by Lindsay Page

Created on: June 30, 2009

So, you've been bitten by the acting bug. Because everyone must start somewhere, you're probably wondering what you should do to catapult your life toward your big screen premiere. Or maybe you just want to find out how to land the lead in a local production and gain celeb status with your family? Here's a basic guide to assessing your goals and experience and hunting down some reputable and fitting auditions that will have you singing in the rain in no time.

Starting from Scratch

If you've never stepped foot on the stage or screen before, gaining experience is key. Acting is a craft, an art form. Actors spend their entire lives working and studying to perfect their craft. The best place to get started and get some valuable experience under your belt is to search out some local productions for auditions. Usually, locally-based productions that offer little or no pay are not going to expect a professional quality (meaning expensive) headshot and an extensive list of big name acting coaches with whom you've studied. This is a great way to have some fun and learn the ropes.

-Check out Craig's List-your local ads will probably include some stage auditions and independent or student film auditions. These are great places to gain experience, but it's unlikely you'll get paid big bucks for these.

-Community Theater-Look up a list of local community theaters and subscribe to their e-mail lists to receive information about upcoming auditions. Community theaters don't pay their actors; actors volunteer. However, the experience you'll gain from auditioning and, perhaps, participating in a production is valuable. Most of these theaters run between 3 and 8 productions per year and may include straight plays as well as musicals.

-Schools-A great place to find starter auditions is a local college. Many times, community or junior colleges will open up their stage auditions to members of the community. Also, check with film students and film professors. Students will cast anyone willing to donate their time and effort. Some student films even go to festival circuits and win awards, which can be fantastic exposure. Visit college websites and browse pages in the performing arts departments for contacts and information about auditions.

For the (Somewhat) Experienced Actor

If you're not starting out from scratch with no performing background, you may be able to land yourself some paying gigs and build even more on your existing portfolio.

-Networking-Find out if your area

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