How do I go about getting some acting experiences behind me?

Question

Is there any sort of ameture groups or someting for 23 year olds? Bare in mind that the last time I acted was when I was about 12 years old.

Thanks to those answering

Answer 1

The only theatres that target a set age range are youth theatres.

You're ready for regular theatre, which as you know calls for adults of all ages.

The best way to get experience is to get experience -- just go out and start auditioning, and take some classes along the way. Call all the local theatres in your area [or visit their websites] -- most maintain an audition list, so you can sign up to receive e-mail announcements. Then start auditioning for everything that calls for your type [gender and age].

You'll need a resume and a head shot. It's ok if your resume has only school projects on it -- you're technically a beginner, so bear it for the time being. As you do more and more shows, you get to chop out the school stuff. For a head shot, you'll need to cough up a little money and go to a photographer -- one with experience doing theatre head shots [if you're in a small town and there's no qualified photogs there, invest in a day trip to a larger city].

Buy the book "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff. It's the bible of auditioning, and also talks a bit about acting technique and how to conduct yourself in auditions AND rehearsals. After all these years, I still re-read it completely twice per year [I'm on probably my sixth copy now]. If that book cost $1,000 I'd still buy it.

Finally, always remember that your reputation is the only thing of value an actor has, so strive to 1) always do your best work, 2) always learn something new from every project, and 3) never let egomania control you. The last is actually a bit more important -- though the media has a perverse love of making unpleasant ego-driven diva behavior seem glamorous and "fun," the reality is that producers and directors naturally prefer to avoid that kind of needless negative energy.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Hi,

it all depends on where you want to take it? If you just want to dabble and have some fun, then just go and try and get into some community theater projects for example.

If you are a little more serious on the other hand, then you will want to think about taking some classes. If you get into a good technique class and maybe then a scene study class on the side when you are ready, those alone will give you a little experience and help you feel more confident. Then you could still go to community theater and even start auditioning for parts in student films, independent projects, on-camera commercials and local theater productions.

If you choose to pursue some on-camera commercial work, taking a few improvisation classes is a good thing to do as well as to continue to add to your special skills bag at the end of your resume.

You could do back-ground, extra work, what they call under-five and day player roles in soaps and in prime-time series, BUT it all depends on where you live. If you live in a big city like NY, LA or CHI it will be lot easier, because there are more opportunities in those places.

Again, it all depends on what you want. One thing is for sure. If you really want to pursue acting seriously, you will better your chances for success if you get some good training at the beginning and keep it up throughout.

In the meantime, you might find helpful an ebook I put together called: How To Start An Acting Career. You can get it by simply signing in on my site (see url below) and then you'll have access. It take you through some steps you'll want to consider to start your career off right.

Good luck to you!

Tony
ceo
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com

Answer 3

Sure there are. Watch the Arts section in the paper, and listen to the public service announcements on the radio. Colleges usually have a group, but they usually aren't strict. Usually, extras are needed and tech. They may want you to start with something like that. It's terribly important for theater that people are reliable about showing up, and punctual. They aren't likely to hand out major roles without knowing at least that about a person.

Answer 4

I would join an amateur group - but try and find one of a good standard. They are always looking for new people and you can get experience both on stage and behind the scenes. Don't let the fact that you haven't acted for many years get in the way - you'll soon get back into it. It's a good way of networking and good fun. Break a leg!

Answer 5

look in the yellow pages for community theatres and start there.