I love acting. I would love to be on TV but I'm more passionate about the West End. Do you have any tips for how to get agents and stuff? And how does an agent work? How much do you pay them? And what other tips to do you know?
One thing, and I make this really REALLY R-E-A-L-L-Y CRYSTAL clear. I know its incredibly hard to get into acting and my chances are slim to none. But don't say that please because
1. I already know it.
2. I want to carry on anyway.
3. It's not what I'm asking.
I'm not trying to be rude but I just wanted to make it clear. And don't suggest other careers please. I don't want to be a scientist.
Hi Ellie,
The whole process of acting can be a confusing merry-go-round. Generally, an actors life begins like this:
Getting involved in a local community theatre. Doing plays, musicals, acting, for free. Putting those creds on what's called a "resume". A piece of paper with all the work you've done. It tells directors how much experience you have. If you don't have ANY, fear not. Often times community theatres may cast you in smaller roles, chorus, or ensemble if you don't have experience. That's how you GAIN it. Then you do more shows. On and on and on. More on your resume.
You'll probably want to take some skill classes in here. Acting. Dancing. Improv. Auditioning for Film. Film Acting. There are many different classes offered out there from private instructors, theatres, or studios. Take what you can. Those go on your resume too. If you decide to follow this into college, maybe even attending a Performing Arts college, so much the better. More resume cred.
By this point, you'll probably feel like dabbling in some film. Student films from local colleges or universities are a great place. Contact the departments to see if any student directors are holding auditions. Often you can find this kind of info also on Craigslist. Just be mindful and cautious of course.
Perhaps you live in a larger market to where you can get some real, bona fide on camera extra work. DO IT. Being an extra is great experience, gets you familiar with a set, and film jargon, and can possibly even help you towards gaining your Union card.
Once you have some theatre, maybe some film, you may be able to approach agents in your area.
Different agents will like different things when you submit, but most will want your resume, headshot, and a demo reel of your previous work. If they like you, and have a need for you, it may be just that simple. Sometimes you have to beat down their doors for a LONG time. SOME agencies won't even talk to you if you come to them. They only go after people THEY want. THEY'LL come to YOU in that case. (That's when you're a bit bigger deal).
Acting comes in many varieties. There are people who make a living just doing extra work. Some are professional voice over artists. You never see their face, but you hear them all the time. Some people live doing commercials. Some go on and do television, movies, or spend their lives doing theatre. ALL of it is "acting"
Remember - an agent only gets you AUDITIONS. The company will come to the agent with the "types" they're looking for. I'm not going to get called in to a Nike commercial audition if they have only asked my agent to see Asian women. That's just how it goes.
I drive 2 hours away often for auditions, but this is my career. It's what I DO. Acting is hard work, and takes commitment. If you're expecting to "make it" right away, you may be in for some disappointment. But, if you're committed to this path, and it's your passion, it can be VERY fulfilling.
Best of luck with your decisions.
Go look for amateur theatre companies to join up with. Take all the parts you can get/work backstage/ offer to do an internship at film and television companies/an internship at a theatre company. You won't just get an agent with no experience. It is not a one, two step.
A lot of the entertainment industry is who you know. Also you need to be good. Enroll in some classes, immerse yourself in the industry. It's a long hard slog, but believe in yourself and you'll get there.
Submit your portfolio at CastingFrontier.com
heres a tip:
if the agent tries to make you pay before you book a part, its a scam.
sozz but this like TOTTALY reminds of anime called SKIP BEAT, i say u should watch it
Hi - the most important thing is to get a first-class training. In the UK you won't be able to get a good agent unless you're a drama school graduate, and without an agent you won't get any auditions.
To get into a good drama school you'll have to be the best you can possibly be well before you audition for a place. You'd need to be really good at acting, singing and dancing, have had several years training already at a good acting class or stage school, and have had lots of experience on stage.
Each major drama school has about 24 places to fill every year, and they get about 4,000 applicants. As you can imagine, it's really hard to get in.
Have a look at www.drama.ac.uk for details.
As for agents, you don't get one of those until after you graduate and then you don't pay them anything upfront at all - they just take a percentage of your earnings from acting work they found for you. They get casting breakdowns from casting directors, choose which of their clients would fit each role, and send them the details. The clients then apply for an audition, if they're interested, and they might, yes, might get one. If you do, you then audition for the role, competing against maybe 50 other actors sent by your agent or other agents. If you win the role, your agent will sort out all the legal stuff, contracts, etc.
Just be prepared for years of very hard work with absolutely no guarantee of ever getting a good role in anything. Most actors get two or three weeks' paid work a year, and the rest of the time they're auditioning and working a 'normal' job.
Make sure you have another skill which you can use for your second job - you'll be doing more of that than acting.
As long as you really do understand that, and you seem to, and really don't mind, you have as good a chance as anyone, as long as yo have the talent, the determination, the dedication and the resilience!
Good luck!
