Have you ever dreamed of one day becoming a famous Hollywood actor? If so, the first thing you need to realize is that this dream can become a reality if you're willing to put in the time, training, dedication, passion and patience required to make it in Hollywood.If you've always wondered how to become a film or television actor, then here are ten steps that may not get you the role of a lifetime, but they will help you to treat your acting career as a career and not simply as something you choose to do for fun.
Keep in mind that if you're hoping to become a theater actor, some of these may not apply to you. However, all ten steps are good to keep in mind no matter what type of acting you decide to pursue.
Step 1: Learn How to Act
Seems like a given, doesn't it? But I can't tell you the number of people that come out to Hollywood thinking that all they need to do is get a job as a waiter at some popular restaurant, meet an agent, get "discovered" and then it's nothing but champagne and caviar from there. Uh...no.
Acting is first and foremost a craft. The best of the Hollywood actors understand this and no matter how far they have come in their careers, they are constantly looking to improve upon their craft. They take classes, work with acting and dialogue coaches, they study life experiences, etc. They know full well that even after a lifetime of work and study, they may never reach absolute perfection.
So, for you, it's imperative that you take a wide variety of acting classes. Work in a wide variety of styles with a as many different groups of people that you can find. Try it all. From Shakespeare to comedy, from improv to cinema verite -- the more you know, the more well rounded you'll be and ultimately, the better prepared you'll be for whatever roles come your way.
Step 2: Location, Location, Location
I hate telling people this, but if you hope to work in film and/or television as an actor, you need to go where the work is. Now, that doesn't necessarily doom you to living in Los Angeles or New York. After all, there are plenty of acting jobs in Vancouver, Montreal, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, etc.
But, New York and Los Angeles are where most of the casting directors work and live. So, many of the shows that are shot in Canada or other cities within the U.S. are still cast in LA or New York. So, even though you don't necessarily need to move here, keep in mind that it is where most of the action is.
Step 3: Be Willing to do What it Takes
No, that doesn't mean what you think it means. Don't worry about the "casting couch." But you must be willing to do what it takes for the sake of your craft. You might ultimately have to sacrifice certain aspects of your life to ensure that you will have success as a working Hollywood actor.
You must take the time to master your craft. If that means sacrificing a relationship or a few friendships along the way, so be it. I know that sounds rather harsh, but acting is not a 9-5 job by any stretch.
If you're lucky enough to land a role in a major film or television production, realize that this is not the glamorous Hollywood job you might've thought it would be.
It's a lot of work, often 14-20 hours per day, in all kinds of conditions and at least initially, for not much money.
Even actors who make millions of dollars per picture still must "work" to earn their keep. They are on location for months at a time and every day they commit themselves both emotionally and physically to their roles. It can be extremely exhausting. You must prepare yourself both mentally and physically for this type of challenge.
It's one of the many reasons why Hollywood stars have trainers, psychologists, plastic surgeons, nutritionists and divorce attorneys at their beck and call. Their job is hardly an easy job.
Step 4: Commit Yourself
I once had a friend of mine tell me that there are no bad actors, just actors who aren't willing to "fully commit" themselves to their craft.
Just as I mentioned above that you have to make certain sacrifices to make it as an actor in Hollywood, one of those is your ego. If you're about looking cool, or trying to maintain a certain image, then acting might not be for you.
The best actors are those who are willing to let themselves be 100% consumed by the role they are playing. They physically become the person they portray.
If you're in the middle of delivering your lines and suddenly you let yourself drift back into your own life, you are not fully committed to the role and your performance will show it. You have to literally "forget yourself" to help ensure the quality of your performance.
Step 5: Be Nice
Hollywood is all about helping those you know because they might one day be in a position to help you as well. So, you need to remember this steadfast rule -- be nice to everyone. From agents' assistants to fellow cast members to whomever you meet in Hollywood. Remember, that assistant you treated poorly two years ago might one day become a casting director, film producer, talent agent or whatever. And trust me, they'll remember those who stomped on their toes on their way up the ladder.
Conversely, they'll remember those who were nice the whole way up and they'll be that much more inclined to help them achieve their own goals.
There are thousands upon thousands of actors in Los Angeles alone -- each one hoping for that one big break that will launch their career. The sad fact is that only a few people ever make it as actors and even fewer make it beyond a few “b” film roles and television appearances.
So, what can you do to help your chances of success?
For all the things you can’t control (how you look, how you sound, etc.), there are a few things you can do that might just make the difference between getting the part and continuing to work as
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Learn Your Craft: Too many people think that acting is easy. Just like any art form, acting is a craft and must be mastered. Take acting classes, watch other actors and take the time to hone your craft. There are a number of top tier actors who make a point of working with acting coaches to be sure they remain at the top of their game. You can never know too much.
