Did you get bitten by the acting bug?As a child, it's possible to pursue a career as an actor.You need a lot of help along the way.You will be prepared for the challenges ahead if you devote yourself to the craft of acting.
Step 1: You should talk to your parents.
It's important to get your parents on board with your plans because you won't be able to work as an actor without their permission if you're under 18.They understand that you are passionate about acting, so they need to know how much you enjoy it.You might need to assure them that you won't neglect your other responsibilities just because you're pursuing acting.If you want to keep working on your skills and show your parents how much you care, you have to be passionate about it.Most likely you're parents will be happy to help you out if you talk about it as much as possible.Don't tell your parents that you want to become an actor just to make money.They will take you seriously if you have good reasons, such as you love telling stories or have fun creating characters.
Step 2: Take acting classes.
It is always a good idea to hone your skills so that you are well-prepared when auditioning.A school drama class is a good place to start, but specialized classes and workshops in specific acting areas, such as commercial acting or acting for the camera, are more impressive to list on your resume.If you don't have time during the school year to take acting classes, a summer drama camp is a good alternative.If you want personalized acting instruction, you might want to talk to your parents about hiring an acting coach who can work with you one-on-one to improve your skills.
Step 3: Get some experience.
While you won't be able to get a professional acting job right out of the gate, you will want potential agents and casting directors to know that you have experience performing.Look for local opportunities to act in school plays, regional theater, and student films so you have some roles to put on your resume.Try to play many different roles.It will give you an opportunity to stretch your acting skills and it will also showcase your impressive acting range to casting directors.You don't need to go to L.A. or New York to start acting.There are many markets that you can take advantage of.Los Angeles, New York and Chicago will likely give you more free range of roles.
Step 4: Get a picture taken.
You need to provide a photo when you meet with potential agents and casting directors.You should go to a photographer who specializes in taking photos of children and teens.If you want to get work in advertising, film, television, and theater, you need to ask for both commercial and theatrical headshots.It is important to choose the right photographer.If you have friends in the acting field, ask for recommendations.You can get an idea of the quality of a photographer's work by studying their online portfolios.Early in your acting career, a headshot that pops is important because it's a huge part of your portfolio.
Step 5: You can find an agent.
It is important that you have an agent if you want to build a successful acting career.Not only will an agent know the ins and outs of the business so they can guide you in the right direction, they will have connections with casting directors and producers that make it easier to get auditions.You should research the top talent agencies in your area to find an agent.You want to make sure that the agent you are working with is trustworthy.You can apply online at many talent agencies.It is a good idea to meet with a potential agent in person before you and your parents commit to working with them.If you live in a rural area and it's hard to find an agent, you can act.To identify local acting opportunities, you need to look for work through trade publications, such as Backstage, and online casting sites.In some cases, agents won't take you on as a client until you have some professional acting credits to your name.Before you try to land an agent, you may want to find a few jobs on your own.
Step 6: You need a work permit.
Many states require a permit to work in the entertainment industry if you are under 18.California and New York have specific requirements for how child actors can be used.If you want to find out if you need a permit in your state, you can visit the labor department website.A form is required to get a work permit in most cases.Depending on the state, you will need to provide parental consent as well as other information.School and health records are usually required.
Step 7: You can join online casting sites.
While your agent will be looking for acting opportunities that fit your skills, you can also research yourself.Casting Frontier, Actors Access, and L.A. are some of the sites.Casting can be used for projects that are in the process of filling roles.It's a good idea to discuss potential roles with your agent when you submit yourself for consideration.You will need to talk to your parents about joining these sites.
Step 8: You can create a account on the video sharing website.
If you don't live in L.A. or New York, it's important to find as many ways to market yourself as an actor as possible.It's not a guarantee that casting directors or agents will see your videos, but you never know when one will go viral.School play and regional theater performances are great for your channel.Local commercials or TV appearances are a good idea because agents or casting directors outside of your area probably haven't seen them.If you want to show off your acting ability, you can post original short films.
Step 9: Get ready for a monologue.
When auditioning, you may be asked to come up with your own material, since most will have a specific scene or group of scenes that you are required to perform.It is a good idea to work on a monologue or two, so you will always be ready for an auditioning.Pick a piece that will allow you to showcase your acting skills.If you don't know what monologue to prepare, consider some of your favorite movies, there's bound to be a piece in one of them that will work.It is best to choose a monologue that is appropriate for your age.It is possible to find one that is delivered by a character who is as close to you as possible.Try to master at least two monologues that are not well-known or frequently performed.You can show off your acting range without being compared to others.
Step 10: Look at the script or sides.
In many cases, the casting company will send you a script, which is just the part of the script that relates to the character that you are auditioning for.Don't just look at your lines a few times to memorize them, make an effort to understand the character and figure out the best way to play the scene.Casting directors won't mind if you hold your script or sides.If you don't read directly from it, it's best.Look at it occasionally to remember the lines.
Step 11: Don't treat it like work.
If you want to be an actor, you need to take every opportunity seriously.The casting director is comfortable working with you if you act like a professional.Being willing to do the scene several times to get it right means being open to any suggestions that he or she might make.Make sure to project your confidence.The casting director will probably not cast you if you don't believe you're good enough.
Step 12: Don't get discouraged.
Even for children, acting is very competitive.That doesn't mean you should lose faith in your skills as an actor, as a result of this.The more you practice, the better you will be at impressing casting directors.Talk to your parents if you realize that you are no longer having fun in your acting career.If it makes you feel bad about yourself, you shouldn't keep going.Maybe you and your friends can start a drama club if you can't do these things at school.