How to Become an Actor

So you want to become an actor? Not sure where to begin your journey? With Screenwise, you will be on the right track.

But before you start an acting career, you should know that this profession is hard to enter. Thus, you need to bring with you lots of perseverance, patience, and good attitude. In no time, you should be able to make it big in the industry.

Where to Start

As an aspiring actor, where do you begin your acting journey? Well, there are many places or way to begin. But at Screenwise, we suggest that you start here:

1. To be a professional actor, you should start by building connections with acting groups at school or local theatres. Check with your tutors, lecturers, and the students’ union. Ask if there are any groups available to join.

Being with peers or people who share the same passion, you will have an opportunity to hone your skills. Not only will you be able to get an honest opinion about your acting, you may also be able to network with household names in the industry.

2. It’s never enough to just attend practice sessions with an acting club. You should also do your homework and study how actors perform in films. Concentrate on how they deliver their lines. Focus on their facial expressions and gestures.

After that, practice in front of the mirror. Record your dialogues and try it out in different accents. If you truly have a passion for acting, it will show.

3. Once you have acquired enough acting experience and decided that you want to pursue an acting career, it is time that you move forward and proceed to get a professional training.

You can start by enrolling in a screen acting course or participating in holiday workshops. Just make sure that the course or class you are joining provides you with a thorough understanding of the acting business as a whole.

What to Prepare

Every actor needs three important things to land a role. These are:

1. A Showreel or Demo Reel - This is simply a collection of scenes that showcase and highlight your acting prowess. To ensure it looks professional and presentable, you can work with a professional video editor or enroll in a short Showreel Course.

2. Headshots – These photos are vital tools for an actor. They will be attached to the portfolio to show the directors your look and ensure they have an idea whether you’re fit for the role.

3. Resume – A resume contains all your vital information. It lists all your roles in a production, your experience, as well as your vital statistics, including your height, eye colour, and etc.

How to Score a Real Audition

Now that you are equipped with acting knowledge and you have all the necessary tools, you can start looking for acting auditions. Here’s how:

1. Network and build connections. Get to know people in the industry. This will help you connect with casting directors, agents, and producers. If you find this aspect difficult, you can start by enrolling in an acting course at Screenwise. The tutors of this acting school are industry professionals who can help you network with others.

2. Showcase your skills and talent online. YouTube is a great venue to break into the entertainment business. You can start a vlog so you can practice your skills and let the world see.

Among all tips we can give, perhaps the most important one we can give is to never give up. Rejections are normal, so you have to prepare for it. Following our tips won’t guarantee that you will achieve your dreams. There’ll still be hundreds of hindrances along the way. As long as you keep your passion burning, you should make it big in this business.