I'll give 10 points for at least giving me a good advise on this?

Question:okay im 13 my name is Edgar i liv in Reading Pa and i tried so many stuff but they all lead up to dead ends i need sum1 who can tell me each step and where i should go what will happen the costs thethings i will have to do to start to getting into an acting career and yes i kno how to act so please someone help me get in the right path of an acting career

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: okay im 13 my name is Edgar i liv in Reading Pa and i tried so many stuff but they all lead up to dead ends i need sum1 who can tell me each step and where i should go what will happen the costs thethings i will have to do to start to getting into an acting career and yes i kno how to act so please someone help me get in the right path of an acting career

If you wanted a career in, say, Major League Baseball, you'd start by playing for your school team and trying out every summer for Little League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion teams -- whatever was available locally. Maybe you'd sign up for clinics to work on specific skills such as hitting or fielding. And you'd probably watch as many games as you could to see the pros in action. Same deal with an acting career. Start with what's available locally, hone your skills, get as much experience as you can, and keep on moving up.

Does your school put on plays? If so, go to every tryout. Start by taking every role you can get, whether it's the star of the show or a one-line supporting role. Are there community theatres in your area? Find out when they're holding auditions and whether they have parts for actors in your age range. (I don't know whether you're big or small for your age, but most actors can play characters who are a few years younger or older than themselves.) Are there professional theatre companies in your area? If you don't know, go to:

http://www.theatredirectories.com/

See about ordering their summer theatre and regional theatre directories. Sometimes those theatres do shows that have roles for children and teenagers. And even if they don't, they might run acting classes for young performers. Take all the classes you can -- speech, movement, dance, stage combat. It will all come in handy.

Be prepared to do lots of backstage work -- building and painting sets, sewing costumes, rounding up props, hanging lights. That's a good way to get your foot in the door and to get to know actors and directors who can help you with your career.

Watch as many plays as you can. Sometimes you can see shows for free by being a volunteer usher or helping out in other ways around the theatre.

Don't worry if things move slowly for you at first. Remember, five years ago you were only 8. You didn't know nearly as much as you do now. Five years from now you'll be 18. You'll know a whole lot more about life and art. You may well be on your way to a college with a great theatre program.

Break a leg, my friend. (If you don't know what that means, you will soon.)

Go to a performing arts school if there is one in your area. If you've already done some acting, try looking for an agent. He will get you acting gigs and then take a percentage of what you make. You will probably need a headshot and maybe a demo tape of some acting you've done.

Probably as your still young you can study drama really well and do it for a GCSE and probably get into a really good Performing arts University. Or you can go to a stage school know i guess. Also you can get an agent - so you can get some auditions someplace. There can be also some pretty good Drama clubs you can join but the best thing you can do is never give up I guess, cuz you never know it can be around the corner...

Pick up a book called "Kids in the Biz" by Troy Rutter it is written by a real child agent and gives great advice on what you need to do.

All right, I'll give this a shot.

You say you're 13, you've tried a lot of stuff but they all lead up to dead ends. Not quite the way to be thinking about it-- nothing leads only to a dead end. Any workshops you take, plays you're in, auditions you ace OR bomb-- they are all experiences that will help you become a better actor. Classes and workshops at community centers, local theaters, colleges, summer camps all help. You can never do "too much" learning when it comes to theatre. Take classes in different acting techniques, learn as much as you can at all of it-- comedy, how to interpret Shakespeare on the stage, drama... it's good to learn from a variety of people who are experts in different things. Philadelphia has regional and community theaters, no doubt you can take classes or perform and learn that way. The more experience you have, the better.

If at some point you want an agent, your best bet might also be to look local in Philadelphia. If you have to move for a job, at least one of your parents has to go with you as a guardian (yes, often it DOES have to be a parent now). This isn't always possible, so start by looking local. This sounds trite but it's true-- the reference librarians at local libraries will be able to get contact details of legitimate agents for you. (LEGITIMATE, don't fall for "pay up front" scams). Before you contact the agents, you'll want to have a headshot and your resume ready. Make sure they both look good. Agents don't always accept new clients all the time, all year round. Call, ask if you can get an appointment or if they have "open call"-type meetings periodically. You might have to be patient.

If you are refused, continue developing your acting on the amateur level. You may not be what people are looking for right away. Keep acting, because with more experience you'll become a stronger actor.

If you're hoping to get sent out to LA or NY right away for major TV work... that's unlikely. It is. For every kid in the movies or on TV shows, or even in national commercials, there are many many many who are not. Developing an acting career takes talent, yes. It also takes time and luck. Be patient, and get the experience you can wherever you are. If you get paid, great! If not, you ARE furthering your career with experience. In a year or so when you are at the high school level, you might be able to get summer training at respected drama schools (if you can travel). Ask a drama coach/teacher or look in respected theatre magazines for information.

When you are ready-for-college age, start investigating good drama schools. You'll learn a lot, and most offer graduate showcases for talent agents and managers.

