I am a starting actor in Los Angeles, but I am having trouble finding auditions?

Question

I don't have many credits in my resume, but I heard that if your resume isn't strong enough they don't choose you. I want to do like student films and theater first does anybody know where to find them? do we need professional headshots and stuff?

Answer 1

Headshots are a MUST when auditioning. Color headshots are the standard in Los Angeles. The next step would be to find the price range you would be willing to spend on headshots, typically it ranges from $200-400. If you simply can't afford that type of money, then as a lot of actors do starting out, have a friend who does photography take your headshots for you. While it's unfortunate, headshots are what will help get your foot in the door based on whether your "look" fits the criteria for what the casting director/agent is looking for. Start locating agents and send, send, send! That's the only way you're going to get your face out there, in the meantime, look for auditions. I would suggest going to backstage.com as they have countless auditions. Go to as many auditions as you can.

Don't be discouraged by your lack of acting experience. We can't all start out with a list of acting credits straight out the gate. Many actors do extra work in order to gain insider knowledge of the industry, as well as film credit experience. There are casting agencies which work to cast extras/background actors, I would also suggest that you send your headshot to these places, too. Extra work is a great way to meet other actors, directors, etc., and network, and really build up your resume. Also search for local theatre companies which may be holding auditions and that will help add some credentials to your resume.

Keep your focus and never stop.

Answer 2

There are many actors, in fact the vast majority who come up with no connections, the problem or the truth is it takes many, many years of training and dedication to "make it" and very few people want to put in the years of hard work. So, they hold on to these half baked fables of people having family connections that suddenly got them a career in the entertainment industry. Jim Carrey spent years in the comedy clubs before ever making it on to In Living Color. He had a couple of very very small film and TV roles before getting on Living Color too. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck really didn't have any connections and there was a time before Good Will Hunting where they were just broke auditioning actors like everyone else in Hollywood. Hilary Swank had the support of her mother and the two were homeless and living out of their car for a while as her mother poured everything she had in support of Hilary getting a chance in the industry. Not all successful child actors cross over to adult success either but those that do manage it have a leg up, like Kirsten Dunst or Natalie Portman. Fact is every film they did as a child counts as a few million dollars worth of success that some new actor just isn't going to have and film producers and/or studios make a lot of decisions based on the financial bottom line. Talent alone is not enough to succeed as an actor and there are many, many talented actors who for one reason or another never really get a shot. Beyond talent, success in this industry requires financial investment and a great deal of dedication and perseverance. No one ever completely does it on their own either. Over the course of building their careers, personal and business networks are built, team members come on board. Agents, managers, and producers all have a hand in the success of star out there.

Answer 3

I check the Actors' Equity website regularly (the "casting call" section), and backstage.com. There are a LOT of audition notices on both (although, on backstage.com, many of the audition notices are in the "subscribers only" section. You'll find plenty of notices for both theatre and film.

Yes, if you're going to hold yourself out as an actor, you need headshots and a resume.

Answer 4

Buy the newspaper BackstageWest, it lists auditions.

You can find BackstageWest at most LARGE newstands in the Los Angeles area. You can also look online at: backstage.com

Enroll in an acting class, other students can advise you on how to find L.A. auditions.

Yes, you need professional headshots.

Answer 5

At any given time there are only about 5000 people working in jobs that about 95000 people are trying to get. Just keep trying and praying. Sooner or later you will get you opportunity. Many people work as extras all their lives and seem to be doing OK.
Bottom line, its 30% talent, 70% who you know. I said who you know, not who you blow.
I Cr 13;8a

Answer 6

You lack confidence find out what it is and learn how to get it. No it's not positive thinking, you need to redefine your approach consider what you're up against, your bathroom mirror can only go so far.