Never Be Late: This might seem obvious, but there are hundreds if not thousands of actors out there who simply can’t tell time. Casting sessions are usually just a few minutes and are scheduled at odd times like 7:25 or 6:50 on purpose. Be early or don’t bother showing up. Patience weighs thin at a casting session and few things will hurt your chances more than being late.
Know Your Lines: Again, this might seem obvious, but there are too many actors who learn a few of their lines and then try to “wing it” and fail miserably. Spend time preparing your lines. Prepare not only what you’re going to say, but how you’re going to stay it.
Don’t Rewrite Your Lines: Never, ever, ever say something other than what’s in the script. There’s no better way to offend a writer then to come up with your own lines. If you want to write your own dialogue, then become a writer.
Listen, Listen, Listen: I repeated this one three times because I’m hoping you’re listening. Listen to what you are being told. Sometimes the casting director or writer or director will give you a bit of direction prior to the audition or during the audition on a particular line. Listen to what they’re saying and take the time you need to process it. If it’s during an audition, more often than not, they will be happy to give you a few minutes to incorporate the new direction into the lines. So ask for it if you need it.
Make Sure Your Headshot is Accurate: There are few things more annoying thengetting a headshot that looks nothing like the actor who shows up. Be sure your headshot accurately portrays who you are now. If you’ve gained weight, cut your hair, gotten a few years older then make sure your headshot shows this. Your headshot won’t be the onegetting the job and you certainly won’t either if you look completely different than what people were expecting to see.
Commit!: Actors who genuinely commit to a reading are fun to watch. They literally transform themselves into a character. By committing fully to the reading, you will not only dissolve any nervousness, you’ll show the decision makers that you should be considered because you can play the part with a genuine passion.
No Excuses!: So, you couldn’t learn your lines because you lost your power? Too bad. You were an hour late because you were stuck in traffic? Aw, sorry. You had to rush your dog to the vet and didn’t get the script? Better luck next time. The fact is no one cares that you had any of these incidents crop up. Life happens and sometimes things go wrong and in a normal world, this might be taken into consideration. But know that no matter what excuse you think you have to get you out of a particular situation, there are dozens of other people happy to take your place.
Being an actor is not the easy life it may seem. There are often long periods of financial insecurity, huge amounts of competition along with multiple forms of rejection that make the overall process that much more difficult. But many actors will never succeed simply because they ignore some of the most basic elements and can’t get out of their own way. Give yourself the best chance at success by following these eight simple rules and you’ll quickly find that you’re already ahead of the game.
How do those actors and actresses memorize hundreds of lines? How does someone commit all those fancy Shakespearean lines from Hamlet to memory? Memorizing lines takes practice and constant repetition. However, there are a few ways to make the memorization process run smoothly and quickly.
Read Out Loud (And Repeat, Repeat, Repeat): For most performers, there is no short cut to memorizing lines. To learn lines, an actor must recite the play out loud, over and over again.
Most rehearsals encourage this by “running through the lines” or having a “read through.”
By the time opening night arrives, most actors have spoken their lines hundreds of times. In addition to constant repetition, consider these supplemental techniques:
Listen to Your Cast Members: Sometimes inexperienced or poorly trained actors spend rehearsals staring blankly at fellow performers, waiting patiently to say their next line. Instead, they should be listening attentively, responding in character at all times.
This will not only generate a better performance, it will also help the actor learn his lines because the context of the dialogue is absorbed. Pay attention and the other person’s lines will serve as a cues or “memory triggers” during the performance.
Record Your Lines: Because there is often not enough rehearsal time, many performers find ways to listen to the play’s dialogue during everyday activities. Turn your work-outs, chores, and recreational activities into a “read through” with the help of your headphones or your i-pod.
Use a tape recorder or better yet an MP3 player to capture the lines from each relevant scene. Some actors prefer to record the lines of all the characters, including their own. Then, they not only listen intently, but they speak all of the lines. Others opt for recording the lines of fellow cast members, but they leave a blank space so that they can insert their dialogue while listening to the recording.
Monologue While Motoring Personally, I have found the freeway to be to best place to memorize lines. I mastered all of my Shakespeare monologues driving back and forth on Highway 128. If your commute to work is twenty minutes or more, then your automobile can become a makeshift rehearsal space. For one, it’s a nice private place to listen to your recorded dialogue. Then, when you have the basic dialogue and monologues down, you can perform as your putter your way through traffic.
The acoustics in your car might be lousy; however, it’s a great place to guffaw, growl, or shout your lines, getting them nicely solidified in your memory banks. Hopefully, your carpool group won’t mind!
Here’s how Ms. Noice explains it: “Memory is aided by physical movement. In one study, lines learned while making an appropriate motion — e.g., walking across a stage — were more readily remembered by actors later than were lines unaccompanied by action.” So, during the early stages of learning the script, make certain your join the words with appropriate movements and gestures. Of course, this tip might not be helpful if you are playing the paralyzed protagonist from Whose Life is it Anyway. But for most roles, the Noice team has provided excellent advice!
