MAKE student, experimental, low-budget, and independent films. Do community and independent theater. Remember, acting is doing, not just studying and reading about it. The more experience you have acting, the more you will learn, the more you will grow, and the better your acting will be.
DO go for a variety of roles. In this way, you will expand as an actor, which will make you a more complete actor.
GET a computer, you will use it A LOT. It’s an essential tool for any actor to have a computer or at least have access to one (if you don’t have a computer, I suggest setting aside some money and investing in one). You’ll spend a lot of time on your computer creating letters, keeping your resume up to date, editing photos, and looking for a job.
PUT your own performance site on the World Wide Web. This is probably the best way to promote yourself (second only to your headshot and resume), and it’s accessible to anyone with a computer, 24/7. Here, you can promote your latest news and endeavors, showcase your resume, photos and photographs, and include audio and video clips. Talk about featured!!!
DO look for acting jobs EVERY DAY. Essential sites to frequent are Playbill, Backstage, Actors Access, and Craigslist. Also check out the ‘links’ section of my website.
DO your shipments every day, or every day you find something to send. Even if you don’t think you’re right for the part, but suspect you might be, apply anyway. Trust me, sometimes it pays off – you can inspire the filmmaker or director and make them change their mind about the character. Worth every try.
DO have a variety of monologues ready to go at all times (comedy, dramatic, classic, and contemporary).
DO carry headshots and resumes with you at all times. You never know who you’re going to meet!
Take classes whenever you can.
JOIN a theater group or company, this will inevitably keep you on your toes!
Do your thing. MAKE your acting career happen. Write a play, stage a reading, and then act as the lead. Make your own movie.
Work with other actors. Establish friendships. Collaborating is great!
DO NOT give up on your dream.
