How to work towards a successful acting career

Things you could do to increase your opportunities in the acting business.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   You will want to be able to speak in a clear non-regional dialect. Sure you see many working actors who have accents and dialects, however they are able to speak without them as well. A clear speaking voice will come across much better on camera. Lets say for example, you insist on keeping your Boston dialect. Then this limits you to just roles that allow you to be from Boston. And eliminates you from playing a character, say from New York, Iowa, etc.

2. 
    

   Attend a good acting class. You can choose a class that charges you for a certain amount of classes, or on a monthly basis, or on a per attendance basis. Just like many other professions, you need to be at your best and have the skills to compete against many other aggressive actors. Just because the class is expensive doesn't mean it good. Actually, many of the best classes charge more of a modest fee. You can epect to pay $40 - $50 per class.

3. 
    

   Take care of your image (hair, skin, body, etc). Go to the gym and workout. NO, you don't need to be a bodybuilder, however you should be in good shape and able to handle a 14 hour day on the set. If you have acne, take care of it. Don't just let it go. There are very very very few roles that will allow for bad skin.

4. Know your image - Know what roles you can play. If you look like a geek then you will never land a Tom Cruise type of role. You need to look for roles that fit what you can play. Not everyone can be the guy that gets the girl or the girl whose head chearleader. You may not be that girl that leads the film, but you sure chould be that girl's bestfriend.

5. 
    

   Keep your private life private - Be careful when posting videos, photos, blogs, and other personal information on the internet. We are in a day and age where everything is on the Internet and everyone knows it. If you think agents, managers, producers, casting directors, and others don't look you up on MySpace or alike, YOU ARE SO VERY WRONG.

6. 
    

   In Hollywood you will need several tools. You need a cellphone with voice mail so you can recieve audition appointments at all times. Ideally you will always want to answer your phone when your representation or casting calls. Oh yes, you must have a realiable car. Hollywood is spread out and the bus and underground systems do not drop you off close enough to get to your appointments on a timely manner. Access to email and ability to print is also very important. When you get an audition you will most likely receive an email or need to access a website to get your audition information and materials.

7. 
    

   Don't be that guy at the audition. Several types of actors attend auditions and they don't impress anyone including the Casting Directors. Don't be they guy they shows up talking on his cell, or the one who sizes up the other actors. Keep away from being the chatterbox that has to talk about all the auditions you have been on or the last set you worked. You want to go into the casting office, sign in, and keep to yourself until you are called. Relax and focus on your audition materials.

[Brie2be]

on 8/8/2008 Love this article. Gives many useful tips! Thanks!

[ActorAndHost]

on 6/5/2008 Good tips. They make a lot of sense. Some of my visitors could use them too!
Thanks for that.
Tony

[Elitchka]

on 12/24/2007 Very good tips! Perfect professional advice.

[Elitchka]

on 12/24/2007 Very good tips! Perfect professional advice.

[JRIngrisano]

on 12/24/2007 Excellent advice. I know many people who have aspired to be actors. A tough row to hoe, as they say in the Midwest. Your recommendations can help them improve the odds. Now, how about more articles about how to become successful in acting?