3 Common FAQs About Being a Professional Actor
The truth about being in the acting industry
In spite of how amazing the daydream can be, reality can easily kick in when you chase your dream of being an acting professional—only then will you realize that it’s not always about being in premieres and being in the moment. From the moment you decide that acting is your lifelong vocation to the day you receive the paycheck from your first act, it should come as no surprise that you’re in for a challenge when pursuing an acting career.
At one point, life may be great because you landed a few milestone gigs for various roles. The workload, on the other hand, may suddenly dwindle, and then you find yourself scrambling to pay rent. The reality of chasing your dreams as an acting professional is that you will be brought to the point of breaking, of giving up and throwing in the towel multiple times along your journey.
If what we just said is enough to make you reconsider your choice, then it’s safe to say this career isn’t for you. If it hasn’t discouraged you, then you’re in luck, because we have a quick guide to help you survive one of the toughest industries in the world.
Answering three frequently asked questions
With this guide, we’ll be answering three of the more common questions that aspiring actors have on their minds. Let’s go over each question in further detail:
“What are my chances of succeeding and finding a steady job?”
Realistically speaking, the odds of succeeding in the longstanding acting industry are slim because 92 percent of acting professionals will experience a work drought sooner or later. This piece of data essentially says that only eight percent of the acting population receives a consistent influx of acting jobs (and paychecks).
Our next two questions tackle topics around how to get into this top eight percent.
“Do I need to go to drama school to succeed as an acting professional?”
Truth be told, drama school can definitely help with refining your acting skills, but it doesn’t act as a guarantee of finding a successful career. Know that succeeding in the acting industry all boils down to the display of skill that you bring to every opportunity that comes your way.
“Will having an agent help with succeeding?”
Agents are commonly known as every aspiring performer’s greatest tool in finding success because they play a key role in generating opportunities for their talents to refine their skills and increase their work. It is worth noting, however, that the quality of your agent will have a significant impact on your career. Before settling on an agent, it is essential to ensure that they are able to help you instead of just waiting to make money from the potential commission that comes from each job you land. A reliable agent will not only do their best to book you for proper roles and push you to attend every audition, but they’ll also use every opportunity they come across to help you grow as a professional.
The acting industry may be tough, but knowing the answers to the right questions (and knowing the right questions to be asking!) will help you make the best decisions for your acting career.
If you are looking to become a professional actor, visit the best online acting classes in Los Angeles, California today to see how we can help.
The skill and legacy of an actor can be defined by numerous experiences, including key roles, acting classes, mentors, coaches, and accolades in the industry. But in the end, when the success of an actor or actress is gauged, most people look to the key roles that they have played throughout their careers.
When thinking about finding success in acting as a profession, most people tend to think of all the roles that they can star in or how many connections they’ll make. However, without a fantastic audition, you will never get the roles that can help you build and establish your career. So let’s look at preparing for your first audition.
The audition process in greater detail
If you’re fairly new to the acting industry and have yet to dive into a minor-league role, chances are that you probably haven’t had your first “big” audition. Admittedly, the audition process can be quite nerve-wracking because your life and career can change in an instant with even just one role. This can be even more so when you’re pitted up against other experienced talents.
Although many people claim that you will adjust to the auditioning process after you’ve done a few, it’s always good to do the necessary research beforehand. The desire to get everything right the first time may seem like a distant or near-impossible dream. But, coming prepared and having the right mindset can make all the difference during your acting auditions.
Put your nervousness aside, keep your eyes peeled, and read on because this short guide will tell you all that you need to know and expect when auditioning for an acting role for the first time:
What to expect when going to your first audition
Upon walking into the audition room, expect to see a handful of people who will facilitate the entire process. Generally, auditions for acting roles are organized and run by a casting director, producer, camera operator, and client representative. Walking into a room full of strangers may not be the most comfortable experience, but the audition process is a small glimpse into what you’ll have to undergo during your acting career.
How you should behave while waiting in the casting room
Regardless of who is in the room, it is essential to come as your best self and not let your nerves get the best of you because each person has a significant bearing on whether or not you get the role. Always remember to respect each person in the room in the way you take directions, follow orders, and respond to any comments that are given to you.
What to do when it’s your turn
Once you’ve been called to audition, it is essential to act in a way that will make the casting director’s job much easier. Handing your headshot or set card in right away, coming ready for the role, memorizing your lines properly (but be willing to improv if called upon), and only talking when you’re asked to will make for a successful audition. After you’ve said your lines and shown your acting skills, a photographer may have to take your picture for the documentation process, so give your best smile, say thank you, and make your way out.
Final words
Although your first audition experience may seem daunting, you will have it under control. Come prepared by doing the necessary research, practicing your lines, and compiling all the necessary requirements.
If you feel that you aren’t ready and could use some more training before heading for your first audition, consider taking a few acting classes in Los Angeles with Bernard Hiller!
