How to Become an Actor

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There’s no single way to become a successful actor, but there are some common paths that most successful performers take to establish themselves. Here's how to become an actor in six steps:

1. Get into local theater

While it's never too late to start an acting career, you'll benefit from building experience over time. Jump into theater in high school or get involved in community theater. Getting a feel for performing in front of an audience, developing your skills through hands-on practice, and working with other actors will serve you well.  

2. Take acting classes

While there are no educational requirements for actors, formal training is a good place to start. If you’re a student, consider getting involved in drama classes and theater productions at your school. Pursuing an acting degree such as a BFA or MFA in theater is a great next step, while attending summer programs can be another great way to hone your craft. Even if you don't wish to commit to an acting degree, local acting classes can help you get started.

3. Prepare a headshot, résumé, and demo reel

You'll need a headshot, acting résumé, and demo reel—casting directors often require you to submit these materials before they will consider you for roles. The experience you build in smaller roles early in your career will be crucial to building up your résumé and helping you create a demo reel.

4. Audition for professional acting roles

At some point, you're going to have to step out of the classroom and onto the stage. Building professional experience is essential for an early-career actor, even if you just land roles as an extra, act in commercials, or participate in smaller local theater productions at the beginning of your journey. Early in your career, you’ll find these through word of mouth and online casting platforms like Backstage.

5. Keep updating your résumé and demo reel

As you audition and land more roles, you’ll acquire better footage for your reel—and more parts to list on your résumé. Consider these materials to be documents that live and grow alongside your career.

6. Get an agent

The experience you gain can help you impress an acting agent and get representation. With an agent in your corner, you’ll have access to bigger projects and meatier roles. And while it's true that not all actors need an agent, having one can open doors for you that would otherwise remain closed. 

It’s important that you’re prepared for the reality of this business: as an actor, there’s no guarantee of success in the traditional sense. Sure, making it big is about talent—but it’s also about having good luck and the right connections. That’s why it’s vital to make sure you’re in show business for the right reasons.

“Often actors are mainly focused on questions like, ‘How do I get representation?’ or ‘How do I get work?’ but perhaps the first question to ask oneself, if one is just beginning, is ‘Why do I want to act?’” says casting director Ilene Starger. “If it’s about the work and the process, terrific; if it’s about becoming famous, that is a far more elusive goal—and one which will lead to disappointment, most likely.” 

Expect to put in years of hard work before you see real, tangible results. Rejection is a constant (even for established actors!), so make sure that you can handle a long string of “nos” before finally landing that coveted “yes.”

You’ll need patience and perspective if you’re going to make it as an actor. “Never, ever look to the prize,” Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer says. “That’s something that you can’t control. What you can control is the work ethic and treating the material with respect. It took me 15 years to become an overnight success, so if you’re only at the three-year mark, honey, you’ve got some time.”

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So, you want to be an actor. Now the question is: What kind? There’s a lot more to the industry than starring in the next Hollywood blockbuster or landing a spot in a Netflix series. A helpful way to sort different types of acting opportunities is by medium:

• Screen actors: Films, television, commercials, web series
• Stage actors: On-Broadway and off-Broadway, musical theater
• Voice actors: Animation, ads, podcasts, video games, audiobooks

Your acting technique will vary depending on your medium. Acting for the camera is very different from acting for a live audience; doing commercial voiceover work will require different training than preparing for a musical theater audition. Of course, many actors move from stage to screen and back again through their career. But it may be helpful, as you begin your acting career, to consider which medium you're most interested in.

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There are no education requirements for actors. While formal training can be helpful, there are plenty of successful actors who never got an acting degree.

That said, pretty much every actor working today has received some sort of training along the way. But actor training can mean many things: there are acting and improv classes, BFA and MFA programs, on-set coaches, and even online courses. Which option makes the most sense for you depends on several factors, including your age and experience level, and whether you’re looking to make it on stage or on screen.

