Become a Teenage Actress

You can also become a teenage actress like Vanessa Hudgens.

With the explosion in the number of television shows and movies that cater to a younger teenage audience, it is now a great time to pursue a career as a teenage actress. There are many opportunities available even if you currently do not reside in Los Angeles or New York. With enough determination and drive, you can become a teenage actress and pursue a fun, enjoyable and challenging life sharing your talents as a performer.

Instructions

1. Sign up for acting classes. Like any artistic endeavor, acting requires a solid, strong technique and understanding of the field. Check your local community centers and performing arts academies to find a class in your area. Acting classes will help you to learn how to perform in front of critical peers and teachers, all of whom can provide you with tips and pointers to help you develop and hone your skills as an actress. Other skills, such as singing and dancing, are also advantageous and useful for a teenage actress.

2. Participate in local theater and television productions. Once you feel comfortable with your acting skills, audition and participate in local plays or musicals, and find opportunities on your local television network. Check for opportunities with your town's community center, community college, or your church. Although you may not receive payment for these performances, they will provide you with invaluable experience, and will add to your acting resume.

3. Take headshots that will act as your calling card. In show business, your headshot is the first thing any manager, agent, publicist or casting director will look at. Research the local photographers in your area, and select the one who has experience shooting acting headshots or portraits. This step is worth investing your money in, as it is one of the most important materials in your presentation.

4. Find a manager who will guide the overall arc of your career. A manager handles all aspects of your long-term career and liaisons on your behalf with agents, publicists and other industry figures. Go to the Show Biz Monster website and purchase mailing labels that contain the information of personal managers for actresses. Send your resume and headshot to these managers.

5. Find an agent who will get you professional acting jobs. Your manager may already have an agent who she frequently works with. If they do not have an agent to recommend, purchase agent mailing labels at the Show Biz Monster website and send out your resume and headshot. You may also want to include a DVD with clips of your local acting performances. If an agent is interested, she will contact you to meet and will sometimes ask for a live audition as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Consistently work on improving your acting skills. Your abilities as an actor have a direct impact on how far your career will go. The most important factor in your acting success is your attitude and determination. Rejection happens a lot in show business - do not take it personally.

• Be wary of any agent or manager who asks for an upfront fee. Their income should come from commissions off the work they secure for you.

Resources

• Information about headshots
• Show Biz Monster