As a budding actor, you know the importance of taking the right steps to move your career towards success. One of the major steps may involve moving to Los Angeles. After all, where better to take a shot at making it big in the industry?
The City of Angels is the budding actor’s land of dreams for all the right reasons. For one, many of the stars that you see in your favorite movies got their start in the city, crediting it for giving them the career break that they needed to be where they are now. It is also worth noting that LA is a hotspot for thriving actors to make connections with various creatives in the industry, making it much easier to land jobs as well. One of the most amazing parts of Los Angeles for budding actors is the abundance of acting classes offered by industry experts.
From former actors with decades of industry experience to certified acting coaches, LA’s acting classes are headed by industry stalwarts that can help you refine your acting chops. The challenge, however, is that there are so many classes to choose from.
Acting classes in LA are abundant to the point that you can have a different class every day for the rest of your life and still have a few thousand options left to try (That may be a slight exaggeration, but you get the point). However, choosing a high-quality acting class in Los Angeles is easier than you’d think, assuming it meets the following criteria.
These are three factors you should be looking for when searching for the right acting class:
1 – Updated facilities
One important attribute to consider when choosing the best acting class in LA is the facilities that it provides. Proper facilities make it much easier to sharpen your skills as you will be put in favorable learning conditions. As opposed to dealing with outdated facilities that limit your ability and learning, an acting class with updated facilities prepares you for the modern acting industry’s greater demands. Look for an acting class that puts your skills to the test while providing invaluable lessons along the way.
2 – Accessibility
Given the sheer number of acting class options that are available in Los Angeles, it’s important to choose something accessible. After all, what’s a significant investment worth if you can’t go as often as you’d like? If you’re working a day job while trying to support your passion, it’s best to pick an acting class that offers sessions in the evenings or on days off to ensure that you aren’t falling behind in the class!
3 – Industry prestige
We don’t mean to be snobs, but one of the greatest characteristics that you can use to spot a quality acting class is industry prestige. Actors, in particular, are a picky bunch, which means that an acting class with a good professional reputation has attained its status for the sole reason of providing a quality experience.
A guaranteed way to find an acting class with a good reputation is to ask for recommendations from people that you know, whether it is online or in person. Testimonials provide more genuine insights as to how the class could possibly meet your interests, saving you valuable time, money, and effort in the process.
Choosing the right online acting class to suit your needs as a budding actor is one way to forge your path to finding success in the ever-expansive and challenging acting industry.
If you’re looking for acting classes that are worth every penny, get in touch with Bernard Hiller to schedule your first session!
After spending the last two or so years in acting school, your period of learning is finally coming to an end. Every acting class that you’ve taken has allowed you to develop your skills, make a ton of friends and connections, and you are now ready for graduation, which is right around the corner—then what?
Well, obviously, it is to go on and succeed as an actor in the opportunity-abundant entertainment industry.
As ideal as it is to jump right into your first set of roles after acting school, however, most fresh grads find it difficult to deal with the challenges of the real world. Fortunately, knowing how to find your way as an acting professional after spending a few years in acting school and eventually establishing a fulfilling career can be done if you take the right steps.
3 Tips for Building Your Career After Acting School
With a wide variety of skills, training, and determination right under your belt, you can take the acting world by storm. In this article, you will find a few simple yet timeless and effective tips for finding your footing in the acting industry:
1 – Get your headshots, demo reel, and chops ready
Once you’ve gotten your diploma, the next step that you’ll have to take is to go to as many auditions that are suited for your skills and preferred genre as often as possible. However, you can’t do this without a set of headshots, a demo reel, and a set of chops to perform right on the spot. Generally speaking, headshots, demo reels, and chops are similar to the requirements that businesspeople need to land their dream job or win a client over:
- A headshot is your calling card that a casting director will use to call you for a certain role and any other roles you’d be perfect in
- Demo reels are case studies that show how skilled and capable you are as a professional
- Acting chops are a mix of your sales spiel and ability to perform on the spot that you can use to demonstrate your competency for a specific role
2 – Always come with a positive attitude, and leave on a positive note
Given how tough the acting industry can truly be, it is vital to have a certain level of resilience, optimism, and positivity that will get you through every rejection, criticism, and struggle you encounter on your path towards becoming a successful performer. Both rejection and criticism are inevitable parts of anyone’s experience as an actor, and the best way you can overcome each challenge is to approach them with the right attitude!
3 – Research as often as you can
Many of the valuable lessons that you’ll learn as an acting professional are found far beyond the classroom doors, and these lessons will play a large role in establishing your career and reputation. The best way to pick up valuable insights and lessons for your acting technique, morale, and demeanor can be best done by continually doing research, such as:
- Watching plays that well-known and tenured acting professionals star in
- Attending additional acting classes (such as Bernard Hiller’s world-renowned short-term classes)
- Finding a mentor who can guide you every step of the way
- Listening to podcasts that feature industry stalwarts and relevant topics
Once you’ve finally wrapped up your time in acting school, jumping into the real world and establishing a fulfilling career can be quite difficult, but having the right tips in mind can carry you a long way.
