't any diverse for actors. you will desire to save preparation and upgrading your skills, this is the investment you're making to your self as an actor and there are various assets you are going to earnings as you e book jobs yet this has no longer something to do with being worthwhile. in case you're in a hurry to make money, then pass out and locate your day/evening activity that's what retains actors afloat at an identical time as they pursue the industry. As for once you will e book your first activity, it ought to be a rely of weeks, or some months. It differs for each individual yet one it is for optimistic. That first activity would desire to no longer pay you a salary that helps you or places dinner on your plate.

Answer 8

Get someone to catch you in Drama, or audtion for an act.

Answer 9

go down on a producer.