How to Become a Teen Male Actor

Make a name for yourself as an teen actor.

If you love the spotlight, getting into acting is a no-brainer. Tips that you have what it takes to become a teen male actor include being successful in your school's drama team and having excellent auditions for your school plays. You also need something about you that makes casting directors think you are unique. Perhaps you have a chipper sense of humor or a teen heartthrob look. Now that you've decided you have what it takes, jump right in to start your career. Becoming an actor is simple—becoming a successful actor is another story. You can do it if you follow a few tips.

Things You'll Need

• Photographer
• Camera

Instructions

1. Get on stage and get some theater acting experience. Every famous actor started somewhere. Plenty of big stars played the lead in their school play. Network with theater companies in your area to find out how and when to audition. When you land a role, memorize your part and work on your performance. Memorization is only a part of your performance—you also must get to know your character's thoughts and emotions.

2. Invite agents in your area to see your performance. Don't call them—they won't know who you are. Have a photographer take professional head shots—photos of your face. Alternatively, you can have a friend take snapshots with a professional camera. Print the photos out as postcards, and send them to talent agents. Write your name, contact information, and the name and dates of the play on the back of the card. If you're lucky, they may come scout you out and ask to represent you.

3. Get a part-time job in the summers and after school. Although acting gigs may pay you, you'll need a large savings for the next step. When you start to outgrow the market you live in, you may have to consider spending time in New York or Los Angeles. Ask your parents if you can spend a summer in an acting conservatory. New York Film Academy has a summer camp for teens that can get you to the theater district of New York or to Hollywood. Tell your parents that you can pay for transportation costs to New York and some tuition, if they can help you out with the odds and ends. Spending time in a major city can have surprising expenses.

4. Be sure to bring proper audition attire when you travel to New York or Los Angeles. In any spare time you have, try to audition. Signing up for an audition website such as ActorsAccess.com can help you find legitimate auditions. When you show up, dress as though you are going for a job interview. Business casual is typical male attire for auditions. Wear nice slacks and a button-up shirt with leather shoes. Always have your clothes nicely pressed and hanging in your closet.

5. When you book a job, take it seriously. Being on-set is not the time to goof around with other actors and crew. Drinking a lot of water on-set can help keep your skin quenched; you need to look vibrant on camera. Also, knowing your lines should be second nature to you. Never make your director wait for you to get your lines together for her. Being prepared for shoot day starts the night before by getting sleep and studying your lines.

References

• New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts: Pursue a Career in Acting
• Bob Pardue: How to Dress for Hollywood Success

Resources

• New York Film Academy: Summer Camp
• Actors Access: Breakdown Services, Ltd.