Become an Actress: Classes, Agents, Networking, and Auditioning

Acting is one of the hardest professions to break into. In fact, the vast majority of actors in the world spend more time unemployed than they do working. However, if you feel you have what it takes to have a successful career as an actress, and you have the means to support yourself while pursuing your dreams, then you should take the plunge. You never know when or where you could be discovered.  To get started in your quest, I strongly suggest that you pick up a copy ofKnock 'Em Dead Acting - this handy guide is the perfect way to learn basic acting techniques!

Competition, especially amongst actresses, is extremely stiff. The road of an actress is a hard one. It requires patience, dedication, the drive to succeed, and talent. If you do not have these things, you should probably look into finding a career that better suits you.

If you are still interested in becoming an actress, and believe you have the ability to succeed in this extremely difficult business, then you can use the following tips to improve your chances of making a career out of acting.

1. Take classes. If you want to learn how to get into acting, taking clasess is highly recommended for new actresses just starting out. If you live near a decent-sized city, you should be able to find classes for actresses of all ages. If your daughter wants to become an actress, you can find several classes, after-school programs and even summer camps for aspiring thespians.

Adult actresses may take daily, weekly or monthly classes and they may have the option of attending workshops. The nice thing about acting classes is that the teacher usually has a significant background in the arts and can offer advice and suggestions.

College is another option for those who wish to perfect their craft. At a university, you not only have the opportunity to be critiqued in classes, you also have the opportunity to gain practical acting experience. Film students are always looking for actors to perform in their student films or pet projects and many Universities require actors to perform in at least one university show a year as well as audition for every show in order to remain in their program. Acting school is a great launching pad for serious actresses.

Go to LA or New York. It is true that the two coasts offer the most for those who wish to succeed as actors. Both LA and New York have many opportunities in theatre, movies, commercials and television. Most auditions and casting calls are held in these two cities, so you will have a better chance of finding work and being discovered. If you have the means to go to L.A. or New York, and you are serious about becoming an actress, then hop on that plane, bus, or train and move into the heart of the acting world.

Find a way to network. Networking is a great way to get auditions. How many times have you heard an actor explain that his agent, friend, brother, neighbor or someone else he knew told him about an audition or casting call, recommended him to a casting director or even gave him a job directly? The business relies heavily on networking. Use what connections you have to your advantage and use them well. Sometimes your connections will open the door for your or at least let you sneak one foot in!

Get an agent or publicist. This is perhaps one of the wisest things you should do. With representation, you have a link to casting calls. Agents sometimes call in favors or recommend actresses to casting directors they know. In fact, your agent or publicist will be the one person (besides you) who should be working actively to find you a job. If you are not sure about how the casting process works, your agent can guide you through it. Of course, you will have to pay for an agent's services, but if he gets you the job of a lifetime, it should be worth it. Just make sure the agent you choose comes from a reputable talent agency and has your best interests at heart.

Audition, audition, audition. You may be discovered on the street, this is true, but not very many actors are discovered just by sitting around and wanting. This is why it is your job to take things into your own hands. There are casting calls all over the world. You should be able to find one near you if not more. Your first audition may be a flop, but you should never stop trying. Once casting directors become familiar with your face, if they like you, they will remember you. However, thousands of women audition at one casting call so you need to make sure you find a way to stand out in their minds.

Auditions for theatre are much different from auditions for movies or television. With a theatreaudition, you usually will be asked to prepare your own monologue and a song. Make sure to have those prepared and know them so well you look natural when reading for the casting director. On occasion, you may be asked to do a cold reading. You will be given a script and you may have to act with another person or perform a monologue depending on what they are looking for from you.

A screen test is used for movie auditions and television auditions once you have gotten past the initial casting call. Depending on what they are casting for, they may ask you to read lines on the spot, they may ask you to perform a monologue or they may give you a small scene when you come in to the audition. As the choices for a part are narrowed down, they may call you back numerous times before contacting you about signing a contract.

When you are auditioning, always remember to make every word count. If you miss a beat, or seem off, the casting director will know this and will be less likely to consider you for the part as a result.

Make a résumé. If you have been in movies, television, commercials or theatre work, then make a résumé to take with you to auditions and casting calls. Your résumé should include a list of all your work, any special talents you have, classes you have taken and practical experience such as a degree in theatre from a university. A headshot should be attached with your name clearly listed along the bottom of it. Even if you've just been an extra,make sure you include that experience.

Your résumé should include your name in nice, large, readable print, an accurate phone number where you can be reached, your height and weight, age range you can portray, whether you are in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) or the Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the name and phone number of your agent or publicist and a list of your experience. You can add a small version of your head shot to the upper corner, your email and the URL for your website though these are not required.

Be prepared to be rejected. All of the great actresses have been rejected at some point in their lives. You will be no different. It can be emotionally devastating to lose a part you have your heart set on winning. Do not let it get you down, as easy as it may be. In acting, you need to get right back up on the horse after you fall, and ride again. Eventually, your ability to bounce back may work in your favor.

