Character Traits and Skills All Actors Must Have to Succeed

Acting comes with both the need for skill and also character traits. Not all actors have them and the ones that are lacking don’t last long. Don’t be one of the lazy ones that neglects their growth. Be dedicated by investing in the character traits and skillsets below.

Integrity

Dishonesty and a lack of character spreads quickly in this field, so if you lie, backstab or cheat your way through it, or stir up gossip, many people will know fast  and you will be less likely to land a role. It’s not an easy industry, but go with your honor and you’ll go farther.

Be real

Another "must" for an adult newcomer is to start working on material immediately. The most basic acting requirement is the ability to say a line and sound real. It's hard to imagine an audition or a scene without having to speak. And his potential to sound real when he says a line is precisely what all beginning actors must discover. This is basic. If you can't learn to sound real and authentic, then acting is not for you. It's best to discover your level of sounding real before spending too much money and building up great expectations. You must find out if you can say a line believably. That is the basic of basics.

Be a good listener.

There’s going to be a lot going on, with many people both giving and receiving direction. It’s very important that you know how to focus on what your are being told without being distracted by what’s happening around you. Stay in character and take direction. Then you will go far.

Don’t take things personally.

This is an industry where fear of rejection and the insecurities that go with it, reign. It's a field where you wake up in the morning and don't know where your work is coming from. The key here is to realize that not being chosen for a part has nothing to do with your worth as a person. This is a vital lesson to master. If you can't handle the stress of the rejection, you likely won't make it in this field.

All great actors star by taking lessons and classes or hiring a coach. For more information, please get in touch with us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television today!