How can I get into Theatre work,etc?

Question

I want to be an actor. I heard it's best to be in Theatre work first. How can I get into theatre work or stage,etc,etc?? I don't know. Does it cost? Do I need experience,etc?? Please get back with any info or tips?? Thank You all x x x

Answer 1

Try the local community college - go for acting or performing arts; it's not a job or a part, but it will get your foot in the door, and it will get you in touch with some of the people that can make your name get noticed. Try your local community's Performing Arts center. You can try getting an audition for a bit piece, or you can apply for a job.

Also, check out http://www.craigslist.com in the 'talent' section to get small pieces with amateur film or theater work. Once you get your name in a few pieces, you can expand your searching...

Answer 2

You could set up your own theatre company as a voluntary organisation and apply for grant funding. I did this with a group of friends and we employed people to train us.

Check out if there are any amateur dramatics groups in your area. They'll have readings you can attend. You could also volunteer to work backstage, get to know people and the work before you start performing.

Do you have a Library Theatre in your area? They may have a resident theatre group. You might be able to arrange to give a performance where the Library allows you to use their facilities and they take the money on the door. Our local art gallery does something similar.

You could try 'street theatre', you'd need to get permission from your local council. Our council also runs an Arts festival and are usually looking for artists around this time of year. A lot of parks run events with some tents available for performances.

Can't think of anything else at the moment. If you want more info, please ask.

Answer 3

1- traipse round your local theatres and find the contact details for local amateur and professional theatre companies. Contact them and go to as many auditions as you can. Auditioning itself is good experience and when you get roles, that gets you started.

2- Look for auditions on sites like mandy.com, ukscreen.com, talentcircle.co.uk etc. Obviously be careful online, take a friend with you to auditions and never go to ones that are in, say, a private home.

3- look for film extra agencies. Legitimate ones will not charge you to sign up.

4 - when involved in a show / film, BE PROFESSIONAL. I run a theatre company in Devon as well as being a trained actress, and above all I expect the actors, regardless of experience, to be on time for rehearsals and shows, friendly and polite to one another and the general public, and to ask if they dont know or understand something.

5 - getting yourself a website with photos and your acting resume is a handy tool as well.

6 - remember its a tough job. Yes there are times of glamour and luxury. There are also times when you come home tired and dispirited, worried, diappointed. Be aware of that, and reach for the stars! :)

Answer 4

Go and search online for theatres and start auditioning. That's it. That's how you get into theatre. Soon you will be cast and slowly your talent will grow. Stay far far far away from theatres asking you to pay to be in a show- FAR away. Start out at a small community theatre and just gain credits.

Answer 5

There is a paper called THE STAGE buy it view it there are always adverts for theatre work etc it may help you.

Answer 6

Try getting an agent and/or going for open auditions. The Stage newspaper is a very good starting point.