THE 10 STEP PROCESS! - Tips On How To Become A Successful Actor

To be a successful actor you really have to have a passion for the craft and the patience to wait for the big break. Although being an actor is extremely rewarding, finding work can be a challenge. The profession requires great commitment and fortitude. Below are some ideas that will be beneficial to you.

Step 1
Decide whether you want to be a professional actor or an amateur. If you want to be a professional, read on.

Step 2
Move to a major city. Eventually, New York or Los Angeles will be your destination, but as you build your resumé of experience you can work in other major metropolitan areas that have good theater or film communities. Learn how to work locally, so you can make it in the major league.

Step 3
Enroll in acting class. Good actors study their entire lives. Learn how to choose a successful acting coach and successful professionals, e.g. Casting Director Workshops, for references.

Step 4
You must a GREAT headshot. Learn how to seek and get the “best bang for your buck” when choosing your photographer.

Step 5
Compose a resumé of all the work you have done so far. Learn how to create a successful resume that will get a producer or casting director's attention. Extra work is NOT considered and acting job. Do not put background work on your resume.

Step 6
Send your headshot and resumé with a brief cover letter to all the casting directors and agents in your area. Follow up with postcards every couple of months, updating them on your current acting projects. And don't forget it is also the electronic age! Gather as many emails as possible and start using them!

CLICK HERE for Email list of Casting Directors, Directors, Producers, Production Companies)

Step 7
Read the trade papers regularly: "Backstage," "Dramalogue," "The Ross Reports" and "Variety," as well as online publications such as HollywoodReporter.com, as appropriate. Know what is being cast where, and send headshots and notes directly to directors and producers whenever possible, requesting auditions.

Step 8
Always accept invitations to industry events and parties, and meet industry professionals whenever possible. Who you know is extremely important. Learn how to choose the right events.

Step 9
Persevere. Learn the key to not getting discouraged.

Step 10
It’s important to keep your auditions skills polished. Learn how to cold read and how to handle the callback.

Tips On What NOT TO DO To Become A Sucessful Actor

By Craig Zucchero

(This is too funny not to post... Thanks, Craig!)

THE 12 STEP PROCESS!

1) Show up for you audition about an hour late, and, when they ask why you weren't on time, just say, "Hey, I had things to do, whadda ya want from me!! Better late than never, hear what I'm sayin'"

2) When they ask if you have read the sides, tell them, "I started to, but they seemed kind of weak, so I just got bored. But, hey if you want me to read them, why not, I'm already here!"

3) When you arrive for an audition, make sure to announce, very loudly, "All right, I'm here, let's get this party starting!!"

4) Make sure to take at least an hour in the casting directors office, showing them at least 8 ways you can play the part!! And also make sure they order good food for you, while you're reading for the part. This way, the other actors in the waiting room may get impatient, and leave, making it easier for you to get the part!! When the audition is over, go up to each person in the room, and give them a big hug!!

5) Make sure when you arrive for you audition, you ask for at least 35 bucks for gas, and parking, and for lunch money. This shows initiative., and strength of character!!

6) If you don't like the dialogue you're given, tell them you'll need about a half of an hour to go into the waiting room to change it. This way it becomes more fitting for you!! And always have a 25 minute monologue prepared.

7) You acting reel should be at least an hour long, so it becomes sort of like a feature film. They love that!! And make sure to sit down and watch it with them, and keep telling them how awesome an actor you are!!!

8) When you arrive on set, go right up to the director, and insist they shoot your scenes immediately, as you don't wanna waste all day watching other actors!!

9) Make sure to insist that your trailer is at least 100 yards long, and has an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, hot tubs, a pool room, boxing facilities, a restaurant with top chefs, and tennis courts.

10) If they try to take a Polaroid photo, say, fuhgeddaboudit, nobody looks good in those things! Instead take our your digital camera and take a photo of yourself, and show it to the casting director, and say--"Now this is a great shot of me"!!!

11) When they ask you for a headshot, make sure you have a huge scrapbook of 50 different headshots, and then sit down next to them and show them each one, explaining why each photo is so fantastic and what kinds of parts you can expect to get with each photo!! They love that!!! And also have a huge family scrapbook, so you can show them photos of your whole family, this way they get to know you a little better!!!

12) Most importantly, DO NOT DO ANY OF THESE THINGS, if you seriously intend on ever working as an actor!Then again, if you take this seriously, you're probably in the wrong business anyway!!!