How to Be an Actor

Instructions Step 1: Skip the last letter Replace the “r” at the end of a word with an “uh” sound and drop the last “g” in any word altogether. For example: “My sis-tuh is so vain; she’s always lookin’ in the mir-uh.” Step 2: Say yoo If a word starts with “h,” pronounce it as …

Instructions Step 1: Study different kinds of people Study different kinds of people. Learn their mannerisms, their speech patterns, and their postures. Step 2: Act out different characters Stand in front of a mirror and act out different characters, paying close attention to facial expressions, gestures, and speaking styles. Incorporate as many emotions into each …

Instructions Step 1: Rate their interest Rate your child’s interest in show business. Could they take it or leave it, or is performing a true passion? To beat the odds, they have to have a real commitment to the actual work, not just a desire for the perks of stardom. Step 2: Consider outside opinions …

Instructions Step 1: Be prepared Know the material better than anyone else. You need to be in a position of authority and to have the respect of the actors you are directing. Step 2: Help them prepare Prepare actors by setting aside ample time to read over the material without acting. Step 3: Take questions …

Instructions Step 1: Pinpoint the emotion Think of what your character might be feeling and find your personal memory that fits well with your character’s experience. Step 2: Connect your emotional memory to current emotions Bring out internal emotional memories and allow them to surface as your current emotion. In other words, think of something …

Instructions Step 1: Invest in quality Prepare to pay for a quality headshot from a professional photographer. It’s the first thing a casting director or agent sees. Step 2: Find the right photographer Research the right photographer for you. Look for someone with experience and see examples of their work. Step 3: Look like yourself …

Instructions Step 1: Read the script Read the sides — segments of the script used in the audition — thoroughly before the audition. TIP: Be ready to read for other parts in the script. Step 2: Fit the part Know whether you fit the age range, ethnicity, and physical appearance of the part. Step 3: …

Instructions : Whether your weapon of choice is an epee or a Hattori Hanzo, be careful! Wear protective clothing, and only use swords that are designed for sport. Step 1: Be agile and accurate Before facing your foe, practice agility drills, so you can move easily. Remove your sword from your scabbard, and familiarize yourself …

Instructions Step 1: Secure space Secure a large venue in which to hold the casting call. You’ll need space for people to wait for their call and a separate space for the actual audition. Make sure restrooms are available and that there’s ample parking. Step 2: Send notices Send out casting notices a month in …

Instructions Step 1: Note the marks Note the spots on the floor that are usually marked with bright-colored gaffer tape in an “X” or “T” formation. There may be one or several in each scene. To stay in the frame and in focus, you must hit them exactly. Step 2: Do a walk-through Do a …

Instructions Step 1: Be relaxed and confident Relax and be confident. When handed your script, take a deep breath and start preparing. Step 2: Break down the scene Break down the scene by figuring out where it takes place, what your character was doing the moment before, your relationship to the other characters, and what …

Instructions Step 1: Find inspiration Draw from your most memorable life experiences, or adapt a piece of writing you feel passionately about, and write a script about it. TIP: Condense your material to include only the most powerful elements of the story. Step 2: Choreograph Choreograph the show. Develop a plan for how to deliver …

Instructions Step 1: Decide where you want to live Decide what part of the country you want to live in. Many theater actors choose to study in New York, but there are excellent schools all over the country. TIP: Consider each location’s industry. Los Angeles has many more film and TV opportunities, while New York …

Instructions Step 1: Relax your jaw and throat Relax your jaw and throat before trying to project. If you’re tight when your voice is projected, it will not sound to its full potential. Step 2: Breathe from your stomach Breathe from your stomach and not your shoulders and chest. TIP: Yawning is great practice for …

Instructions Step 1: Begin your research early Begin your research early. The application process for some camps occurs in winter or spring. Use the internet and your adult advisor to decide which camps to apply to. TIP: Take into consideration the specialties, faculty, location, and tuition costs of each camp. Step 2: Find application information …

