How to Become a Working Actress

Gain experience by working on the stage and in student films.

So, you'd like to become a working actress. The first question to ask yourself before beginning the process is, why do you want to be an actress? If your motivation is fame and money, you'll probably be in for a long, uphill battle. Acting, especially all of the steps required to becoming a working actress, takes a lot of patience and a true passion for the art of acting. Every job, no matter how big or how small, could lead to the "big break." Much patience and perseverance will be required.

Instructions

1. Have a reasonable amount of cash on hand especially if you are making a move to a large, urban city like New York City or Los Angeles. Research housing and have a "brick and mortar" job in place beforehand. Most likely, you will not have a flood of acting jobs immediately, so set realistic goals for yourself. If you have never lived in an urban setting before, it can be quite a culture shock.

2. Compile a resume, headshot and portfolio. Be extremely honest on your resume about your experience. As with any other industry, limit your resume to one page. Create a professional sounding e-mail address that is associated with your resume for acting jobs only. Select a photographer that specializes in headshots. If possible, hire a makeup artist especially for your session. You will need to have your resume attached to the back of your headshot. If you cannot afford to have it professionally affixed by a printing company, staple it. Gluing it can be messy and never use paper clips. There are two types of headshots; commercial and theatrical. In a commercial headshot, which typically goes for commercial and television work, you are expected to smile. These headshots are typically posed. In a theatrical headshot, which goes for theater and film work, you may appear more naturally.

3. Select an agent to represent you, no matter where you are at in your career. If you are just starting out, it is okay to start with a smaller agency. An agent takes on the role of sending your headshot, resume and portfolio out to casting agents, with a cover letter explaining why you would be perfect for certain roles. Agents are typically well connected, so it is in your favor to be represented by one. Do not burn bridges with agents, even if you disagree with them. If you get the reputation of being difficult to work with, it will follow you.

4. Act in student films and in community stage productions whenever possible. You may not be compensated for these jobs at all, but you will gain valuable experience that you can put on your resume, while honing your acting skills. No job is too small while you are trying to become a working actress. You never know who will see your work, and who is connected to whom.

5. Audition, audition, audition! It may be in your best interest to contact a temp agency specifically geared toward actresses. This may place you in bit roles, but remember, no job is too small, and it will keep your paychecks steady. It is also possible to network and apply for many jobs online via a video portfolio.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire an accountant once you begin to start paid jobs. It will help to keep your finances in order and can help you save money on taxes.

• Remember, the director is God. As with agents, do not burn bridges and gain a bad reputation.

• Don't walk into an audition uninformed, or prepare to be embarrassed. Do as much research as possible beforehand.

References

• The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts: The Ins and Outs of the Acting Business

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Actors, Producers and Directors