How to Become a Soap Actor

Finding work as an actor is difficult enough. But becoming a successful soap opera actor takes a special set of skills and commitments. With the right preparation, timing, commitment and some real talent, you can make the cut and enjoy a long and rewarding career in daytime television. Read on to learn how to become a soap actor.

Things You'll Need

• A strong sense of commitment
• Training
• Patience
• Talent
• Credits
• Portfolio
• Professional representation

Instructions

1. Get some formal training. Acting classes can help hone your sense of timing, the ability to hit your marks, improve stage presence and in general help you make the shift from amateur to professional. The workshops that are part of the training will go a long way in helping you to understand what is required with acting jobs in general.

2. Find an agent. The hard fact of acting is that very few casting agents will see an actor who is not represented. A good agent will have contacts that would take you years to cultivate. Make sure your agent shares your goal of finding work in daytime television.

3. Assemble a portfolio. For an actor, a portfolio will contain a number of photographs taken by a professional photographer. The shots will show you in a number of different poses, often portraying a range of emotions. While using a professional will cost money, consider it an investment in your future.

4. Build up some credits. In other words, get a few acting jobs under your belt, even if they are not related to daytime television. Take on a commercial or two, take a supporting role in a play, or any small job that shows you have what it takes to show up for work and get the job done.

5. Prepare to make the rounds. Your agent will probably send you on many different auditions before you find the right job. Always be on time, prepared, and ready to wait your turn. There will be plenty of rejection, so have a thick skin and keep believing in yourself.

6. Network with other actors. Contrary to popular belief, many actors are not all that cutthroat when it comes to sharing leads with fellow actors.There is a good chance that if an actor friend hears of a part you are right for, he or she will pass the tip along to you. In turn, you can get in touch with your agent and get the ball rolling on landing an audition.

7. Be professional.Once you have that role on a soap opera, show up on time, know your lines and marks, and be ready to put in a full day. Soap actors do not tend to work nine-to-five days and the work can be grueling if you are part of a front burner storyline. Being prepared and staying professional even when things are moving slowly will go a long way toward building a solid reputation in the business, and will help lead to more acting opportunities.

Tips & Warnings

• Soap actors often are expected to do promotional appearances for the show from time to time. Be prepared to devote some of your weekends and other free time to personal appearances if you want to build a strong fan base.

• Like all actors, soap actors can spend years finding the right role in the right soap opera. Unless you have the commitment to stick out a lot of hard times, consider some other line of work.