Confidence is a booster that can shine through any audition. Unless you are auditioning for the part of a shy, timid character that lacks confidence, the directors will appreciate your enthusiasm and exuberance as you put your heart and soul into your craft.

Stay positive. You need to keep yourself in shape not only physically, but also mentally. Acting and auditioning can be draining on your body and mind. Work out, eat a balanced diet and stay positive. Stressing your body out is not going to help you win a role. In fact, it could hurt your chances by hindering your ability to perform up to the standards you have set for yourself.

Quick Tips:

• All actors have different methods. What works for one will not work for others. Develop your own style and stick with it if it shows off the best of your acting abilities.
• Typecasting is a major worry for actresses. If you do not wish to be typecast, try to go onauditions and develop a repertoire that reflects all of the different characters you could play.
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How to Become an Actress???

Have you always dreamed of becoming an actress? Imagined being wrapped in the glitz, the glamor... Constantly thought about that feeling of pure and raw energy coursing through you when you deliver a dialog? Or felt the exhilaration that you would, when the spot lights focus on to your face? The definitive moment when the director says 'Action!' and you walk slowly and surely over to where the suave lead waits for you... Sigh! If only all this could come true. Who says it can't? Just follow our lead on how to become an actress, and soon enough you'll be prepared to enthrall the world with your performances. So you want to learn how to become an actress right? Read on.

Let's get one thing straight right now, becoming an actress is not easy. It cannot happen with the click of a finger. It requires hard work and a lot of talent. Many girls dream of being spotted at a mall by an agent, who then goes on to hire them and they become great actresses. First of all, agents do not keep scrounging the street all the time for talent, and two, (surprise surprise!) that is not the only route to becoming an actress. There isn't any point depending on fate in that manner. Instead we should focus on things that are in our own hands,

Becoming an Actress

Get Perfect

If you want to become an actress with no experience, it won't work. You HAVE to know your craft to perfection. If you aren't confident of acting, do everything you can to become perfect first. Take acting and dance classes. Maybe even voice modulation or speech classes. If you don't have the money to spend for classes, then try borrowing acting tapes from your local library. Read as many books as you can on acting as well. Learn the different types of acting. These are some of the most crucial points to follow for how to become an actress. Read more on acting tips.

Practice

Practice whenever you get the opportunity. Stand in front of the mirror and study yourself. A better option is to record yourself and then view the footage to know what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you can hone or improve them respectively. Practice with a group if possible. This will allow you to learn important skills about sharing space with other actors and how to play off their dialogs.

Become Active

Start to put yourself out there. Take part in community plays, school theatrics, etc. There is a chance someone might notice you. Or that you might meet people who can help you with your career. And the best thing is that it will help you to develop your acting skills.

Brush Up on Dialogs

Learn and prepare several monologues. Perfect these dialogs and the technique you will use to deliver them. Sometimes at auditions, the producers might ask you to exhibit something. At this time, having a monologue ready will help. It will show them that you were well prepared and your versatility will be seen through the dialogs.

Focus on Appearance

Learn to focus on your appearance. Try not to be shabby and unkempt. It is not necessary to look glamorous and put on a layer of make up every time you leave the house, but make sure that you look good. Eat well and keep fit. Highlight your good features. This will give you confidence and style. 

Prepare a Portfolio

Get a portfolio shot with maximum focus on head shots. This is what will help the producers remember you. The best option is to have your resume printed on the back of the head shots. This will help the producers in knowing everything about you. Read more on beauty tips - looking thinner in photographs.

Prepare a Resume

Make sure that you prepare a resume that you update regularly. It should mention your education, acting experience and credentials, along with rewards received and your contact information. It is necessary that you carry this on all your auditions. This will help the producers to know you better and lend you a very professional appeal.

Acting Records

Make a collection of all the acting gigs that you have done. This will help you to showcase your versatility as far as acting is concerned. At an audition when there are so many others vying for the part, your montage of acting might help to distinguish you from the rest. So keep it handy and it might just turn out to be the key in starting your career.

Networking

Networking and building contacts is crucial for this field. More often than not, one will get a job through contacts in this field. That is why you need to learn to get noticed and staying in the limelight. Find out where your chances of getting a job are maximum and if possible move there. Try and get to know people of that field and tell them to keep you updated if any opportunity shows up.

Hire an Agent

If possible, hire an agent. This goes a long way because there is someone else who is managing your career for you. He will help you in making contacts and tell you about all the auditions that are to happen. Some agencies do not accept actors for auditions, unless they come through an agent.

Audition

Visit as many auditions as you can. Even if it is not something that you are interested in, go for it. This will help you to become comfortable with the audition process on the whole. Other than this reason, auditions are the only way to get noticed, and up your chances for a gig. 

Yes, it's not an easy process to becoming an actress and even though we have all the answers on how to become an actress, fate plays an important role too. But perfecting ourselves is what we can do, and we shouldn't shy from that. So how about it then? Ready to become an actress? All the best!