Xavier Beyer may be just starting out as an actor, but he already has a strong understanding of what it takes to make it in the industry.
Stay alert and prepared.
“Keep training, and submit to everything and anything that could be a [good] fit for you. Training is key, so that when opportunity comes, you are as ready as you can be.”
Auditioning requires doing your homework.
“First, I find out as much about the project and the role as possible. From there, I review the audition directions, making sure I follow them exactly. Then I dissect the scene, breaking down the script and bridging where I need to so I can connect to both the role and the scene as much as possible. I practice the scene as much as I can and then record it. For certain auditions, I will work with an acting coach, going through the same process.”
7 Gigs to Kick-Start Your Acting Career Check in with your fellow actors.
“Professionally connecting in classes, workshops, or on set is key to leaving a good impression and keeping the door open for future connections.”
Use rejection as an opportunity to grow.
“I have learned so many things, and there is still so much to learn, but one of my biggest obstacles so far is the ‘no’ aspect of acting. This is an industry [in which] people build a career off of countless nos and a few yeses. This can become very discouraging. But we always have to go back to the love we have for acting, and that will keep us going.”
Know your calling.
“When I was a little kid, my mom really didn’t let me watch TV or movies—unless they were documentaries—and I had little to no interest in acting. In fact, I could barely sit through a whole show or movie. But one day, my best friend forced me to watch ‘Hamilton,’ and that’s the day everything changed. It was like I got taken back in time for two hours and 45 minutes. And from that moment, I wanted to be able to do that for other people.”
This story originally appeared in the Nov. 2 issue of Backstage Magazine.