how can i become an actress?

Question

this is my dream. i really want this more then anything. and im willing to work as hard as i possibly can to achieve my goal. i just dont know how to get started? i know i need an agent..
but how? and are there any ways i can get better?
thanks :)

Answer 1

Well as everyone said it takes some schooling and small theater experience.

Most of the actors out there start out in college and if you look closely at the credentials of the top actors they got their MFA at NYU Tisch School or Julliard or Pasadena Playhouse or USC or UCLA where they did live stage for years and know classic plays inside and out.

The rest of the actors come from show biz families where their kids group up on stage wings and movie sets and interact with top actors at family parties.

A few get in young with no connections and sometimes even no schooling but they have a full time stage parent behind them with $$$ (it cost $2,500 to buy a union card in one payment) and transportation.

A friend of mine who's a SAG actor was at a studio casting session and she saw a mutual friend who I brought into live rock music stage as a lighting person (she was the wife of the keyboardist and was bored stiff at siting with a drink at shows, so I gave her a non-paying job and she kept at it and did work with others and kept going). She was now married and at the casting call with her toddler and it was the KID she was trying to get cast in either a show or TV commercial.

A friend of mine at one of my first jobs in retail, his 5 year old did commercials and had an agent and she made more in one week than he made all year. She used to do Aunt Jamima commercials.

But his wife handled the girl full time and took her to auditions.

His girl was SAG at the age of 4, back when it only cost $500 to buy your card, but it was also back when minimum wage was $1.75 an hour and a new Cadillac was $8,000

Answer 2

Before you even begin considering an ageny, your number one priority is getting enough experience to survive in this dog-eat-dog world. Do courses (acting, dancing, singing), take part in community or school plays, audition whenever possible.

But also work on your skills - read english literature, become a sponge for this sort of thing. Study, and understand, people whenever possible, they are the best actors and if you can assimilate what they do as much as possible you are well on your way to becoming a great actress. All great actors have keen observation skills. e.g Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro are two good examples.

Know your strenghts and weaknesses. Some people will never make action stars and some action stars could never doing dramatic movies. Can you imagine Arnie in Schlinders List or The Godfather. Or Ben Kingsley as the Terminator. What roles suit you most? You need to critique yourself honestly. Being a typecast is not always a bad thing, it means that you stand out from the rest of the acting community for that particular part , which is exactly what producers tend to look for in an actor, the archetype, somebody who is so much easier, and riskfree, to cast in a part that obviously suits them from the outset.

Ultimately stand out from the rest - if you have a black belt in Karate, great, maybe you will get a part in an action movie to begin with; if you can dance or sing, even better; what I'm basically saying is that the more you specialise in something, the easier you will be noticed in this world because eventually a producer will come your way, looking for the skill that you possess. Thus be unique.

Answer 3

Well here is my opinion and experience... You do not say how old you are but I'm guessing high school age?
If you really love acting and want to pursue your dream start where you are; you have to start somewhere...do local community theatre and take classes at your school and community college or university. That is where you will meet people who have 'done' it, and they will have great advise for you.
But alot of working actors go to college and get a BFA in Drama and then find a apprenticeship at an actors equity theatre and work there way up to equity chorus roles. Theatre is a great training ground- you learn to work hard and people who you will want a job from down the road will know that. Theatre is good for earning your union card. Being 'equity' opens you up to more auditions roles.
For now, start where you are...my biggest piece of advise: it is a very small world in entertainment- so you are always making your reputation!

Answer 4

First you should take acting lessons. After you get better you need an agent to try and get you into movies and be an extra. After you build up your resume, you would be more likely to be hired for a real part in a movie.
Hope that helped, and good luck!!!

Answer 5

first thing you need is a lot of experience. if there are any modeling or acting ads in the paper (even if community plays or something) audition so you can have experience and people will know your name. you can search online and find many things that can help you get started on your goal.
good luck!
-katie

Answer 6

Wow!I say you r so cool and your dream will become truth.First,you have to be ambicious for the the future,dont let anybody stop you!But....its hard because you need an agent so you need recomandation,people who you know to help you.You may go to a school o something.Start making little shows,the greatest come last.

Answer 7

If you'e still in high school. try out for every school play. If you don't make it, ask the teacher or whoever screens the auditions how you can imporve. Then go to a college that offers a major in dramatic art,theater, or whatever that institution calls it. At that point, ask your professors for advice. They can probably point you toward internships, etc., that will give you some professional experience.

Answer 8

yours and millions just like you. if you are under 18,, you will need to get yourparents involved and they will need to work very hard for you. If they need help, have them read my profile and write to me at my aol address.

Answer 9

be at the right place at the right time. alot of getting noticed is luck.