Today’s actors have it harder than ever. More and more people are interested in acting professionally. The temptation of fame and fortune is powerful and ascending to celebrity status in the acting world is a temptation that rivals “Eve” tempting “Adam” in the Garden of Eden. Reality television is still alive and well and many viewers prefer to watch the Real housewives in a restaurant than in a film directed by Sidney Lumet. The best way to approach this highly competitive field is with both feet planted firmly on the ground and your eyes wide open. To that end, I would like to offer some tips that may be helpful.
Pursuing a career in acting will require all of your time, energy, and financial means to sustain yourself for the long haul. Acting is not a part-time endeavor. I’ve never met anyone who could juggle a full-time job and the demands of acting. The first thing you will need to do is find a part-time job that will provide you with enough income to pay for an apartment near New York City (Manhattan). Rents are at an all-time high, so you’ll have to find a roommate (s) to share the costs. Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Astoria, Kensington, Bushwick are among those that are still affordable (by New York standards). If you go through a real estate broker, you will have to pay a fee somewhere in the neighborhood of 18% of the annual rent. No situation is perfect, but it is important that you know well the people with whom you will live. You don’t want to be burdened with a situation fraught with tension and conflict. Spend a little time (if time is available) getting to know your potential roommates. Networking is a great way to find out who and what is available. In my experience, most people are eager to help, as many have faced the same challenges that you will face.
As I mentioned before, you will need a job that provides you with enough income to pay for classes, workshops, apartment (utilities are rarely included), headshots, transportation (if you are out of the counties) and everything related to the profession. . It is important that you find a job that does not stress you out and gives you a degree of flexibility. Over the years, I have seen students so drained of energy that they cannot concentrate in class. Do your best to find a job that meets the demands of acting.
You will need to find an acting class that suits you and that fits your budget. Take some time and read up on the different techniques so that you have a basic understanding of the different approaches to the trade. Then spend some time auditing classes. What is the environment like? Is it conducive to learning? Is the teacher, knowledgeable, well-versed, communicative, articulate, approachable, warm, loving, passionate, concerned? All of these are qualities that contribute to a positive learning environment. When choosing a teacher, this should be the right one for you.
At some point you will need headshots. Some photographers are very expensive, but there are very capable photographers who do not charge a king’s ransom. Take the time to look at the headshots of other actors. If you like what you see, ask them who took the photos of them. Most headshot photographers have a website with samples of their work. There are more than a few “photographers” just starting out who may offer their services for free in an effort to establish themselves. This is a risky business. Your headshot is your calling card. If you have to spend a little more to get the best results, don’t settle for images that don’t present you in your best light.
Chances are, in the early stages of your career, paid jobs will be hard to find. It takes time to develop solid technique, and jobs may not be prolific until you can prove to casting directors that you are capable of doing the job. Take your craft seriously. Don’t avoid doing the job.
Rejection is part of this business. You will need to develop thick skin. Acting is not for the faint of heart. Moxy is needed to cope with business pressures. The best actors in the world are no strangers to rejection. Learn to develop strategies to help you when you don’t receive callbacks or job offers. At first, when Richard Dreyfuss didn’t win a role, he would say to himself, “What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they know how good I am? Find your unique way of dealing with rejection.”
Work, training, housing, transportation, workshops, networking, head shots, developing your own website, business cards, auditions – they’re all part of the actor’s world. If you want to be a part of it, it is important that you understand what awaits you and that you prepare yourself mentally and physically for the journey. Like everything in life, it is a process. Learn to accept it and get something positive out of every experience.