Instructions Step 1: Take classes Take lessons and classes in acting, voice, dance, and movement to hone and practice skills. Step 2: Write your acting resume Develop a resume of acting experience. Include professional, amateur, or student productions plus degrees and acting classes. Step 3: Get a head shot Get an 8-by-10 photo of yourself …

Instructions Step 1: Begin the process early Begin your application process early. Application deadlines may be as early as the winter before the fall semester, and some schools have waiting lists. TIP: While it never hurts to aim big, know the level of competition you’ll face and the commitment that will be required if you’re …

Instructions Step 1: Determine what role you’d like to play Determine what role you’d like to play, including actor, lighting technician, costume designer, usher, or advertising marketer. Step 2: Search the internet Search the internet for local theaters. Enter your city, state, and the words “stage theaters” in a search engine. Step 3: Scan the …

Instructions Step 1: Go on a lot of auditions Go on as many casting calls as you can. It’s the best way to gain experience and confidence. TIP: Don’t be bashful about re-auditioning for a show that turned you down; people are sometimes hired the second or even third time around. Step 2: Bring a …

Instructions Step 1: Make sure you have a quiet, secluded, place to practice with a mirror. While the end result is pretty impressive, you’re going to look ridiculous while you’re learning. Step 2: Don’t move your lips. In normal conversation, you use your mouth, nose, and throat to produce a sound that’s present, or “near.” …

Instructions Step 1: Choose a monologue with a character that you connect with. Pick one that is two to three minutes long and engages the audience. Step 2: Define the character by writing down the character’s history, relationships, education, occupation, income, hobbies, and important moments in their life. TIP: Improvise scenes from your character’s life …

Instructions Step 1: Search SAG database Search the Screen Actors Guild web site’s signatory database for your employer. TIP: Search for SAG agreements within 3 years before or after your date of employment. Step 2: Locate proof of employment Locate your proof of employment, such as a signed contract for a SAG signatory production. The …

Instructions Step 1: Visualize success Visualize success by picturing the performance going perfectly. Studies show that visualizing something going well helps make it happen. Many athletes, such as champion divers, use mental imagery to psych themselves up before a competition. Step 2: Drink juice Drink citrus juice before you go on stage. One study found …

Instructions Step 1: Gather materials Whether you’re submitting for a role or just want to get noticed, it’s important to have strong marketing materials, like a persuasive cover letter, a detailed resume, a realistic headshot, and, hopefully, a reel that shows your acting chops. TIP: Set yourself apart from the crowd by having custom stationery …

Instructions Step 1: Think of something sad Before relying on any gimmicks, test your acting skills by thinking of something really, really sad. Any tears? Step 2: Stop blinking OK, so you’re no Laurence Olivier or Meryl Streep. Try this–moments before you need to cry, open your eyes just a bit wider than usual and …

Instructions Step 1: Be yourself Be yourself. No matter what character you’re auditioning for, it’s your unique personality and charisma that will set you apart from the crowd. Step 2: Prepare headshot and resume Have a headshot that looks like you and a well-organized resume listing your acting experience. TIP: Professional headshots can cost a …

Instructions Step 1: Get a headshot Get a headshot. It doesn’t have to be a professional photo; you can have a friend to take a picture of your face with a digital camera and blow it up to 8′ x 10.’ Step 2: Write a resume Write a resume & attach it to the back …

Instructions Step 1: Write it down Write out your lines. This helps your brain commit them to memory because the act of transferring them to paper requires you to process the material instead of just seeing it. In fact, research shows this can help you memorize things 45% faster. Step 2: Think like the character …

Instructions Step 1: Pick your moment Figure out when your best chance or chances to stand out will be—lines or interactions with principal characters are ideal, but anything that’s in-focus will do. Step 2: Judge your strengths Judge your own strengths. Do you have expressive eyes? An interesting voice? A commanding physical presence? You’re going …

Instructions Step 1: Take a class Take a voice-over class; there’s a lot more to the field than having a pleasant voice. A good workshop will teach you the technical aspects of the business, like studio terminology and how to use the microphone correctly. TIP: Find a teacher who is in the business, like a …