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Though it’s a tough industry to break into, nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. When you work hard, remain resilient and develop your craft, the sky is truly the limit. However, it’s important to develop the right strategies and practices in order to methodically build the acting career of your dreams. While there are plenty of people who break into the industry with their first audition and become household names, this isn’t the story for most actors. Most actors experience a ton of ups and downs before they’re able to achieve the success they desire. If you’re ready to build the acting career you long for, consider some of the best tips you’ll want to implement in order to be a successful actor.
1. Enroll in Acting Classes
Even the best actors never stop being a student of the craft. Especially when you’re just starting out, enroll and attend acting classes. Do what’s instructed in order to improve. Whether you spend an hour or three hours each day, develop your craft by rehearsing lines, creating scenarios and looking for ways to improve. Reenact scenarios from your favorite movies, and record yourself as you do them. Study various actors to learn how they approach the craft. Listen to respected actors share their tools and tricks in order to nail a scene. As you learn and grow, you’ll be able to add depth and range to your resume. Taking the time to enroll in extra acting classes as well can give you that much more of an edge over other potential competition in any given role. It is much better to be over prepared than wish you had taken that one other class to add to your resume. You should always be thinking to yourself, “How can I market myself better and become a better actor?” This line of thinking will push you to become the best actor you can be. You are also much more likely to achieve a great role if you are always looking for ways to become the best actor you can.
2. Develop and Enhance Your Look and Style
If you look at most of the iconic actors, there’s something distinct about their look. As diversity continues to expand, you don’t have to be a certain size, shape or color in order to succeed. You need to know how to become an actor by taking the necessary steps such as getting an agent or creating a demo. However, it’s still important to develop and enhance your look. Consider the areas you’re most insecure about. Either learn to embrace your differences or improve them. Maintain your health by exercising and eating a healthy diet. If you’re not taking care of your mind and body, it’s going to be challenging to show up in an industry that’s as front-facing as the entertainment industry. You always need to be prepared by having a great overall look and comfortable presence when you are around others.
3. Create a Portfolio, Website and Resume to Become a Successful Actor
Even if you don’t have an expansive resume, write down everything you’ve worked on. If you’ve created your own YouTube series or recorded a ton of monologs, include those projects in your portfolio. Find a photographer who can take professional headshots that you can use on your material. It’s also great to maintain your own website that reveals all of your work, contact information and more. This way all of your professional information is easily accessible for anyone interested in you for roles in the future. You can start out on the right foot with future employers by being easy to work with and easy to get to know through your portfolio, website, and resume.
4. Build Your Team
When you listen to Hollywood actors accept awards, they typically have a Rolodex of people to thank. While this might not mean much to the people who are watching at home, it’s important because an actor doesn’t achieve success on their own. A management team is crucial in the process. Even when you’re starting out, consider the process of joining a union. Find an agent and a manager who can help you book the roles that will help you gain visibility and traction. When you’re an actor, your physical appearance matters. A great glam squad (hair, makeup and wardrobe) can definitely make a difference. If you don’t have the financial margin to pay for a glam squad, that’s perfectly fine. Just start with the essentials like an agent and grow from there.
5. Actively Build Your Social Media Presence
As social media platforms shift the way major companies conduct business, the same holds true for the entertainment industry. Many actors worked their way into casting calls and booked roles because they maintained a huge level of visibility through social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. However, they also had the talent to back up their reputation. As an actor, find creative ways to produce content on a channel like YouTube. As you build a strong and loyal following, they’ll want to see you represented in various films and shows. Thanks to social media, you have the power to develop your own drawing power.
Conclusion for Becoming a Successful Actor
If you sit down and ask any actor how they were able to get their first big break, most of them will have different stories. If you’re looking for a linear path to your success, know that it doesn’t exist. In many cases, you just need to be in the right place at the right time. If you’re prepared when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll be able to land the role and soar to success. Always make sure you have an updated resume, practice interview questions, and always put your best foot forward with any opportunity you may get in the future. When you implement these tips, you’ll prepare yourself for an inevitable win. All of these tips and tricks will help you to become the successful actor that you are meant to be.
