Important Things To Know for The Actor Just Getting Started

If you’ve been considering acting, you’re not alone. Acting is a fantastic career choice, but getting started can be hard if you don’t know the common terms and process. You deserve to go through the process confidently and educated well, which is why we not only provide you with classes and coaching but the tips you need to get started and succeed!

If you are wanting to break into the acting business, there are a few different people you're going to want to get acquainted with both in job title and in a networking perspective.  If you can get to know the people out there that are influential in the industry, you are far more likely to get your foot in the right doors at the right time! There are always an abundance of different people in the entertainment industry who are essential to an actor. Here are a few.

Head Shot:

These are the photos you’ll present at the audition, and use to show people who you are. They should never be glamorous, always professional. Keep a couple in a folder with different angles and smiles, so people can see your range, but don’t over do it.

Audition:

An audition is where you show up, read lines or act out a scene in front of a casting director. You must be on time, confident and be able to take direction, not time. Once it is over, you’ll wait for the call-back to find out if you go the part. If you didn’t, let it go. Keep practicing and learning. Try again.

Acting Classes and Coaching.

Yes they are necessary. Ask any professional or successful actor and they’ll say the same. You need a space where you can know little to nothing, and that’s ok. You get practice, constructive criticism and tools to improve quickly and with skill. For a list of classes, click here.

Acting Agent:

A talent agent is someone who finds work for an actor in exchange for 10-15% (10% for union actors, typically more for nonunion) of the actors' earnings. They have an extensive network of contacts and clients, and use this network to get interviews and auditions for the actor. They also will work on the terms of your contract when you get a job. As an actor, you are a product and the agent is your salesperson.

Manager:

A manager is a person hired by the actor to find work, give advice, and generally guide the actor's career. With the exception of child actors (who often need extra development and guidance into the business), most actors will not require a real manager until they are well on the road to success.

Casting Director:

The CD is hired by the producers of a show to find talent (or "cast") for the show. These are the people who the agent will send photos and resumes to, and the actor will audition for. While it is possible to submit your photo and resume directly to a Casting Director, they usually only seriously consider actors submitted by an agent.

Producer

A producer is the person in charge of all the "behind the scenes" work of a show or film. They bring together a script, director, and actors, then oversee the film until it is released. The easiest way into Hollywood is knowing a producer, be they family or friend. Unfortunately for most of us, this isn't possible. But if you do happen to have a connection, don't hesitate to use it.

We want to see you succeed.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television and ask about our acting coaches, acting classes and school for further training and practice.