How can an adult get started in acting? the local community theater only casts 1

Question:and most acting schools require auditions, so where is a newb supposed to start?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: and most acting schools require auditions, so where is a newb supposed to start?

Acting as you are learning is a very competitive business. When I was first starting out years ago as a director I realized that opportunities were hard to come by for a new person in the business and if I wanted to be involved in a project I was going to have to create those opportunities for myself. I began asking around until I found a group of people that felt the same frustration as me and we put that energy together and started our own theatre company. We produced 7 shows together and all of the actors involved had an opportunity to showcase themselves and a few even got paying gigs from it. From there I started two more successful theatre companies and starting getting hired to direct outside projects as well. Since then I have always been involved in the business.

My point of course being that the best way to get the experience you need if you are finding that people are not presenting you with the opportunity is to create projects that you feel passionate about and can showcase yourself in. If mounting an entire production feels overwhelming perhaps start small and just have a staged reading. Start inviting people that you know are interested in the business as well to sit around and read plays and find a project that excites all of you and jump in head first. You might be surprised by what you find.

Good luck!

Just put on a darn fine audition. Acting is all about skill/talent. There is no true 'formal' degree or qualification other than experiece that can guaruntee you a chance. It's alot like singing in that respect.

Hone your talent and skill, and audition for anyone that will hear you.

practice acting in a mirror, with a friend, or family member that you can trust for an honest opinion. Read some books on acting too.

Start your own group. Find people who have the same interest. Put an ad in the paper or the internet.
Start at a reader's theatre. Perform for small groups at parties or events. And you don't have to memorize.

Community college. Learning tree.

You know you can always vollenteer at the community theater to be an usher, take tickets or work props.

That is entry level for even a 4 year college graduate.

You didn't expect to start off as Hamlet, did you!

Starting characters are typically Rosencrantz or Gildenstern.