Almost everyone at one time or another has dreamed of being an actor. Maybe it was a brief moment after watching a favorite film or perhaps it's a genuine calling that drives you but the allure of the bright lights of the silver screen is undeniable. Of course this presents aspiring actors with one problem: a lot of competition. From high school drama classes to Broadway and Hollywood there are thousands of men and women vying for the same roles and there just aren't enough parts to go around. Challenging, daunting and even cut throat the career path of being a professional actor is never an easy one and if you are serious about making it as a thespian then heed some useful tips that can help you get a chance at stardom.
The first thing every actor needs to know is that their heart is in it. If all you want is to be seen on television, then try interrupting a newscast. Though the media portrays the glamour and glitz of show business a behind the scenes look will show you a tired lot of overworked and underpaid performers scratching to survive. For every Will Smith and Meryl Streep there are thousands of actors and actresses toiling away as waiters and temps hoping for that one call back that will give them a chance to make it big. Do some soul searching early on and determine if this business is really what you want.
Next is to steel your nerves and toughen your skin. The show business industry is not for the feint of heart and if you are offended easily or take criticism personally then maybe acting isn't for you. Every actor who ever made it has their fair share of rejection stories and being told they would never make it. That's just part of the game. Casting calls and auditions are held to weed out the strong from the weak and if you can't handle harsh words from a director or agent then think about another line of work. No one is going to hold your hand and wipe your tears when you get rejected so make sure you have confidence and thick skin before stepping out onto that stage.
Another good tip for beginning actors is to learn how to network. Many people starting out in show business think it's a "me against the world" contest when in fact your competition can actually help you find auditions and casting calls. Treating other actors with disdain and a cold shoulder is a great way to develop a reputation you don't want. People in the show biz industry talk a lot and if you're difficult and vain not many directors will want to work with you. Also, your fellow actors will start dropping hints to agents that you have a selfish attitude and once the word is out its very hard to change that first impression.
Lastly when starting out as an actor swallow your pride and get ready to do whatever it takes to get a part. You may be offered roles in commercials you think are silly or advertise products you don't like but that's not important. Working is important and the more you audition and the more casting calls you attend the better your chances for making it as an actor. Be ready to sacrifice a lot of personal time and hobbies for the sake of making an acting audition, even if it's just for a small role in an off-Broadway production. Steven Spielberg isn't sitting around wondering what you're up to so if you want to get in the game then be prepared to suffer the hardships of stand-in roles and understudies to get your foot in the show biz door.
For a great selection of information and resources from professionals in the show business industry visit Audition Art where you'll find terrific advice about acting, singing, directing and writing that can help you get started in an exciting career in the performing arts.