How to learn acting skills

• Acting schools and classes: Acting classes range widely in terms of content, time commitment, and price—making them the best option for most aspiring actors. Research what classes are offered in your city (you can use Backstage’s Call Sheet or ask friends for references), audit a few promising options, then pick the teacher and technique that speaks to you. Then, stick with the class for at least six months. “If you love it, then continue, and when you can, add an improvisation and a commercial class or audition technique to see if you are interested in another area of acting,” says acting teacher Carolyne Barry.
• Acting coaches: Coaches are an important part of acting, but they’re not a stand-in for other training methods. Especially if you're trying to get into acting with no experience, acting coach Marci Liroff recommends starting with weekly classes. Acting coaches are better for fine-tuning, she notes—they won’t teach you the basics of movement and using your voice effectively.
• Summer training: If you’re a teen actor looking to sharpen your teeth with like-minded young talents, there’s no better place than summer training. There are several U.S. programs with a proven track record: The Atlantic Acting School (NYC) boasts such alums as Rose Byrne, Anna Chlumsky, and Matthew Fox, while Stagedoor Manor (Loch Sheldrake, N.Y.) counts Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr., and Lea Michele among its alums. 
• Higher education: A theater degree isn’t right for every actor. They can be incredibly expensive, and they’re never a guarantee of success. But a BFA or MFA can help you forge important connections, instill the value of hard work, and allow you to further hone your craft. Degrees can be particularly helpful if you want to become a stage actor; Hollywood cares less. 

If you’re trying to choose an undergraduate acting program, you’ll want to consider the pedigree of the program offered, the school’s location and its surrounding theater and talent pool, and who teaches and runs the program, among other things. Backstage’s list of the top 25 acting colleges in the U.S. is a good place to start.

WATCH:

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Every actor needs at least three things when trying to book an audition: headshots, an acting résumé, and a demo reel. Then, depending on your specialty, you may need additional materials—for instance, you’ll need to bring a book filled with cuts of various songs you’ve prepared if you’re auditioning for musical theater. 

Headshot

A headshot is an 8” x 10” color photo of an actor from the chest up, with their face clearly visible. It will serve as your calling card for casting directors, talent agents, and anyone else deciding whether or not to give you a shot. Headshots are the foundation of your marketing materials—and, ultimately, your personal brand—which means there’s a lot riding on a few photos.

Acting résumé

Like traditional résumés, acting résumés should be one page long and summarize your relevant experience. More specifically, acting résumés should include: 

• Your name
• Your agent and managers’ names (if applicable)
• Your phone number and email
• Union affiliation (AEA, EMC, SAG-AFTRA, SAG-eligible, nonunion, etc.)
• Training
• Acting credits
• Special skills (accents, martial arts, horseback riding, musical instruments, etc.)

You’ll want to break up your acting credits by type. Categories are often listed as follows:

• Film/TV
• Commercials/Industrials
• Broadway
• National Tours
• Regional Theater
• Academic Theater

All credits should include show titles, roles, directors, and producing organizations—casting directors are known to give directors or producing companies a call for feedback. Physical attributes like weight, height, and hair and eye color should be included for film productions (especially if you’re self-taping), while theater auditions usually don’t require such details. 

Above all, remember that acting résumés should be concise, clear, and easy to read. “Put yourself in the shoes of the person viewing it,” says actor David Patrick Green. “In most cases, they only have a few seconds to look at your material. If it is crowded and overwritten, it will be hard to latch onto what is relevant to their project.”

Demo reel

Also known as a “sizzle reel,” a demo reel is a series of clips that showcase your previous acting credits; it can also include footage of you acting out a scene or monologue specifically for that reel. Reels are generally two minutes long, with each clip lasting 20-30 seconds. Casting directors, agents, and producers use reels to decide whether or not they will ask an actor in for an audition—so it’s essential that you present yourself in the best possible light.

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How To Make a Demo Reel

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1. Leverage your connections: Ask acting coaches, other actors, and friends if they know of opportunities in your area.
2. Use online casting tools: Online casting platforms like Backstage are home to thousands of vetted casting opportunities that are updated daily. These range from smaller projects like student shorts, web series, and regional theater productions to larger Hollywood features and productions on the Broadway stage. These casting notices are key to building up your demo reel and eventually landing a talent agent.
3. Use social media: Event pages and talent agency pages often share opportunities, and you can also follow hashtags like #CastingCall on Twitter and Instagram.
4. Check your local film office of film commission: Local film commissions are formed by states, cities, and counties to support the film industry in the area. These offices are often a resource for current productions, acting classes, and casting calls. 

Another avenue to consider is creating your own work. Some of the most exciting actors working in new media and television today created projects for themselves that they didn’t see (or weren’t booking) elsewhere. Think Rachel Bloom (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Issa Rae (“Insecure”), Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson (“Broad City”), and Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld (“High Maintenance”). Using YouTube and Vimeo, these creators were able to sharpen their voices, find their audience—and eventually get picked up by the likes of Comedy Central, HBO, and the CW.

