How to Break Into Show Business
"There's no business like show business!" and "Hooray for Hollywood!" are mantras that have people migrating to show business capitals like New York and L.A. Breaking into show business is a dream of thousands of people - which means thousands of people are competing for the limelight. Show business is both amazingly glamorous and amazingly hard to break into. It's going to take a lot of work, patience and a very thick skin.
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Instructions
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Get a day job. Until you break in, you're going to have to get some sort of paying work. You're going to be going to a lot of auditions before you land a job, and chances are the gig is not going to pay all that much. Consider finding a job in the service industry, as a flexible schedule is important so you can go to auditions.
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Put together an audition reel, a resume and a headshot portfolio. Make sure these are professionally done. Being skilled at your own hair and make-up is enormously useful, so get a makeup kit and practice.
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Get an agent and/or manager. He will do some of the legwork for you to get you auditions. However, you should keep an ear out yourself for potential auditions and should always be networking.
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Practice. Take non-paying roles in small independent movies, local theater or even sit-down readings. Take classes as well. If you are a screenwriter, take a class where you can workshop your ideas. Classes can be an excellent way to network as well as a place to refine your craft.
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Work your strengths. If you're a comedic actor, seek out these auditions. If you can sing, learn several songs in your range. If you're adept at comedy and tragedy, learn a few monologues at each. Finally, practice your scenes for an audition repeatedly. Find yourself a good scene partner. The same goes if you're a writer looking to break into screenwriting: write scripts that highlight your strengths.
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Take paying work, even it's not your dream job. Don't be too selective about the roles you take. If you are offered work in a commercial or on a series, it might be a good place to start. Check out biographies of famous actors to make you feel a little better about taking a role you may not be thrilled about. A lot of famous performers started out on soap operas or in commercials.
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Tips & Warnings
You don't necessarily need to work in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago. You can cut your chops in local theaters anywhere in the country. However, the vast bulk of show business hiring is in those three cities.
If you're looking to break into the business end of show business, the same rules apply. You're likely going to need to start at the bottom - in the mail room, or as an assistant - and work your way up.
Get to know the ins and outs of show business - the recent trends, the most popular movies. Read industry publications to stay current.
Join a union. You usually don't have to be a part of the union to be hired, but a union can help protect your rights if your are hired.
Look for acting, singing or dancing work in theme parks or on cruise ships. You can learn about your craft, meet others in your field and get paid.
Always be personable and professional at auditions or meetings.
No reputable agent or manager will charge you money up front. The agent should take about 10% only when you've made some money.
References
Resources
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