What should I do in the Summer?

Question

I really want to start going to acting auditions, but what steps should I take? I currently attend acting class every Saturday, and I've done one play. Do you think that enough to go on audition. I plan on auditioning for students film and local theater first. My resume has nothing except for the play, and I don't have headshots. Can we audition for these things using snapshots and a weak resume?

Answer 1

What should a new actor do in the summer?

Hi,

The way I see it, you have two choices. You can either have a short-term approach or a long-term approach. If you choose the short-term approach, it is probable that in the end it will be slower for you to become the actor you want to become. If you choose the long-term approach, then it is probable that in the beginning the process will be slower, but that in the end you will benefit greatly.

If you've been taking one acting class a week on Saturdays and judging from your question, the fact that you have done only one play, the way you asked it and the fact that you came here to find an answer, I would judge that you are still at the beginning of building your base as an actor.

My suggestion would be for you to use your summer to get additonal training, intensive training that can take you skill to the next level. Without skill, you won't go very far. Even if you start auditioning now, sure it will be a good experience and you might even get some jobs, but your skill level will still be what it is. Going out now and looking for auditions would be a short-term approach. Working on your skill level is more of a long-term approach.

The long-term approach would be for you to go get more training, good training in an intensive course for six weeks or so and come back with a raised level of awareness and of your acting skill. You can start looking for auditions when you get back. Some would see that as six weeks of not looking for work, six weeks of time wasted when you might have gotten a job. NO! It will be time well spent if you get into the right program.

Why am I telling you this? From first-hand experience. A few years ago I had been studying and taking classes a few times a week, technique, scene study, improvisation, sensory work; a program I had put together for myself. Then I ran into my current teacher in NY and took the six week summr intensive, which conisted of the following classes in a rigorous schedule, approximately 6 hours per day, rehearsals and total immersion:
voice
movement
Shakespeare
Meisner technique
Meisner application to text and scene work
career mentoring (working on business skills to learn how to get an agent and promote yourself, etc.)

It was the best thing I have ever done for my acting. My skill level just took off and I still continue to study with her. Great experience.

Check out the story of this experience on my site:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/summer_acting_classes.html

Also have a look at my criteria for choosing a school:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_classes.html

You can also go and take the actor quiz, which will help you to see some of the things you know and some things you don't know, but should know to further your career as an actor:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/actor_quiz.html

And with regard to getting started in general as an actor, I could give you a big long spiel, but your thinking about student films, community theater is right I think for your level (from what I understand). You might want to consider also commercial print work as well. Today companies no longer look for model types to promote their products, but rather real people just like you and me. See if you can get an agent to promote you for print work. It could be a way to supplement your income while you are working on building your acting career. You don't need a lot of experience, except to feel comfortable in front of the camera and be somewhat photogenic.

I have so much more information, but I'll stop now.

Hope this was helpful.

Tony
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com

Answer 2

If you want to be taken seriously get some headshots done. I'm not trying to sound mean but it's absolutely true. Your headshot will make such a bigger impact then your resume. If your resume is lacking make sure you list a lot of special skills you have. Things like you were in a marching band, or you can skateboard, or you speak Spanish fluently. But please, don't show up to an audition with a poleroid and a poorly assembled resume. By poorly assembled I mean it's written on scrap paper or something. You will be laughed at.

As for auditions in the summer, there typically isn't a lot going on at the time. Good for you for attending a weekly class though, that will help a lot. Student films and local theater is the best way to start out as well. You're on the right track, just spend some time to pull your headshots and resumes together to make yourself look as professional as possible.

Answer 3

So long as you know how to behave in an audition, you should never stop auditioning and start as soon as possible. Just because you have only done one play does not mean that you have no talent at your disposal. Local theatre and student films will often take people with no experience so long as they fit the role and have some ability. Acting classes are great, but the only way you will learn is to actually perform in a production. Auditioning just for the sake of auditioning is also important. I've been on countless auditions and you pick up ideas and other things just from the process itself.

Answer 4

If you're only auditioning for student films and local theatre, one play is fine. Yu do not need a pic and resume to audition for most local theatres. They give you a form to fill out when you get there, but if you want to be sure, call ahead. Student films may prefer that you bring a pic & res so they have something to remember who you are so poloroid pic may suffice until you get headshots, but that won't fly when you get up to doing pro auditions. Use the local theatre and student film opportunities to build your resume, get some headshots after you have the credits and then go for the biger stuff. I also suggest taking some classes and workshops which you can add to your resume :-)

Good luck!

Answer 5

Spend the summer building your acting résumé.

One play is not enough to go on an audition.
However, it won't hurt.
It will give you good audition experience.

Spend the summer trying to find theaters where you can audition.

Have you called the Community Theater to see if you can volunteer with them?

Don't worry about headshots, you are a long way from needing them.

Focus on reading plays, go to the library, check-out plays, read one play every week and imagine how you would portray the character.

Imagine yourself onthe stage as the character and become her.

Enjoy your summer. You have many years of acting ahead of you.

Answer 6

Walgreens will do headshots for 15.00
Get involved in every darn play playing any pary you can....It is you job...now get your but to work