What steps do I take to get my acting career going?

Question

I have been taking theatre classes at my high school for about four months, so I know a bunch about acting. What I don't know is what I do now. Where do I go from here? Do I need to get an agent? What kind of auditions do I need to go to and where do I find them? Do I start off as an extra? How do I get noticed by the right people if I am an extra? I've been looking on the interent for auditions and casting calls but I'm not having any luck. Acting is a passion I have and I have had for many years and it is what I want to do with my life. I know I asked many questions but if you could help me I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Answer 1

Get as much stage experience as possible. Perform in as many plays as possible. As a beginner, ask your actor friends how to locate auditions in your city.

Call the Mayor's Office and ask if there is a "Film, Theatre, Broadcasting" website that lists current or upcoming movie, and televison productions being shot in our city. Most mid-large sized cities have such a department.

Call the Community Theaters and ask if they have auditions and what is the procedure to get an audition.

If you are NOT a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and live in a "RIGHT TO WORK" State, you can call a SAG franchised Talent Agent and ask for an appointment to audition for them.

After four months of acting classes, you barely touched the "tip of the iceberg. Acting takes 10 to 12 years or more of studying. Go back to class. You're not ready for an agent.

Answer 2

I will tell you now, doing things in highschool is a lot different from doing plays in college. Doing plays in college is a lot different from doing it on Broadway. However, if you have the drive and the motivation then you can make it. I would suggest looking into local theatre companies in and around your area. See what auditions are available for type. By type I mean gener, age, and race. Another place to start is local casting agencies....nothing like John Casablancas I mean a REAL company.
You are going to need headshots and a resmue. Those two things are KEY to being a professional actor or actress.
The second thing is the agent.
A really really good book to read is Acting Professionall by Robert Cohen, I had to read it my freshman year of college its great!