How to Get into Acting Jobs with no Prior Knowledge

Do you want to learn how to get into acting jobs? Have you never done anything like this before? It’s no problem. Didn’t we all have to start somewhere?

However, we can’t help you if you’re reading this and hope to be a movie star by tomorrow morning (or even next year).

It takes time, passion, sweat, and, most importantly, determination to become an actor.

We didn’t mention this to put you off.

It is not unattainable to become a movie star. Aim for the stars! However, you must be willing to put in the effort because there is no magic method.

So, let’s discuss how to break into the acting business without prior knowledge!

First, the good news: you CAN become an actress without any acting experience. Everyone must begin somewhere.

The trick is to take action and accomplish something to gain that experience, and there are a few things you can do right now that we’ll discuss further down.

Stay with us!

Is it Hard to Get into Acting?

In some ways, becoming an actor isn’t all that difficult. You don’t need any prior experience to join a local community or amateur theater.

Making a long-term career as an actor, on the other hand, is extremely difficult, and the vast majority of those who try will fail.

We didn’t say that to discourage you; it may be really gratifying, and many people who don’t “make it” nonetheless manage to have happy and meaningful lives.

Anyone who claims it’s simple to make a living doing it is most likely trying to sell you something.

Making a living as an actor for most people entails spending the majority of each day for the next thirty years hunting for employment and taking advantage of every available chance.

People manage without training, either through extraordinary instincts or incredible luck, paired with a significant amount of on-the-job learning.

However, we strongly advise you to pursue some form of college or conservatory education. Training can help you improve the areas where you’re weak and extend the areas where you’re strong.

It’ll also be the thing you can fall back on when your instincts fail you or you’re asked to perform something utterly unexpected.

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What are the Daily Responsibilities of an Actor?

An actor is someone who portrays a character in a performance.

Actors are most commonly seen in theatrical productions, live-action films, television shows, and commercials, but voice actors can also be heard on radio, in animated films, and in podcasts.

Acting in front of a live audience or a camera is often an actor’s principal task. However, there are other responsibilities that an actor must do before to, during, and after the performance.

1. Attend auditions and casting calls:

Acting is a competitive industry, therefore attending auditions and casting calls is a must.

Attending auditions and casting calls increases your chances of performing in front of local directors and decision-makers.

2. Study and practice scripts:

Before performing in front of an audience or camera, actors spend time memorizing lines, rehearsing stunts, and devising stage direction.

3. Find out more about the various roles:

If you’ve accepted an acting role, it’s a good idea to do some study on the setting or historical period.

If you’re in a play set in medieval England, for example, reading historical accounts of the period can help you understand what life was like for your character.

4. Show up for a side job:

You’re probably not making a full-time living as an actor if you’re just starting out.

In this instance, you may need to take a part-time job to supplement your acting income while you gain enough experience and expand your network to be able to live off of your acting earnings.

To augment their income, actors often take on flexible and short-term occupations such as substitute teaching, bartending, and freelance writing.

How Can a Beginner Get into Acting?

There are no shortcuts when it comes to acting. Even as a beginner, if you have to go through the hard way to learn, then you should.

However, there are steps you can take to make your journey easy.

Janine Hawley, an associate professor of voice in the School of Drama and the director of Acting Out!, UNCSA’s community actor training program, offers some acting pointers for novices, but cautions that hard effort and attention to the craft are essential.

She gives acting advice and her own standards for success—for acting, auditions, and life in general—drawing on her experience teaching performers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Here are the right step to take to get into acting as a beginner:

1. Take acting classes serious
2. Understand the character you play well as
3. Read the entire script
4. Fine tune your body, which is your instrument
5. Spend time doing what makes you happy
6. Become the best version of you

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How to Get into Acting Jobs with no Prior Knowledge

Here are the best steps you can take to become an actor or actress with no experience:

1. Acting plays and novels should be read

Because, like any other business, the acting world has its own jargon, language, and terminology.

You will encounter words like, What exactly is an objective? What is the location of downstage? What exactly is a gobo?

You’ll be one step ahead of the game if you can speak intelligently about these topics.

Reading books and plays about acting before taking any classes is a terrific method to rekindle your enthusiasm.

2. Make friends with the actors around you

Acting is more of a team sport than a solo pursuit, so get used to collaborating with others.

Many actors enjoy rehearsing lines, discussing their creative process, and sharing personal experiences.

Make a few actor friends and learn from them. They may even be able to give you a few pointers or point you to some auditions.

3. Enroll in acting classes

Start by asking yourself a basic question if you want to begin acting. Is acting a pastime or a profession?

When you know where you want to go, it’s easier to get started. You don’t need a detailed plan; only an idea.

Decide whatever type of acting you want to learn first – theater, musicals, improv, television, film, etc. – then look for local teachers and classes.

Make a six-month commitment to the class to give yourself time to become used to it. If you enjoy it, keep going.

After you’ve finished your first class, it’s a good idea to take some other classes to see if you’re interested in pursuing a different sort of acting.

4. Do not immediately move to a huge market

It’s preferable to begin your acting career in your hometown if you have no prior experience.

Local theater companies may be found in almost every community, and they are an excellent place to begin.

If you’re more interested in movies and television, you may consider collaborating with student or local filmmakers.

