Yes, training is the key but obviously you don't need to wait until college to go for it. If your family supports your goals, you can and should start now especially with classes. You should keep your grades up and you absolutely should plan on getting a college education because being an actor makes you your own business and being well educated and knowing how to run that business will be key to not getting taken advantage of and making smart business decisions in the future.
Get yourself into classes for acting, dance and voice lessons. After that, audition for local theatre productions then move on to student films and independants (info to follow). Once you have a few roles to put on your resume you can try to get an agent.
If you want to find a legitimate agent to represent you for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. You can look up agents all over the US, but there are higher concentrations where the work is (Los Angeles, NY, IL, FL, GA etc.). Another great resource is Ross Reports especially because they update their info so often but not all of the agents they list are SAG and you have to pay for the list. That doesn’t mean they’re not legit they absolutely are, but that’s why I always tell people to start with the SAG list. It’s free and those agents have signed an agreement to put the actor first! www.rossreports.com If you subscribe to backstage.com you can get a combo subscription which can come in handy but can also get quite expensive.
Then you can send the agencies your headshot, resume, and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview. You never call the agencies directly. That is a big no-no! At least it is in LA.
Once you have an agent, they will get you the auditions, but until then you can check out actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance / commission / society or whatever your state calls theirs (some have more than one). Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. For theatre (and other auditions on backstage), you can go to backstage.com or www.actorsequity.com (click on casting call) If you find the audition on the Equity site, you still may be able to go, as long as their not taking appointments from equity actor's only :-) On backstage.com you have to pay to get all of the info, but the initial search is free and you may be able to see enough info to find out the rest on your own without paying.
Don't forget that legit agents take 10% of your pay after they help get you a job. Not one cent before and not one cent more.
Good luck!
2007-08-02 06:25:59
·
answer #1
·
answered by Marianne D 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Short answer: For "real" auditions that get you onto a network tv series or nationally released/distributed film (are all the other ones then fake??), yes you do. You also have to be in LA.
You're next question will probably then be "How do I get an agent?"
The answer to that is, right now, you don't. Especially if you're not in LA. Sometimes films will have national casting searches to find an "unknown" for their film such as Hairspray and Superman, however, for the other 98% of film and tv that are currently in production or pre-production, the Casting Directors go through agencies, whose agents submit actors that are signed with them that match the character breakdowns. So, how you do get an agent? You show them that you are a marketable, talented actor who will be able to make them money. And how do you show them that? By having a solid resume filled with credits both in film and theatre, by being a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and having substantial training.
So, what can you do now? First, get some training. Sign up for an Intro to Acting class anywhere that is reputable. Second, start getting some expereince and building your resume by auditioning for plays and short or student films.
Third, go to the library and start reading some books about the business. If you want to go the film/tv route, there are unfortunately many other variables for success than talent alone. It's a complex industry with no set path, but the more you know about how it works, the better you will be able to market yourself.
2007-08-02 07:55:26
·
answer #2
·
answered by Ashley 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
Well sweety you need to find a university and go to college...Many famous people have got in without training but the training is the KEY and just as many famouse people do have training and extensive training at that..! A BA or BFA will do you well in the world of acting and give you much better odds at landing serious roles...I am graduating with my BFA in theater next May...Unless you want to try out for reality TV and get your 15 minutes of fame and embarass yourself...go to college and get an agent while in college to add to your resume and you will get plenty of experience in college!! May I suggest UNLV here in Vegas!! Good Luck it is just $50 and an application away!
2007-08-02 06:09:42
·
answer #3
·
answered by reggiethecokegirl 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
no you do not have to have an agent. you can look online for tv shows and stuff. i know that is what nikki blonsky did to get her lead role in hairspray. try looking online.
hope i helped
2007-08-02 05:46:38
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
2⤋