How hard is it to become an actor?
There’s a huge difference between “How hard is it to become an actor?” and "How hard is it to become a successful actor?"If you love acting, you can be an actor. That’s it.If you want to be a SUCCESSFUL actor .. be forewarned, this is not a field you can succeed in if you are half-assing it.The work required to get an agent is ridiculous.Then, once you have an agent, there's no guarantee that you'll be going out on frequent auditions — the agent SUBMITS you for the auditions, but it's actually the Casting Director who decides if they want to see you read for a part. If you're lucky (and have a great agent, awesome headshots, THE RIGHT marketable look, etc), you'll get to go out on a lot of auditions — maybe a few per week.Auditioning is now your full time job. You get a script, usually within 24 hours of the audition, and have to memorize and prepare a fully developed character. What you have to understand is that most film directors don't adjust the actors that much at all, which is why when you go to YouTube to watch the audition tapes of people who booked parts, they look exactly like they do in the final film. So really, you have 24 hours to prepare a final-edit, cinema-ready character.If you happen to be exactly what they're looking for, you might get the part. Maybe.I’ve heard the number thrown around that a good actor can book one role for every hundred of those auditions.That's if you're lucky. And marketable. And talented. And personable. And hard-working. And in the right place at the right time.That's a basic breakdown. The better known you are, the better your chances. But it is reeeeally fucking hard to actually break into this industry and make a name for yourself. Hell, it's hard to even make a living at this.Now, if you just want to act, and don't care about fame or fortune, it's a much easier bar to reach. Ready?For stage: find local theaters. Audition. You might not get cast the first time. Keep trying.For screen: you have a camera phone, right? Make a web series. Write, direct, and star. Put it on YouTube. Just keep making work.It's a process. Acting, despite what many will lead you to believe, is not an easy field. I recommend not pursuing it unless you absolutely love it, because, as you can see, it takes sincere commitment over an extended period of time.If it's what you love to do? Do it. It's so worth it.Originally answered as: How do you know if you have chance to be an actor?
Should I become an actor ?
I think you should get a better (and more realistic)'understanding of what is involved in an acting career before you (or your family) make an major decisions like moving to CA. The fact is actors are not just "discovered", but there are a lot of scams and rip offs that prey on people who mistakenly think that happens. Professional acting is a business - not a lottery. It's great that you love movies - but it's very different acting in them. So why don't you start where you are now with acting classes and auditioning for what you can - school plays, community theater, church shows and the like. See if your idea of what it's like to be an actor matches the reality of what is involved with the work of acting. And you can see if you're any good at it. Some other things to try: Voice and dance lessons can be fun too. * Join (or start) a drama club. Look into competing in forensic speech/drama contests * Read plays and scripts of all kinds and keep an eye out for characters you love and monologues you want to develop. * Join other performance groups - choir, band, dance troupe * Embrace learning and keep your grades up at school - you never know when you can use what you learn in school. Basically have fun learning and growing as an actor and performer without having to worry about making money at it. Then if you find you really have a passion for acting - research and learn the business end of things. You need to understand things like the casting process (casting directors, agents, breakdowns, etc); legal requirements (contracts, unions, taxes, etc); effective marketing strategies (head shots, resumes, show reel, website, social media, etc); networking. Attempting an acting career is like running a company and you are the product to be marketed and sold. Once you understand the actual work of acting and what is involved in attempting an acting career - then you can make an intelligent decision about whether or not it's something you really want to pursue. Good luck.
Should I go to college or become an actor?
I am going to be a junior in high school and was wondering if I should go to college after or high school or move to las angelas right away and start acting. If i do go to college what should i major in to become a film and commercial actor and also if i did go to college and then moved out to Los Angelas, wouldn't 22 be kind of old to start an acting career? Thanks!
Can You Be In The Military AND Become An Actor?
If you mean pursue a career on Broadway or in Hollywood, then no, you would not be able to fulfill your duties to the military and build a career at the same time. There are however many successful actors who served in the military and went on to pursue their acting careers after their service was over.
Can you become an actor with a minor in theatre?
Kate is right of course, but it is often better not even to go to college if you want to be an actor. Most college theatre and acting majors are dishonest and do not really train you for a career. There are exceptions, of course, the very best schools like Yale Drama and Purchase College, and then even those are stage oriented and not really for the film actor. College majors and minors will fill you full of junk that you will never need as an actor, like building sets and lots of academic junk that is in the program to justify its existence. I think mom wants you to go to college because she wants you to have something to fall back on, but if you do that , it is exactly what will happen, you will give up on acting and fall back on. It is inevitable. The only way you can succeed as an actor is if you have to do it because there is nothing else you can do. It is also much cheaper not to go to college and use your money for well selected acting classes and other expenses needed to get your acting career started. I am a retired University Theatre Department Chairman and Professor, and I know what the deal is with colleges. Click on my name read my profile and write to me at my aol address for more information..It is all free.