How to Become an Actress in Virginia
Many movies have been shot in Virginia, including "The Silence of the Lambs," "Cold Mountain" and "Mission Impossible." While most of these movies have the principle actors in place, they still need actors and actresses to fill the smaller parts. You never know when one line in a hit movie will launch your career. To become an actress in Virginia, follow the steps below.
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Instructions
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Flip through the pages of your local newspaper for open casting calls and companies that hire extras or actors. These ads might appear in the classified section, or if it’s a large production they might advertise on the radio, TV or in large ads inside the newspaper. You’ll gain some experience and you might even land a big part.
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Visit the Movie X website to search for casting calls in your area. At the same time you can also register on the website and create your own online profile for casting directors to find. There are a number of different production companies that film in Virginia, and they often use this website to find locals for bit parts (see Resources below).
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Register at the Virginia Actors' Forum and sign up for their email mailing list. This company carefully follows all movies, TV shows and stage plays working across the state and lists them by area for members to find. By joining their mailing list, you’ll know exactly what productions are in need of actors (see Resources below).
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Take classes in acting either at your local college, or try to join The Actors' Place. This is one of the oldest acting schools in the country, and the oldest in Virginia. There have been a number of actors who got their start here before acting on the stage and screen. It can be hard to become a member, but once you do, you’ll be on a great start to an acting career (see Resources below).
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Find a local agent by searching through the phone book or looking online. An agent will evaluate your talents and look and then find auditions that would work well for you. This individual will also serve as your cheerleader through the process of finding acting jobs and even help you find a professional photographer to take head shots.
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Tips & Warnings
Don’t think you can just walk in off the street and be an instant celebrity. You have to take the time to hone your skills and develop your talent through classes and performances on the local stage.
Read any advertisements carefully to look for signs of a scam. You might think you’re auditioning for a new movie, when the audition is actually for a strip club or a pornographic movie.