There is no absolutely 100% fool-proof way to get a successful acting career. It takes a willingness to keep going in the face of rejection. Sometimes you get rejected for stupid reasons. Sometimes you can't even book an audition. If you really want to do this, push through those times. And if you eventually decide to do something else, that's all right, too. "Theater burnout" is not uncommon. The important thing is, you have time on your side. Work hard and grab opportunities (no matter how small they might seem), but don't rush yourself too fast.

Hi Edgar,

Glad to try to answer your question...

Firstly, acting as a career is not for the faint-hearted. Almost all actors (no gender bias) go through many periods of 'resting'. The euphemism is used for when you will have no work, and is usually filled by tackling low paid jobs, such as bartender work and waiting on tables while you check daily in the 'trade papers' for notices of auditions.

Then you face agonising waits in lines of other hopefuls to try out for a part...you will have little knowledge of what is required and as yet not much experience that casting directors can draw on. You may hear the dreaded words 'Thank you, we'll let you know!' (though that is better than the abrupt 'Next!)

You are still young and at school and you should not neglect your schoolwork, even if you believe (as you will have to) that you will 'make it' one day. It will still be important, as good reading, control of your language (i.e. without speech mannerisms such as 'youi know', 'like', 'errm' and so on. Such mannerisms will deter directors from taking that all important first chance with you, usually in favour of someone who can speak clearly and succinctly and write (sometimes you need to write for audition places) clearly and without glaring spelling errors, etc.

The best way to start is to begin acting...there is almost certainly a local theatre group near you who put on amateur productions. Young males are ALWAYS in short demand, especially ones who are able to get into character and project without shyness.

At the same time start a resume of everything you have acted in...if there are any photographs, put those in there, too. (even school productions) Everything you've done, write down when it was, what part(s) you played, If there are any reviews cut them out (even better than just quoting them) and use them to show you do have some experience.

At auditions don't just turn up and hope! Find out what the production is going to be and be prepared to tell the director which part you are reading for. In the theatre (theater to you) if the company is doing a well known (or even a lesser known) play get hold of a copy (sometimes your local library can help here) and know the part, or at the very least the story and action of the production.

Dress appropriately, you may think it doesn't matter how you look, but it can make a big difference. At the very least look smart and well-groomed. A scruffy teenager with ripped jeans and a punk haircut will not impress overmuch (unless the part is for a teenage 'punk', of course). Also avoid completely the attractions of tattoos, piercings, etc.

Above all know the nature of the part you are reading for, learn the characteristics of the role. If the play is well known use some of the original actor's mannerisms and voice techniques to give a realistic and intense passion to the part.

Don't expect to be given the leading role in your first production. That doesn't happen (unless your mother happens to be the group's director).

If you are looking for film (movie) acting, then the written word is even more important. You will need to write to agencies giving your resume/portfolio and asking for them to place you if possible (Get that education in). 'Walk-on' or 'extra' parts can be obtained fairly easily by finding out where and when films are to be made and asking to be considered for these minor, but still important roles. Add any of these roles to your portfolio, remembering to include the director's name and the name of other actors in the same production (if they get famous, it will benefit you to have worked with them)

If you succeed, hang around the studio or outdoor location and get yourself seen. If you see anyone connected with the production side of the filming introduce yourself and make sure they have you name (perhaps get cards printed to hand out...doesn't always work, but you never know.)

Acting is very hard work in any field, you need enthusiasm, stamina, patience and no 'bad' attitude. You will have big disappointments when you don't get that 'dream' part, you will be overlooked in favour of other actors who 'look' better than you do for a particular role. It is frustrating and stressful, yet is one of the most rewarding career if it goes well.

I never got into films, but I imagine the thrill of seeing your name on the silver screen must be as fulfilling as the applause of a theatre audience. A good review by a newspaper critic in live theatre gives you a tremendous lift.
Through my career I have mainly been a musician and singer (never good or lucky enough to make it big) but I have enjoyed my acting career equally. Much of it was in the amateur theatre and only a few in the professional ranks.. It is a life with many benefits and many disappointments.

Very few make it big. Thouisands of 'hopefuls' spend their lives doing the 'resting' bit...but, if you succeed, the rewards can be tremendous...Good luck with your ambitions, but don't forget that schoolwork...you WILL need it, I promise you.

Cheers,

BobSpain

1) start acting in your high school theater.
2) take as many classes or be in as many plays as you can. 3) make a portfolio (a resume with pictures and programs). 4) Go to your state's acting compitition.
5) If you place high enough you can go to state.
6) If you do well at state you can go to Nationals.
7) If you are in the top 3 at nationals you can get a full-ride scholarship to any collage of your choice.
8) continue from collage but i cant tell you what to do from there because im only a sophmore in high school.

ALTERNATES
5) finish high shool then go to a good acting collage
6) after collage start acting in "small" productions in local theaters
7) take you portfolio to an acting agent (the more shows you do the better chance of getting an agent)

Thats all I've got so i hoped i helped you

If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me at Absentminded874@yahoo.com

Reach for the stars!
~Ashley~