Consider a degree in theater (like a BFA or MFA) from an accredited college or seek out classes at your local theater. [3] X Expert Source Lesly Kahn, MFAActing Teacher & Coach Expert Interview. 12 May 2020. Colleges with highly respected acting programs in New York include Juilliard, Columbia and NYU. Training programs are also available throughout New York City. Some respected companies are HB Studios and Atlantic Theater Company School.
The more well-rounded your dance abilities are, the better you will be able to adapt to the style of any show. Keep up with your dance practice. You can begin to lose strength and flexibility if you don’t dance and stretch regularly.
Look for coaches at your local colleges. Consider asking a music director to work with you personally.
If the director is not giving much feedback on your performance. Ask specifically for input. Explore your role and ask questions about your character and performance.
Make sure the picture is current and looks like you. If you age or change your hairstyle, you will need to get new headshots. [5] X Research source Bring several different clothing options to the photoshoot and have pictures taken wearing different shirts. Don’t wear distracting patterns or colors. Keep your outfit simple so the focus is on your face. [6] X Research source
Your name should be at the top of the resume and in the largest font. If you are a member of an acting union list the abbreviation for the union after your name. If you have an agent, they will give you a stamp to add to your resume to replace your personal contact information. List your height, weight, hair and eye color, and make sure that it is accurate. Never lie on your resume. Only list work you have actually completed.
Be prepared to deal with a lot of rejection. There are any number of reasons you may not be the best fit for a particular role, and there are a lot of other actors looking to make it on Broadway. The competition is abundant and you will audition many times without being offered a role. [9] X Research source Treat every audition seriously. Even if you are not a perfect match for this role you are auditioning for, you can impress the casting agent or artistic director who may then call you in for another role in the future.
Although you will be writing the bio yourself, you should use third person vernacular like “he” and “she. ” List your achievements, credits and performance history using full sentences rather than a literal list. You can include your training, and some personal information to endear yourself to the reader. You can also list film and television credits in a theatrical bio.
New York can be very expensive. Be sure that you have savings to last you for several months once you arrive. The average monthly rent on a 900 square foot unit in New York City is $2815. Add utilities and the higher cost of food, and you can plan on needing at least $3500 per month. Many people live on the outskirts of the city in Queens or Brooklyn, and some even live across the river in New Jersey. These can be cheaper options than living in Manhattan, and the public transit system makes the commute quick, easy and cheap.
In order to join you must first be eligible. You may be able to join if you are cast in a production under an Equity contract. You may be allowed to join Equity if you are a member of one of their sister unions, SAG-AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA, or GIAA. You must have been a member for at least a year, remain in good standing and have performed a significant role under their jurisdiction. You can register as an Equity Membership Candidate, or EMC, to earn credit toward membership by working at an Equity theater. The cost to register is $100, and you must work at least 50 weeks in an Equity house to become eligible to apply for membership.
Submit your headshot and resume to agents in New York City along with a cover letter. Ask other actors which agent they use and if you can use that actor as a reference in your cover letter. Invite agents to come see you perform when you are in a show.
Protect your reputation by being on time, following direction, and being respectful to everyone on the cast and crew. Emotions are a large part of theatrical work. Do your best to keep the emotions in the performance and stay logical and collected when you are dealing with others off-stage.
