Actors today have it harder than ever. More and more people are interested in acting on a professional level. The lure of fame and fortune is powerful, and rising to celebrity status in the acting world is an incentive that rivals “Eve” tempting “Adam” in the Garden of Eden. Reality television is still alive and kicking and many viewers would rather see the real housewives fight in a restaurant than a film directed by Sidney Lumet. The best way to approach this highly competitive field is with your feet planted firmly on the ground and your eyes wide open. For this I would like to offer some tips that may be useful.
Pursuing a career in acting will require all of your time, energy, and financial means to support yourself long-term. Acting is not a part-time endeavor. I’ve never met anyone who could juggle a full-time job and the demands of acting. The first thing you’ll need to do is find a part-time job that provides enough income to pay for an apartment near New York (Manhattan). Rents are at an all time high, so you’ll need to find a roommate to share the expenses. Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Astoria, Kensington, Bushwick are among those that are still affordable (by New York standards). If you use a real estate broker, you will have to pay a fee close to 18% of the annual rent. No situation is perfect, but it is important that you have a good feeling for the person(s) you will be living with. You don’t want to be saddled with a situation fraught with tension and conflict. Spend some time (if time is available) getting to know your potential roommates. Networking is a great way to find out who and what is available. In my experience, most people are eager to help, as many have faced the same challenges that you will face.
As I mentioned before, you’ll need a job that provides enough income to pay for classes, workshops, an apartment (utilities are rarely included), photos, transportation (if you’re outside the districts), and anything else related to the profession. It’s important that you find a job that doesn’t stress you out and gives you some degree of flexibility. Over the years, I’ve seen students so drained of energy that they can’t concentrate in class. Do your best to find a job that complements the demands of acting.
You’ll need to find an acting class that resonates with you and fits within your budget. Take some time and read up on the different techniques so that you have a basic understanding of the different approaches to the craft. Then spend some time in audition classes. How is the environment? Is it conducive to learning? Is the teacher knowledgeable, well versed in the craft, communicative, eloquent, approachable, warm, caring, passionate, caring? These are all qualities that contribute to a positive learning environment. When choosing a teacher, it must be the right one for you.
At some point you will need headshots. Some photographers are very expensive, but there are very capable photographers who do not charge a king’s ransom. Take the time to look at head shots of other actors. If you like what you see, ask them who took their photos. Most headshot photographers have a website with samples of their work. There are not a few “photographers” just starting out who may offer their services for free in an effort to establish themselves. This is a risky business. His headshot is his calling card. If you have to spend a little more to get the best results, don’t settle for photos that don’t present you in the best light possible.
Most likely, in the early stages of your career it will be difficult to find paying gigs. It takes time to develop a solid technique, and jobs may not be prolific until you can prove to casting directors that you’re capable of getting the job done. Take your job seriously. Don’t hesitate to do the work.
Rejection is part of this business. You will need to develop a thick skin. Acting is not for the faint of heart. Moxy is needed to cope with the pressures of the business. The best actors in the world are no strangers to rejection. Learn how to develop strategies that will help you when you don’t receive return calls or job offers. Early on, when Richard Dreyfuss didn’t win a part, he would say to himself, “What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they know how good I am? Find your own unique way of dealing with rejection.
Work, training, housing, transportation, workshops, networking, headshots, developing your own website, business cards, auditions, are part of the actor’s world. If you want to be a part of it, it’s important that you understand what lies ahead and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the journey. Like everything in life it is a process. Learn to embrace it and get something positive out of every experience.