How to start acting?

Question

I don't want to sound like those people that come on here, knowing nothing about acting, and ask "how do I start acting?" Well, thats what I'm going to do.

One of my friends is involved with acting in musicals and dramas, buts thats not really what I want to do. I'm really interested in commericials, TV show, movies, etc. Its not something I want to do as a career in the long run, but I want to try. I know to start in commercials, but I'm not sure where to find casting calls. I've looked it up on the internet, but some of it seems "shady."

One or two sites I found gave the lists of the casting, most of which I haven't heard of. The others, claim to give you fame, if you either pay, or give out you picture and telephone number. That doesn't seem right, either.

Where can I find a good, reliable source?

Answer 1

Being an actress and all
lol,I can help

Acting Lessons;
May i recommend the summer acting camps at "Phoenix Theatre"
It's a all day five day course. If you are still interested in acting
you should try out for "Phoenix Theatre’s Performance Troop”

Agents;I recommend you get one!,Then i had to travel out to L.A. for "Pilot season"These are the actual auditions for commercials.If you do not live in big acting area's like California,L.A.
It will make it harder we moved to California and not to long after i got my first role in "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl"You might end up auditioning more then once so be ready!.“mix and match”. That is where they have you do scenes with other kids they are considering for other parts in the movie.
Good luck in acting.!

Answer 2

There is no one reliable source nor is there one answer about how to do this. Acting is a profession like any other. If you're not prepared to take it seriously then don't even try. Sounds like you're looking for a fast buck. A better plan would be lottery tickets. It's very hard to find work. If you want to do it anyway, you should and you will. If you don't live in N.Y or L.A. or some smaller market where there are actually jobs forget it. Or move.
Take classes and workshops and do theatre. You need to learn how to act first. Would you try to do any other professional job without training? You'll learn about the business from the people in your classes. And your instincts were dead right about paying anyone. Don't. To educate yourself about the business end go to a big bookstore. You can get started anyway. And avoid open casting calls. If you're not called with a specifc time to come in, it's not an audition. It doesn't work that way. Good luck.

Answer 3

I've often asked the same question and one of the most consistent answers I've gotten is start with a portfolio(head shots), then shop around to different local agencies to start out. Also take your portfolio to various casting calls with you. Anyone who asks you for money nine times out of ten are CONS.

Answer 4

You should contact the local talent agency in your city if you are interested in doing commercial work. If not, you should try out for some local shows and learn the fundementals.

Answer 5

Consider your local college as a place to start.

Answer 6

Hi,

Check this site - http://www.actorspages.org
It gives free information about auditions & casting calls.
You can also post your pictures and resume there for free.

Answer 7

look online for a good, cheap drama school

Answer 8

Good Luck in all u do!

Answer 9

check your local newspaper.

Answer 10

stage