How to Become an Actor

Acting is an art and skill, and a form of expression, whether you are an actor for children or adults, on a live stage, or in front of a camera. The people who can do it very well make it look easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Bring energy to your work. When Judy Dench was asked what the most important aspect of acting was, she said energy. If Judy Dench says it is important, then we should all assume that it is important.
2. Be available. Not many actors get jobs handed to them until they have "made it." You have to make your schedule as flexible as possible in order to attend every available audition and casting call. Becoming an actor doesn't happen overnight, and you have to be driven.
3. Bring passion to your work. Whether you are working on Shakespeare or poorly-written children's theater, bring your passion for acting to every project you take on.
4. Let's face it, not every working actor is talented. But skill can replace talent if the natural talent isn't there. In either case, be open to continually learning from your fellow actors and directors and you will improve. Honing the skill to be an actor takes time. It isn't just memorizing lines, it is taking courses from respected teachers, and doing the grunt work at home--daily.
5. Have a good disposition. Some of the worst actors keep getting work because they are easy to work with. You may not like it, but if you play the game you will get further than if you don't.
6. Let your inner demons out. If you can tap into some of your personal pain, or insecurities, you can bring a whole new level to your performance. Becoming an actor can be therapeutic.

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