It’s fine if your hometown happens to be a huge metropolis! Concentrate your auditions on the community theater or independent film worlds.

In big cities, there are still small community theaters where you can get some fantastic experiences.

If you’ve decided to pursue a career as a serious actor, relocating to a major city is the greatest way to acquire the best training.

Wait until you’ve chosen whether or not you want to pursue acting professionally.

Make sure you ask yourself why you’re willing to devote your entire life to become an actor and what you’re prepared to give up over how long to get there.

5. Participate in a volunteer program with a local theatrical company

Volunteers are always needed to help with props, sets, costumes, and other aspects of local community theater.

Volunteering will allow you to observe performers in rehearsal, familiarize you with the performing world, and expose you to industry professionals.

Do a monologue the next time the company holds auditions! It’s the ideal spot to begin auditioning because you already know everyone in the room.

They’ll almost certainly offer you positive feedback.

6. Learn Some Unique Skills

Auditioning against seasoned pros can be difficult and scary if you’re a newcomer to the industry.

This is where unique abilities can help.
Horseback riding, speaking multiple languages, playing tennis, and singing are all qualities that can help you land a role over another actor.

You never know when a character will come along who will require one of your special skills, so keep working on learning new ones.

7. Attend Auditions

Experience is more important than anything else for rookie actors.

You’ll most likely have to start with free work, but you’ll develop experience and be able to list each role on your resume.

Volunteer to appear in a commercial for a local auto dealership, for example. Audition for plays or student films at your local institutions.
These free projects can help you develop your résumé while also getting you in the habit of auditioning and performing.

There’s no better way to learn how to act than to put it into practice.

8. Accept every role you get

It’s critical to gain experience, take on a variety of parts, and construct your portfolio as a novice actor.

Accepting a position that is distinct from the roles you usually perform will broaden your résumé.

This will demonstrate to casting directors that you are adaptable, easy to work with, and enthusiastic about working on a variety of projects.

If you are cast in a role that goes completely against your principles or values, you are under no obligation to accept it.

It’s completely acceptable to decline roles that make you uncomfortable.

As your career grows and your résumé starts to take shape, you can become more selective about the responsibilities you take on and the employment you accept.

Get as much work as you can until then!

9. Make a resume for yourself

A résumé is a document that includes information about your performing experience, education, and past jobs.

Because you’ll be using your resume for auditions with directors, producers, agents, and managers, make sure it looks professional.

As a beginner actor, filling your résumé can be challenging, which is why you should attend as many auditions as possible, try out for a movie extra, or volunteer at a local community theatre.

All of these items will help you build a strong CV.

It’s also crucial to create an online portfolio/resume.

As technology advances, some directors want to review your credentials online rather than on paper.

Fill out portfolios on a variety of casting platforms; you never know who might see your résumé.

10. Have your Headshots taken

Every actor should have a headshot taken by a professional photographer. Along with your resume, headshots should be sent with your audition application.

Take a couple different headshots so you can use them for different auditions. Maintain a professional tone, but don’t be hesitant to inject some personality.

For any acting, including movies, commercials, plays, and musicals, headshots are required.

While it may be tempting to have a buddy take your headshot, anything more competitive than minor commercial business would necessitate the use of a professional photographer.

A headshot is an important aspect of your portfolio because it serves as your calling card in the early stages of your profession.

11. Become an extra in a Movie

Getting a job as an extra in a movie is a terrific way to get your foot in the door of the acting industry while also making some money.

Being a struggling actor, especially financially, can be discouraging, so keep an eye out for casting calls for film extras.

You’ll be able to network with industry professionals and have a film on your resume.

Many extra roles are advertised in casting calls on the internet, but you can also contact extra casting companies.

You’ll need to send them your CV and headshot. And you can reach out to these organizations by phone, email, or in person.

Look up your city’s casting agency on the internet.

12. Make a video reel to showcase your acting abilities

A reel is a two- to three-minute video that showcases your best work as an actor. It’s critical to gather film of every acting role you obtain so you can include it in your reel.

Your reel is an excellent approach to demonstrate your acting abilities, versatility, and experience.

Also, your reel should be available both online and in print.

Hence, you can start by making your reel with the help of a professional.

Because it’s such a crucial marketing tool, your reel should be well-made.

When you obtain fresh footage, make sure to update your reel. Keep your reel up to date if you want it to be the finest possible representation of yourself.

13. Get an Agent

When you’ve decided its time to hire an agent, conduct some research on the various agents and agencies available online.

Select a handful you believe would be a good fit for you, then send your headshots and resume along with a cover letter stating why you’re seeking a new agency.

It’s difficult to find an agent, but if you network and improve your résumé, it will get easier.

Request suggestions for good agents from your actor friends, teachers, or anybody else you know in the business.

Inquire if they have any personal contacts with good agents and if they could recommend one to you.

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Final Thought

If you seriously want to get into acting with no experience, you will have to develop yourself extensively.

Because you will be competing with people who have given in years of study to learn to act. So, you stand a chance; you need to be outstanding.

Not to worry, this gave article has 13 steps you need to take to be the best actor out there even with no prior experience.

References

• reddit.com – How hard is it to become an actor/actress? Would it be worth it to go to college for acting or theater?
• wikihow.com – How to Become an Actress With No Experience
• indeed.com – How To Become an Actor With No Experience

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