Our culture is obsessed with rich movie stars, so it's understandable the people would assume that acting is their ticket to a glamorous lifestyle. While it does happen for some, it doesn't happen for most. When you remember how rewarding the career is in and of itself, for those who truly love their craft, then you have a chance at success. A career in acting can be very rewarding with the right intention and passion. If you’re in it for the passion and not the money, here’s how to prepare.
Perspective: Acting is Your Craft.
Learning how to act is more than imitation: It’s hard work. Of course, there are some people born with tremendous acting talent, but the majority of actors spend years in classes and in training. This isn’t a bad thing. Taking classes and participating in workshops, or studying in full-time drama/theatre programs, can help you fine-tune your existing skills and pick up new ones. You’ll learn from instructors, directors, and other actors. It’s also good to take on as many roles as you can, so audition for student films and community theatre.
Be willing to really work for it
Most actors have to split their time between honing their craft, performing, working other jobs, and finding auditions. You won’t have a lot of time to be social. “To be in this business you really have to want it, commit to it, and work for it,” says actor Sarah Jean Hodkinson. “There’s going to be a lot of sacrifices.”
Get your finances in order
We've already established that acting isn’t usually a lucrative career, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that balancing your books is on this list. Most acting jobs are in large (expensive) cities and if you don’t live in one already, the cost of living may be a shock. Do what you can to build a safety net: Get a loan, roommate, affordable apartment, part-time job—whatever you need to.
Embrace life experiences
Like writing and other creative activities, acting benefits from having quality life experiences—for example, it’s easier to play a character that loses someone if you’ve been through something similar. This doesn’t mean that you should cause trouble just to feel what it’s like or have a story; it just means that you should try to embrace things when they happen and appreciate the lessons you're learning.
It's time to get out of your own head. It's time to meet new people and do new things. Get registered for an acting class; you’ll gain new experiences and perspectives that you can apply to future roles.
From all of us at The New York Acting School, we salute to your success!
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