How to Pursue a Career in Acting or Singing

An actor can be successful with total determination and effective auditions.

Singing and acting can be fun and rewarding careers. To build a lucrative career in either, you need total dedication and perseverance as well as talent. For the trained artist, demo-reels and recordings help to make others aware of your talents, and can help to secure ongoing performances. In such challenging fields where thousands of people vie for the same jobs, having a range of talents, such as being able to both sing and act, raises your odds. Networking, agents, negotiation skills and successful interactions with directors, producers, talent buyers and venue managers can lead to consistent work.

Things You'll Need

• Head shots
• Audition pieces
• Audio and video recordings of your work
• Business cards
• Press kit & promotion materials
• Telephone and/or internet connection with email
• Website (optional)
• Subscriptions to industry periodicals and websites (optional)
• Agent (optional)
• Manager (optional)

Instructions

1. Record a demo tape on CD or DVD. The recording will show your best moments to date from either actual or simulated performances. A three-minute demo-reel for actors will demonstrate their talents visually. An audio CD for singers can be supplemented with a video that shows you singing. These recorded tools are not just for entertainment value; they are to be distributed regularly to promote yourself.

2. Create a website where you can post your videos and where others can listen to you and your music. Link these to as many possible places as you can, via social networking sites and industry talent listings. Market yourself through letters of introduction that lead potential employers to your website. And after each performance, add a new clip.

3. Subscribe to magazines like Backstage, Variety, Rolling Stone and Billboard to keep up with the latest news, auditions and productions. Online music festival listings are good resources for venues seeking new as well as experienced talent.

4. Create a press kit: headshots, reel, biography, resume, and business card. Press kits are standard for both actors and singers who want to be taken seriously. Singers who also play an instrument will want images of them performing with it. Singers who have bands will have additional materials in the kit, such as details of musicians who also performed on recordings, and stage setups for live shows. Get the press-kit out to as many producers and agents as you can. You can also post this as an online file for people to download for role consideration, festivals and other auditions.

5. Consider getting professional memberships in your field. SAG, AFTRA, musician's unions and so forth are excellent resources for professionals. Use them. Attend meetings. Schmooze with others at your level of experience.

6. Sign with a reputable agent or manager once you have a track record. Though no agent can guarantee you steady work, your chances increase because they stay current on what's happening in the industries. Agents and managers each take a percentage of the work they secure for you, but it's worth it if you get steady paychecks. Stay in regular communication with your agent or manager between gigs. Don't let them forget you.

7. Audition, audition, audition. Whether gigs are non-paying, high-paying or low-paying, get out there and be seen. Every time an actor leaves his headshot with directors and producers, the chances for work increase. Singers audition, too. Send that CD to everyone you can possibly find at the ideal venues for showcasing your talent.

8. Attend industry conventions, programs, festivals, and events. Every time you go to these, take your reel, CD, headshots and press kit. You won't know which of them might be requested. Network with successful people; get your materials into the hands of professionals. Think of yourself as a professional while you work the booths, attend workshops, or break for lunch.

9. Keep at it. Stay on your very clearly intended course and follow through after every audition. Maintain contact with the people you are building into your network. Let nothing defeat you.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn some basics about business so you can utilize marketing know-how without falling into the "starving artist" mindset.

• Collect business cards when you attend events and festivals, and follow up with anyone you feel would be a good reference for future work. If you are talented, trust that, and in time you will land consistent work to build your career.

• Mind your manners--authentic expressions of "please" and "thank you" before auditions, after being hired, and when following up are sure to leave a good impression.

• Stay focused and self-directed, but keep your boundaries clear when dealing with agents or managers.

• Learn the difference between consistent self-promoting and becoming disturbingly pushy. No one wants to get constant calls from a demanding, egotistical "artist" who thinks he's the next great thing.

References

• The Business of Acting
• IMDb Pro
• Vocalist: Music Associations, Organisations & Unions
• Screen Actors Guild (SAG)
• American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)

Resources

• Actors Access
• Professional Musicians' Referral
• Music Notes: Marketing Books for Singers
• Showbiz Monster