Think Positively and Don’t Panic! Don’t let the butterflies in your stomach torment you too much. Most thespians experience stage fright minutes, hours, even weeks before opening night. While a certain amount of nervousness can get the adrenaline going, too much anxiety over lines might hinder an actor’s performance.
Actors forget lines now and then. It happens. When it happens, however, most of the time the audience never notices. Forgetting a line is only disastrous if the performer breaks character.
So, if you forget a line in the middle of your performance, don’t freeze. Don’t get flustered. Don’t look out to the audience. Don’t call out, “Line!” Stay in character. Keep the scene going to the best of your ability, and with the help of your fellow cast members you will get back on track.
Take solace in the fact that if you forget a line once, you will probably never forget that line ever again! Sometimes embarrassment is the strongest and toughest method of memorization!
A queasy feeling settles into your stomach. You are surrounded by a group of gossiping men and women who sip cafe mochas while complimenting each other's headshots. Suddenly, the casting director calls your number. "What monologue will you be reading for us today?" she asks."Oh, sorry," you reply. "I didn't know I was supposed to bring one." Her annoyed expression tells you everything. You won't be getting a callback.
This scenario can easily avoided by following these simple audition tips
• Read the Audition Notice CarefullyActors should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Should you prepare one monologue? Two? Make certain you match the material to the play. For example, if you are auditioning forOedipus Rex, prepare a scene from Greek drama, not The Odd Couple.
Finally, based upon the audition notice, make certain you are trying out for an appropriate part. If the casting director is looking for a tall, bald man in his 60s, don’t show up hoping that they will change the script for your short, frizzy-haired, thirty-year-old self. Follow whatever guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
• Be ProfessionalShow the casting director how reliable you are by showing up at least fifteen minutes before the audition. Be courteous, but don’t be too talkative. Don’t pester crew members or fellow actors with idle conversation. Spend your time privately readying yourself.
Most casting directors expect you to bring a headshot and resume. This might not hold true for community theatre productions. However, if you are committed to a career in theater, you may want to bring these along just to make a favorable impression.
In general, think of an audition like a job interview. Avoid inappropriate behavior, whether its chewing gum, using profanity, behaving too shyly or brashly, or making long-winded speeches as to why you are perfect for the role.
• Dress AppropriatelyUsually, it is best to wear “business casual” attire. You want to exhibit charm and professionalism, but you don’t want to look like a stock-broker or a banker. Remember, many new actors make the mistake of wearing costumes to audition. Perhaps they say to themselves: “Hey, I’ve got a great pirate outfit from last Halloween! I’ll wear that!” Sadly, this is bound to cause casting directors to chuckle under their breath. They might be amused, but they will definitely not take the actor seriously.
If you are auditioning for a dancing part in a musical, wear dance attire. It should not be anything flashy or expensive. Any choreographer worth her salt will focus on your dancing ability, not your sequins.
• Perfect Your MonologueIf you are asked to bring a monologue, make certain that you have rehearsed it completely. Do not just know the lines, know the character you are becoming. Let the directors see a striking difference between the person that just said hello to them, and the character that is now coming to life on the stage.
At the same time, be flexible with the audition material. They might have you read the lines over, asking you to take on a different personality. Sure, you may do great when you perform the monologue with tears in your eyes, but be prepared if they ask you to do the same lines in a calm, icy voice or a whimsical British dialect. If given the chance, show them that you can interpret the role in many different ways.
• Get to Know the PlayMany auditions involve reading “sides.” Sides are small, hand-picked portions of a script. Sometimes they are a brief monologue. Sometimes they are short scenes involving two or more characters. Most of the time, you won’t know exactly what scene you’ll be reading. In that case, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the play in general.
If you are auditioning for a popular play feel free to buy a copy of the script online or at your local book store. Better yet, visit your local library. Watching a film version of the play might help as well. However, don’t simply mimic the movie actor’s performance. Casting directors want to see what you can create, not what you can imitate.
•Practice Cold ReadingIf the play is rather obscure or brand new, it may be difficult to purchase a copy. In that case, you’ll want to polish up your cold reading skills. Cold reading is the act of performing lines as you read them for the very first time. It can be a nerve wracking experience, but with practice most actors can become quite adept at it.
The best way to become a fluent cold reader is to read aloud as often as you can. When you cold read during your audition, do not worry if you stumble over a word or two. The important thing to remember is to stay in character. Create chemistry between you and your fellow actor. Make the casting director, and anyone else watching, believe that you are thinking and feeling the words on the page. More »
• Don’t ApologizeAfter an audition, an actor becomes his own worst critic. Often times, hopeful thespians are tempted to explain themselves to the directors. They provide excuses or even apologies in hopes of gaining sympathy. Avoid this as much as you can. Thank the casting director and leave the stage knowing that if you are right for the part, they will contact you. If not, know that you did your best. And remember: there are many other wonderful roles out there just waiting to be filled.