How to Work Full-time as an Actor with No Experience

My article is about how to act as a full-time job in Los Angeles without any experience or training.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An adventurous spirit, Three business suits, swimwear, a winter coat, raingear, nightclub wear, sports equipment (optional), $25-$95 initial investment

1. 
    
   Me in my Car during one of my many moves to, around and within L.A.

   First, you will need to move to the Los Angeles area. If you have a vehicle, then take advantage of roommate sites to find a great deal on something a little out of the way. Trust me -- as an untrained, inexperienced actor you will need more time to develop yourself at a quiet home in the suburbs rather than the bars in Hollywood full of tourists.

2. Register at Central Casting in Burbank, California. (centralcasting.org.) Also check out commercial background casting companies like Virgo talent. (virgotalent.com.) There are many background companies to choose from and a google search will provide many. Beware of companies that ask for a large upfront deposit. They will not book you on anything and will blame it on demographics or some other reason. These companies are usually tax shelters or just mean people.

3. Sign up for a calling service. Two good ones are Extras Management (extrasmanagement.com) and Kalifornia Kasting ([e-mail], you will need to submit a photo via electronic means). Calling services save you time by working out your booking details, so you can concentrate on your craft.

4. Collect and prepare wardrobe. As a non-union extra with little experience, most of your pay is representative of your wardrobe selection. With no experience, your major contribution should be your wardrobe. Visit a local 99cents store or similar venue to purchase a garment bag to keep your wardrobe clean and pressed. Always bring more options than requested on the information line provided to you by Central Casting.

5. 
    
   My headshot that I secured for free from craigslist

   Sit back and wait to be contacted for your first role. Depending on your look, demographics and whether or not your calling service wants to work on any particular day, then you should expect to receive a phone call or email anywhere from 2-5 days a week. Be on time for all work and bask in the glory of your acting success.

6. On set: Don't look at the camera! Wear padding on your high heel shoes. If requested to walk in a particular path, walk softly. We know you are wearing heels and you look great, but the sound guy does not want to hear them -- at all! Invest in some sticky padding for the heel portion of your loud shoes or track down wardrobe on the set in case you forget to deal with the situation beforehand.

7. Prepare yourself for slow times in the industry like union strikes. The industry takes a break during the holidays and during the summer, so save something each month to prepare for the breaks. There will be many people vying for that summer part-time job or the Christmas retail position at the mall!

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, use craigslist. I've secured free headshots, jobs, and haircuts just with a click of a mouse.
• Watch out for scams! Unfortunately, the industry creates the type of person who will try to take advantage of the new person to L.A. who wants to "break into the business." If you answer a modeling ad or similar casting call, be prepared for anything. Do not give anyone your passport when accepting work overseas.

Resources

• background casting