So you want to be an actor? There is no better time than now, because there are more channels, stations and commercials than ever before. If you are near a large market like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City or even Miami, Philadelphia and or Baltimore there is work for the determined model who wants to be an actor or actor who wants to go from stage to screen.

You will need a few things to start, including but not limited to:

  • Headshots
  • Monologue(s)
  • Self Taped Acting
  • Simple audition clothing
  • Practice body kinetics
  • Practice voice control
  • Practice memorization
  • Practice improvization
  • Simple website
  • Join some casting sites

See above, there’s a lot of practice, practice, practice listed. If it isn’t enough that you have to look a certain way, you also have to be animated and have enough character to be cast for something as well. Don’t be worried about constant rejection, it happens to us all, and we all take it to heart. Then, one day, we just suddenly don’t, as if our skin got thicker, or we realized the truth is that no matter who doesn’t choose us, there is also someone out there eager to use us on any level.

As an actor it is important to constantly try new things, horseback riding, dancing, language skills, mirror acting, watching films, live performances, actual life itself. Just being “an actor” is never enough. It is important to remember being an actor is being alive and part of what you are presenting to your audience. Never stop living and maybe even live more as an actor. It helps bring authenticity to your roles and to the projects you do. Acting is a privilege not many people enjoy, and if you want to do it remember that.

Start off with a few simple headshots and touch them up if you like in photoshop, closer to real is better. Then make a simple CV resume and save it as a word doc, but also as a PDF. Make it one page in length max. More on that on the CV|Resume area. Submit to a few free sites, and dive in and pay for one or more of the pay sites, increasing as your skill and experience rises.