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Steps to success in acting

#1 Determine your talent
#2 Determine your skills
#3 Build on your skills
#4 Know your limitations
#5 Build a support group (NO Family members!)
#6 Learn to market (Get pictures and demos)
#7 Keep a notebook on successes and failures
#8 Network with other talent
#9 Network with agents
#10 Network with producers/directors
#11 Study other talent (especially their success)
#12 Put on blinders (do not fall into traps set by NO or YOU CAN'T-isms)
#13 Keep up to date on the industry
#14 Have a resume
#15 Have a contact letter (How producers will reach you)
#16 Have a phone, cell phone
#17 Have an email address
#18 Have a website dedicated to your career
#19 Have a mentor!
#20 Learn a new skill
#21 Re-market your career to overcome complacency
#22 Work on your career at least 2 hours a week (MINIMUM)
#23 Do a play to learn lines and how to take direction and build a character
#24 Take a class to hone skills
#25 Have a monologue (two if possible... modern, classical)
#26 Learn primary basic dance steps (even if you are NOT a dancer)
#27 Learn a song a capella (even if you do NOT know how to sing well)
#28 Learn professionalism
#29 Keep temperamental moments in check
#30 Help others (you WILL see them on the way up as well as during down time)
#31 Know how to put on basic make-up
#32 Look like your pictures
#33 Learn to do at least one impersonation, magic trick or joke (ice breaker)
#34 Know a costumer, costume designer or someone that sews very VERY well.
#35 Keep a costume closet or chest (clothes, props and accessories you may need later)
#36 Learn patience
#37 Regiment a diet when needed
#38 Save 10% of everything you earn...75% of everything you learn
#39 Trust in yourself
#40 Let go of auditions (win some, lose some, but...more will come)
#41 Volunteering leads to respect
#42 A reputation starts when you are not in the room
#43 Support anyone's dream or desire (no matter how small or far fetched)
#44 Stay away from naysayers
#45 Be happy or at least look happy!
#46 Learn new acting techniques (how to use a microphone, ear or teleprompter)
#47 Learn how to improvise
#48 Learn how to visualize (success)
#49 Work on observation skills (IE..you don't need to be drunk to play a drunk)
#50 Pass it forward!

Learn more about this author, Mj Ferruzza.
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