How to Become a Talented Young Actress

Becoming a talented young actress requires practice.

It's an old joke that stems from an urban legend. A tourist stops a famous performer on a New York street one day; in some versions it's renowned violinist Jascha Heifitz, in others pianist Arthur Rubenstein. The tourist asks, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" Not missing a beat, the seasoned New Yorker replies, "Practice, practice, practice!" Learning how to become a talented young actress is much like getting to Carnegie Hall, but the process begins long before you ask for directions.

Things You'll Need

• Acting lessons
• Books and videos from your local library

Instructions

1. Learn about your craft by reading celebrated books about acting. Start with "An Actor Prepares," by Constantin Stanislavsky, a Russian director and acting teacher. According to a recent PBS documentary, Stanislavsky influenced the acting craft more than any other individual in the 20th century. Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler are just two of the great names in American theater with connections to the Stanislavsky teaching "method."

2. 

   Take acting lessons. Ask members of your local theater group to recommend acting teachers in your area. There may also be a local junior theater group in your area.

3. Learn from the best. "Inside the Actor's Studio" is a seminar series for students at the Actors Studio Drama School. Watch episodes online or check out DVDs from your local library.

4. 

   Get active. Join your school's debate club and consider entering local beauty pageants. Both offer the opportunity to gain poise and valuable communication skills that are easily transferable to acting.

5. Gain acting experience and start developing your resume. Begin with your school drama clubs and classes, then expand your repertoire to include local theater groups. The more knowledge you gain at this stage, the more confident you will be when you get older.

6. Attend a drama school or major in drama in college. You will continue to improve your skills and receive excellent experience while gaining practical understanding about your chosen profession.

7. Attend auditions and continue taking lessons after college. Keep adding to your resume and seek Screen Actors Guild (SAG)-eligible roles. Find an agent after you have some professional experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Audition as often as possible. You will become more comfortable with the process that way. Save all pay stubs and signed contracts from your paid jobs. You will need documentation to support your SAG application. Attend a new member orientation prior to applying to SAG.

• Limiting your experience may limit the roles you are offered. While you may have an interest in a particular genre, for example comedy, it is important to diversify. Seek out a variety of roles. Beware of agents that ask you to pay a fee before representing you. Agents get paid only when you get paid.

References

• Constantin Stanislavski
• Inside the Actors Studio
• Young Actors Camp

Resources

• Screen Actors Guild
• Yale School of Drama