How to Get Noticed as a Pro Actor in an Industry Saturated With Talent

You’ve already put in the work of perfecting your trade, but you’re afraid you’re just not standing out enough. You need to be noticed, seen above the rest and booked for being the best, right? It’s not easy, it’s a crowded industry. But there are ways to be noticed if you do it right. And we are here to help you. At the New York Acting School for Film and Television, we specialize in taking people with talent and developing them in the ways necessary to succeed in their dreams at any size. One thing we’ve learned, is that in order to get paid and win in this industry, you have to stand out. Let’s talk about how to do this.

If you want to be booked like a pro, you need to be seen as one. This means people have to see you as an expert at your trade. So what else can you do to get even better? To learn more? To take it even further? 

Start by reading, asking and listening. You want to research everything you can on your way up the ladder. Grab a handful of books on the acting business, watch youtube tutorials, talk to other successful actors and meet with as many people in the industry as possible (directors, grips, stage managers, producers, agents, editors, etc.). Ask questions, pick their brains and write it all down.  Then send them a thank you card, buy them a coffee and show your gratitude.

Shadow those you admire. Interview a working actor who's career is where you’d like to have yours be one day have.  Study their career road map well, and the knowledge will save you from unnecessary surprises and disappointments later on.

Be resilient. You’re not the only talented one out there. You’re good, but there are many out there with the same level of skill, experience or talent as you. So you’ve got to stick to your game and not get discouraged when the journey gets rough. What you NEED most is the right state of mind, your talent, persistence, flexibility and a love for what you do BECAUSE you love it. Success beyond that is a bonus AND is more likely to come, when you are not longer desperate to make it happen.

Represent yourself right. Head Shots are your number one advertisement which means it's quality needs to be a priority. So don't go cheap here. I'm not saying you have to spend a fortune on them, but you do need to find a photographer who knows how to bring out your best qualities and features.

Get properly trained. Never stop learning. Take classes or study at a university with a good drama  or performing arts program. If you'd like to get to the film and television industry, go take some classes at a location that specializes in those areas. In addition to acting, take courses in literature, psychology, history and philosophy.  Creating a broad liberal arts

Always be networking. You never know who you’re going to meet, so get out there! Agents and directors work with those actors that they know, like, and trust. So meet everyone and make sure people know you. Be respectful, positive and professional at all times though! Don't let the reputation of networking cause you to feel impersonal and false.  You are in charge of your authenticity. Rather, think of it as building a community of people who can support you in your aspirations. And you support them too. Pay it forward. The more advocates you have out there, they more work you’ll be offered.

In the end, you want to make sure to leave a lasting memory in people's minds of your punctuality, determination and positive mindset.  Be a friend and be wise.  Be humble and never stop learning. Ever.

For more information, talk to us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television and let us know how we can help you succeed.