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Acting is glamorous, it's fun, and it's the best job in the world! But it is also one of the most difficult careers to get into, assuming you aren't related to Steven Spielberg. You must be ready to prove that you are willing to work hard, show up on time and always on your best behavior. Can you handle all of that? Good! So here's where to get started.

1) Take an acting class. Class is good. It allows you to do what you love every week! And, you learn how to do it better. Taking on a different character every week alone keeps you from getting rusty. You can choose from scene study, on-camera skills, auditioning techniques, even improv. Take a variety of classes and discover your strengths and weaknesses. Acting classes also allow you to meet other people in your situation. You can help each other along the way.

2) Get involved in your community. Community theater is a great stepping-stone. Even if your interests lie in film and television work, having theater experience is a valuable credit to have on your resume when starting out. Look for student films that are casting at your local college. You probably will be working for tape to put on your reel, and sometimes won't even get that, but you will understand how a set works.

3) Look for non-union work. This can be theater, commercials, even films looking to get submitted into film festivals. You will get credits for your resume, experience and maybe even recognition and some pay! You don't need to have an agent to find this type of work; you can often find it on sites like Mandy and Actors Access.

4) Network! Networking is all about befriending (genuinely) other people in the industry. If they like you as a person, and respect the work that you do, they will bring you in for their next project. But hounding them before you show them your charming personality and exquisite talents will not get you the job!

5) Get an Agent. Some will suggest doing this at the beginning of the list. However, doing this last has some advantages. You will get to keep all of the money off of the smaller projects you did instead of paying out 10-15%. You will also have much more experience and credits to help you get into a better agency than one you would get if you were completely green. By being involved in the business you will get to know who the good agencies are, which is sometimes difficult to find out elsewhere. Also, there's a chance that while doing this list someone will offer to refer you to an agent, which is always easier than doing a blind mailing.

While the chance of becoming the next Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt are slim (that is why they are so special), if you work hard and have fun you can have a very successful acting career.

Learn more about this author, Tiffany Hunter.
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