Tips on Becoming an Actress

Many little girls dream of becoming a famous actress. There is no surprise here, considering the life of leisure and luxury many successful actresses live. Names like Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz have become household names. So there is no reason why you can’t aspire to have the same dream they all once had. With a little refining of your craft, a lot of practice and a ton of ambition, you, too, can become a successful actress of stage and screen.

Things You'll Need

• Monologues
• Resume
• Head shots
• Books on acting

Instructions

1. Perfect your craft. You will never become successful as an actress if you do not take great pride in what you do. Take classes and lessons to get experience working with others and to get insight from instructors. Read up on the subject. Bookstores are loaded with books on the Stanislavski Method, method acting and honing the inner actress within. These will be very helpful resources for fully committing yourself to the craft.

2. Get as much experience as possible. No stage is too small! Become involved with your school theater, community theater and any other avenue of film and production available to you. This will get you in contact with those who can help you further your career. More importantly, it will help you develop your skills as an actress.

3. Develop an effective resume. You have to show up to every audition well prepared. Keep an up-to-date resume that lists your education, experience, contact information and acting credentials. This will help you seem professional.

4. Take pride in your appearance. Not every actress is a supermodel, but a certain level of pride in your appearance should be exercised. It may sound superficial, but to elevate to the level of lead actress, you may need to take extra care to monitor your image. This means eating healthily and exercising frequently to stay in shape. If you have a distinctive look about you that will separate you from the crowd, emphasize this as it will give you character when casting directors are selecting actresses for roles.

5. Network as often as possible. You will need to go to where the action is to really expose yourself to the acting community. This could mean moving to New York City or Los Angeles, or it could just mean getting to know people within your own community that can help you get in contact with those who will help further your acting career.

6. Get professional head shots. Head shots are what casting directors will have to remember you by long after the audition is over. It might be a little expensive, but good head shots that show you as you are will be an investment that will be well worth it down the line. It is usually a good idea to print your resume on the backside of the head shots, if possible.

7. Assemble a film reel. If possible, gather the video you have collected of you acting over the years. This will give your casting directors even more to remember you by once you leave. Also, it will show your range of acting abilities.

8. Keep several monologues in your memory. You may be asked to do a reading on the spot at an audition. Other times, directors will ask for you to prepare a monologue that demonstrates your abilities. Keep a few memorized and ready to go for any audition opportunity. Practice it in front of a mirror or camera to be sure you are effectively conveying what you want to show.

9. Get an agent. Often unsolicited auditions are not welcome. While it is possible to do it on your own, it cannot hurt to have someone representing you and managing your career. It is an added expense, but it is a helpful option that could help boost your career.

10. Audition, audition, audition! Get yourself out there as much as possible. Even if you don’t think the specifications make you a very qualified applicant, get yourself in there and show them what you can do. You have the rest of your successful career to pass over auditions that might otherwise not appeal to you.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish