by Rick Kelly

Created on: September 23, 2008

If you have ever dreamed of being an actor and never had much success, you probably watch television and wonder, "What do those actors have that I don't?" The answer is a lot easier than you might think. Like any other profession, successful actors in the film industry simply get the right information before they get started in the business. Getting your acting career started the right way will save you a lot of time, money and heartache. So here's some advice from a working actor to let you know that no matter what your skill level, you can get started in acting fairly quickly. Of course, this is based on the assumption that you are living in a city where there is ongoing work for actors.

The first thing to do if you want to be an actor is get a head shot. Before anyone can hire you, they have to see what you look like on film. Take a picture of yourself on your camera at home. Make sure it is on a neutral background and that you show some kind of expression on your face. This will give the agents something to look at when you go around to see them.
The best place to look for agents is in the phone book or on the internet. Remember, you don't have to have any acting experience to see an agent. Call each agency and ask if they have an open time to see new actors, or if they are only accepting headshots by mail. If they can see you in person, that's great. If not, then you'll just have to send in your headshot and hope for the best. Once you get to see an agent, they may or may not want to represent you. Make sure to ask lots of questions about what your chances are to becoming a successful actor. You might not want to hear the feedback from the agent, i.e. you need to lose weight, you don't have any skills, you are too old, etc. Don't let this get you down, because now it's time to get to the real work.

If you are going to be an actor, you have to learn to take rejection. Take the advice you have so far in the form of rejections from agents, family, and friends and use this motivation to start learning more about the craft of acting. If you have no acting experience, there are plenty of inexpensive acting seminars available where you can get some skills. When you go to your acting class, look at what everyone else is doing right and always listen to the feedback from the instructor and your fellow actors. Talk to the other students in the class. They will have all kinds of information on local agents and casting opportunities. There might even be ways to start in acting that you didn't know about, like doing extra work or student films.

Once you have a realistic idea of what professional acting is and what the auditioning process takes, you can figure out where to go from there. The main thing to remember is to be realistic about your acting ability and your look. There are opportunities for everyone to be a professional actor, just make sure that you pursue the opportunities that are right for you.

Learn more about this author, Rick Kelly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.