How to Become an Actor with No Experience

Attend auditions. What new actors need most is experience. You might start by working for free, but you'll gain valuable experience and add roles to your resume. For example, if a local car dealership needs a commercial, volunteer to act in it. Visit local universities to audition for plays or student films. Participating in unpaid projects will enrich your portfolio and help you get comfortable with auditions and performances. There's no better way to learn acting than by actually doing it.

• Actors often go through hundreds of auditions, with only a few leading to success. When you're new, auditions can provide better experience than landing a role. Cherish the lessons from each audition and seek feedback from directors.
• Prepare two contrasting monologues that are rarely performed. Avoid overused monologues that pop up in every 'best monologues' Google search.
• Look for casting calls online. Reputable websites like backstage.com and projectcasting.com list opportunities for TV, film, commercials, and more. Theater audition notices can also be found on backstage.com.
• Check local theater websites and Craigslist for casting announcements.

Accept almost every role. As a new actor, gaining experience, playing diverse roles, and building a robust resume are crucial. If offered a role that differs from your usual ones, take it to diversify your portfolio. This demonstrates your flexibility, cooperativeness, and enthusiasm for various projects.

• You can decline roles that conflict with your moral values or ethics. It's perfectly normal to turn down roles that don't align with your principles.
• As your career progresses and your resume strengthens, you can afford to be more selective. Until then, focus on gaining as much experience as possible!

Learn special skills. As an inexperienced actor, auditioning against seasoned professionals can be daunting. This is where unique skills come in handy. Developing abilities like horseback riding, multilingualism, tennis, or singing can give you an edge over other actors. You never know when a role requiring your special skill will arise, so work hard to acquire new talents.

Audition for commercials. Whether or not you dream of starring in commercials, auditioning or acting in them provides excellent experience working with cameras and on set. It's great practice for future major roles.

Become an extra. Working as an extra is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the acting world and earn some money. Pursuing a career as an aspiring actor isn't easy, especially financially, so keep an eye out for casting calls for extras. You'll meet industry professionals and gain valuable experience for your resume.

• Many extra roles are posted on online casting notices, but you can also contact casting agencies directly. Provide them with a headshot and resume. Reach out via phone, email, or in person. Look up casting agencies in your city.

Enroll in acting classes. Before diving into this career, ask yourself a simple question: Is acting a hobby or a profession for you? Starting will be easier when you know your destination. (You don’t need a detailed plan, just a general idea!) Decide which acting genre you want to explore first—theater, musicals, improvisation, television, film, etc.—and research teachers or classes in your area.

Attend theater performances and watch movies. While taking classes provides hands-on experience, you can also learn a lot about acting by simply watching movies from your couch! Study your favorite films to pick up essential acting techniques from actors you admire—such as character development, physical and verbal expression, and reaction techniques. Watching plays is another excellent way to observe stage actors. Absorb everything you see!

Network with other actors. Acting is more of a team sport than a solo hobby, so it’s important to develop a natural working style with others. Many actors enjoy reading scripts, discussing their creative processes, and sharing stories. Befriend a few actors and learn from them. They might even guide you or inform you about upcoming auditions.

Don’t rush to the big leagues just yet. Even seasoned actors face challenges in major cities like Los Angeles or New York. If you’re an inexperienced actor, it’s best to start in your hometown. Most towns have local theater companies, which are perfect for beginners. You can also connect with student filmmakers or local producers if you’re interested in film and television.

Volunteer at a local theater company. Community theaters are always looking for volunteers to help with props, staging, costumes, and more. Volunteering gives you the chance to observe rehearsals, familiarize yourself with the acting world, and open doors to the industry.

Take close-up facial shots. Every actor should have professional close-up facial photographs. These images accompany job applications and resumes. Capture several close-ups to have options for different auditions. Maintain professionalism but don't shy away from showing a bit of personality.

• Close-up facial shots are essential for any acting genre: film, commercials, theater, musicals, etc.
• You might consider asking a friend to take your photos, but for a more captivating result, professional input is necessary. Close-up facial shots are a crucial part of your portfolio, serving as an initial self-marketing tool in your career.

Create a resume. A resume documents your acting experience, education, and work history. It must look professional as you'll send it to directors, producers, studios, managers, etc., when auditioning. Submitting job applications as a new actor can be challenging, which is why you should attend numerous auditions, work as an extra, or volunteer at local community theaters. All these experiences will enhance your resume.

• Creating an online profile/resume is also crucial. With technological advancements, some directors prefer viewing online profiles over paper ones. You should create profiles on various casting websites, as you never know who might come across your profile.

Compile your acting experiences into a demo reel. This reel should be about 2-3 minutes long, highlighting your best roles. You need to edit clips from each role into this reel. It's an excellent way to showcase your acting skills, versatility, and experience.

• You can upload the reel online or burn it onto a disc.
• Hire a professional to create this reel for you. It's a vital marketing tool, so it needs to look impeccable.
• Update the reel whenever you land a new role. Ensure it remains the best representation of your image.

Identify your type. A skilled actor can take on various roles, but knowing your "type" is essential. We all have a certain look, and that's undeniable. Each actor has a unique appearance; leverage and use it to your advantage. For instance, do you resemble a sharp, well-dressed lawyer or a laid-back guy in his early 30s? Are you a beautiful girl or an artsy type? Knowing your type guides your audition choices and helps you develop your personality strengths.

• You can still play roles outside your type, but recognizing and understanding your type is the best way to break into the industry.

Build a network with industry professionals in acting. It's often said, "It's not what you know, but who you know." This holds true in the acting world. Connect with fellow actors and industry experts—make sure they know who you are. Network with directors, managers, agents, makeup artists, and more. You never know who you might meet or how they could help advance your career.

• As a new actor, you don't necessarily need an agent or manager. These professionals become valuable once you've gained significant experience and built a solid resume. Network with multiple agents and stay in touch as you gain experience—if they're impressed by you, they might want to work with you in the future.

Find an agent. When you feel it's time to get an agent, research agencies and agents online. Identify a few who seem like a good fit and send them close-up photos, your resume, and a cover letter explaining that you're seeking representation. Finding an agent can be challenging, but if you know how to network and build a strong resume, it becomes easier.

• Ask fellow actors, teachers, or anyone you know in the industry for referrals to a good agent. If they have personal connections with reputable agents, ask them to introduce you.
• Agents receive countless headshots and resumes daily, so don't be discouraged if you don't hear back. Submit your materials to multiple agencies or agents to increase your chances of getting a response.
• If you don't receive any responses, consider revising your resume and retaking your headshots.