Top Tips For Aspiring Actors From An Experienced Professional
JUNE 26TH, 2022
Train. That’s step 1 and step 100.
Answer by Kent Moran, Co-Owner at Acting & Voice Studios
What are some tips for an aspiring actor? originally appeared on Quora, the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
Train. That’s step 1 and step 100. As an award-winning actor/filmmaker that has been working for 20+ years, this is always what I recommend to aspiring actors. You should be training your whole career. It helps you to build both your craft and career. If you want to be a film/tv actor, train specifically for that. If you want to be a theater actor, train for that, if you want to be a voice-over actor, train in that, etc. In class you will also meet people, make relationships (with actors, coaches, etc.) and be able to showcase your talents. Class is about learning and doing the work and you never know what can happen when you just put yourself out there and do the work in front of the right people. I’ve personally landed agents, gotten auditions, been sent straight to producers, booked roles, and made lifelong friendships and working relationships all from my times in classes. And remember, training goes on your resume. I recommend strategically taking classes with renowned coaches and/or specific agents or casting directors to not just learn but build an impressive resume. Class is a great way to learn, form those relationships, and build your resume
Next is always be proactive. No matter what stage you are in your career, you have to actively work toward furthering your career. Even if you have an agent, manager, etc. you should still be submitting to roles, keeping your resume, headshots, and reels updated, creating your own content, keeping up with industry relationships, and figuring out how to continually add value to your acting package.
Next is get represented. Only try for an agent when you’re ready. Before getting an agent, you need to build your acting package. Get on all the casting platforms, Backstage is a good place to start for beginners. On Backstage (and the others) try and get cast in student films and short films (make sure you get the footage after shooting the projects), build your resume and acting reel with those projects. Now you’ve got something to show.
When your ready to get an agent, make sure your package is as strong as it can be. Have a professional headshot, updated resume and acting reel ready. Already be on all the casting platforms: Actors Access (the main one), Casting Networks, etc. Then I recommend targeting agents that you want to be with and taking classes with them (if they teach). Reach out to your other actor friends that have agents and any other connections you have to agents (publicists, casting directors, or other industry contacts can be good referral sources) and ask them to refer you. A referral to an agency is by far the strongest way to submit to an agent. That agent already has one person they trust vouching for you and, depending on who that person is, that can hold a lot of weight. Forming a relationship with an agent in a class, where you also get to show them your work first-hand, is another great way too. That includes showcasing for them at agent/manager showcases. In these cases, you don’t need to rely on a connection you may or may not have to an agent.
This question originally appeared on Quora.
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