How do you get into acting?

Question:I'm 24 years old, female, and I really think I would like acting. How do I get started?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm 24 years old, female, and I really think I would like acting. How do I get started?

You get started by getting into a play in a community theatre in your town, then you need to do a little guided reading, take some professional classes, be in lots more plays and take more classes and make a resume, get a headshot and try to get an agent. It helps to have a mentor to guide you and keep you from getting scammed. I am a retired actor who mentors for free. Read my profile and write me at my aol address for mor info.

Start out small, like attending an acting or drama club. Then after getting some practice audition for a play of somekind to get the hang of showbussiness. If you find you really enjoy acting, try L.A or New York. You never know, you could just be the next biggest celeb;)
Break a leg;] (but not literaly)

First of all, and this is absolutely imperative before you do anything else, get into classes for some technique for about 6 months. Other than that a couple of movement classes(dance, yoga, martial arts, stage combat, alexander technique, etc.) a week, and audition and cold reading classes are helpful. On camera class if you want to do on screen work. After this, once you have found your look, you will need to get headshots made, plus your postcards and business cards. You will also need to do a resume. A showcase with some friends from your acting class will be a good start if you don't have alot. There are several good books on the market to help, but my favorites are the ones by Glenn Alterman as well as Acting is Everything by Judy Kerr, and if you want an inside look at the casting side I would reccomend Casting Qs by Bonnie Gillespie(based on one of her columns. You can check showfax.com and backstage.com/backstagewes.com for more tips. Be sure you pick up Promoting Your Acting Career by Glenn Alterman if you are serious about this. I own it and it is very insightful on the business side of things.