If you’re in college, you can likely find a student-run theatre program that has open auditions. Take advantage of any opportunities to act you can find at your school. Search your schools list of clubs and organizations. Contact the ones that put on plays and ask them how to get involved.
How well rated is their drama program? What kind of classes do they offer? How many of their alumni are professional actors? Do they have an agent showcase? How well does the schools and it’s drama program fit with my goals as an actor?
Alternatively, look for community television stations near you. Contact them and ask about volunteering opportunities. Once you start volunteering, learn as much as you can. Observe how things work in the company. Ask questions. Get to know the people involved. This is the time to start build a relationship with the industry and those inside it.
Even if you’re alone in your pursuit of acting skill, there are ways to practice on your own. Practice monologues in front of a camera. Practice playing different types of characters and personalities. Review the recordings you made and look for areas of improvement.
The simplest way to find extra work is to search online for upcoming films being shot in your area. Then contact the casting agency for the film and ask about extra opportunities. Volunteer to be an extra for free.
Even if there’s no professional acting opportunities near you, there’s always student films. If you’re anywhere near a college with a film-making program, there will be no shortage of film students looking for amateur acting talent.
Research what film production companies are in your area. Then go to their websites and look for contact information, or information about volunteer opportunities.
Quality headshots must be 8x10 inches, and done by a professional photographer, preferably one with a good reputation who specializes in headshots. A quality resume will include all of your acting experience, with details about the productions and your role. It will include vital statistics like your height, eye and hair color, and vocal range. It will include any sort of special skills you posses, and your contact information.
Be noticed by an agent. Do all the acting you can, student films, community television, local theatre. Film schools often invite agents to their showcases as well. If an agent sees you and likes you, you’re in luck. Send a well polished resume to agencies. Look up agencies that are accepting unsolicited submissions. Then make sure you have a professional and complete resume that includes a cover letter, and send it.
The Screen Actors Guild is the biggest union, but also the hardest to join. One way is to work as a background actor in a SAG production. Another way is to first be a part of an affiliated union like ACTRA, AEA, AGMA or AGVA. Also keep in mind that after joining the union, you can’t work on non-SAG productions. So you trade the freedom to work on non-contract jobs with the ability to pursue bigger roles with higher guaranteed salaries.