If you are looking to become a professional actor, visit the best acting classes in Los Angeles, California today to see how we can help.
THE RIGHT ACTING TEACHER AND CLASS, DETERMINES YOUR CAREER!
Having butterflies when going to your first acting school is normal. It feels a lot like going to your first day of preschool or high school, where uncertainty awaits, and you can’t help but hope for the very best.
Picking out an acting class can be is a nerve-wracking experience that all actors face on their journey of becoming the ultimate professional. Of course, nobody ever wants to settle for a sub-par acting class as they seek to deepen and train their skills, to be able to jump-start or advance their careers to a higher level. But the real problem is, you don’t really know what kind of class you are looking for. What would be the best class for me right now?
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Acting Class
Choosing an acting class is the most important step because the better the teacher the better your acting will be. But if find someone who will also be your mentor, that is a career-changing moment. Look for an acting coach and a mentor to teach you how to succeed in this business. Successful actors always talk about how their coach helped them succeed. Otherwise, you have a lot of talent and nowhere to show it.
How Can You Make An Acting Class Truly Work For You?
If you’ve already found a fantastic acting class that is cultivating and pushing you to discover more of your talent, then congratulations! However, even at this point, the struggle never stops. Acting classes, unbeknownst to most professionals, are a two-way street. You must work only for someone who also connects with you. Someone you trust and believe in. Training is good, but only if you are wide open to receive the information.
There are many wonderful teachers out there, but I feel that there are only 10 great acting teachers that can take you beyond your wildest artistic dreams. Your job is to find one of those teachers.
Are You Ready To Become The Actor Of The Future?
Being able to make the most out of your acting class means that you are dedicated, motivated and open-minded to learn the art of acting for what it must be, for you to be the actor of the future. Acting is constantly changing, but most schools and teachers never change their methods. Then you will become the actor of the past.
How To Prepare Yourself For Your First Acting Class
Once you have found the right acting class for you, then you need to make sure you come well prepared. Read everything you can about your teacher. Watch all the videos you can see, so you get a feeling and understanding where he or she is coming from. It is this combination that will cultivate you into being a well-rounded and highly skilled professional that will succeed in this industry. Before you head over to your first acting class, here are a few tips to come as prepared as possible during each session:
1. Come in Positive.
One of the most significant barriers preventing actors from making the most out of their first acting class is themselves—specifically how they can consistently dwell on the worst possible outcomes or are in their negative minds. Having a few self-doubts and apprehensions towards walking into your first session is understandable, but overthinking will make you fail.
It is essential to understand that an acting class is a stepping stone that helps refine and evolve your craft. It allows you to cultivate valuable skills while finding a higher level of self-confidence. Acting classes must never be a platform for people to laugh at you. Most actors credit their acting class and their teacher for providing them the support and guidance they needed to commit themselves to the process entirely.
2. Be open to trying new things
Further enhancing your skills as an actor entails being open to new experiences and opportunities to learn. Acting classes are full of them.
At one point during your sessions, you might find yourself a tad bit more nervous than you’d expect yourself to be because you’ll be required to do something unfamiliar, but that’s just part of the process. As scary as going into your first acting class may be, it’s best to come with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. Expect that you will have to get out of your comfort zone as part of the learning process.
3. If you can have a private session with your teacher beforehand
Being able to meet and work with your teacher or mentor is a great way to ease the first-day jitters.
The best time to set up a meeting would be before your start date, as it will give you enough time to familiarize yourself with who you’ll be working with. Additionally, meeting your acting class teacher can also help them understand your needs and capabilities much better. That allows the teacher to plan accordingly.
Best Investment EVER!
Going to an acting class for the first time is, undeniably, a thrilling experience for anyone that wishes to pursue their passion for the performing arts or become the best version of themselves. But the greatest investment you can ever make is to invest in YOURSELF. Keep training (with the right teachers) and you will reach your goal.
If you’re looking for the Premier online acting class in Los Angeles and Masterclasses held around the world, that cultivates your skills beyond your own expectations and teaches you how to succeed. Then this is the class for you.
We look forward to meeting and working with you!
What is an Acting Coach?
An acting coach is someone who teaches and inspires a promising actor or actress with acting tips and offers guidance and support throughout the audition process, casting, and beyond. Using their seasoned skills and expertise, the coach will help build an actor’s or actress’s confidence and lead them to the path of success. Though they can take on different roles, their main goal is to inspire and impart their knowledge to the aspiring actors and actresses.
Finding the right coach can be tricky, and some chose teachers for the wrong reasons. When the actor or actress finds a coach they can connect with, craft training is not all they get. The acting coach will become a mentor and one of their biggest fans.