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The key to any audition is preparation. That means knowing the ins and outs of the project you’re auditioning for and knowing the context of the scene that you’re auditioning with. That means having your 16 bars for a musical theater audition down pat and your voice warmed up and ready to belt. That means having your sides memorized and being open to criticism or edits from those you’re auditioning for. It also means entering the room feeling confident that this is the role for you, nerves be damned! Desperation shows, and it won’t do you any favors when it comes to casting out roles.

Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Auditioning is a huge part of becoming a successful actor—there are many more things to consider, which is why we created a guide on how to audition. We walk you through the nitty-gritty details, like what to wear and how to create a self-tape, plus the specifics of different types of auditions, from TV to theater to commercials.

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5 Things to Never Do At An Audition—And 5 Tips to Get That Callback

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Actors who are just starting out are often in a rush to find representation—but the truth is, you don’t need a talent agent at the very beginning of your career. Plus, most agents just aren’t interested in repping an actor with zero professional experience! Before you start reaching out to talent agencies, you’ll likely need to spend a minimum of one year training with qualified teachers, putting together a quality demo reel, and forging connections across the industry.

Once you’ve built up your résumé, it’s time to do your research. To successfully land an acting agent, you need to figure out which agencies make sense for your career goals. Some agents specialize in theater, others in TV. Figure out which agents rep actors with careers or types similar to yours. You’ll need to submit by sending them a cover letter, headshots, and résumé. Referrals are even better. For more tips on how to navigate this process, our guide to getting an acting agent goes through everything from nailing your first agent meeting to the telltale signs of a bad agent.

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The first question that many young actors find themselves pondering is if (and when) they should move to New York or Los Angeles. NYC and L.A. are two of the largest markets for working actors today—but which one is right for your career depends on what roles you’re hoping to land.

• L.A.: Do you want to star in mainstream film and TV? Los Angeles is probably your best bet.
• NYC: For Broadway and all things theater, New York has you covered.

There are exceptions to that rule, of course—TV and film projects work out of New York all the time, and L.A. has theater—but opportunities will be more limited.

That said, relocating to a major market at the start of your career isn’t necessarily the best move. It’s no secret that these cities aren’t cheap. In fact, it’s due to the high costs of L.A. and NYC that many film and TV projects have transferred their productions to markets like Atlanta and New Orleans. These cities are not only cheaper, but their states have implemented tax incentives for projects that choose to set up shop there. In other words, there are more than just two great cities for actors. 

In fact, acting coach Todd Etelson recommends that you take advantage of regional markets. “If you’re willing to travel, there’s less competition in regional markets like Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond, etc. You’ll gain more auditions there and build your resume at a quicker pace.”

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11 Great Film Markets Outside of NYC and L.A.

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Any A-list actor will tell you that if you’re in the business to become famous, then it’s not the business for you. Not only is it the wrong approach to acting as a craft, it will also (most likely) prove futile. The top-tier actors you see on the covers of magazines got there after years of training and years of rejection. They’ve shown charisma and warmth when interacting with the media and with their audiences. They’ve gained the respect of their peers and of their colleagues in agencies and casting offices throughout the industry. Simply put: They’ve put the leg-work in.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Social media, in particular, can sometimes serve as a shortcut to gaining visibility and fame. Catering your social media and your own look, type, and “brand” to what’s gaining traction in the industry is one way to expand your personal reach. Digital media outlets are another way to get eyes on you early in your career—and then it’s up to you to prove you’re worth the attention. It goes back to talent, training, and likability.

“Perhaps the easiest way to get discovered is to lose interest in discovery because you’re so profoundly in love with the art of acting, doing it for its own sake,” say acting coaches Rita Bramon Garcia and Steve Braun. “When you lose yourself in it, focus on each glorious moment as opposed to the end game, and do the work of falling in love with acting, discovery comes."

WATCH:

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How much actors earn varies wildly depending on the type of project, the type of role, and whether you’re a union actor or not.

• If you’re a film actor who’s been booked for a major role, you’ll get paid in one lump sum—a minimum of $65,000, although that can go up based on the length of the shoot.
• If you’re cast as a minor character in a TV episode, you’ll get a daily contract—usually $1,082 plus 10 percent for the day.
• Guest stars in a one-hour drama make $9,522 for eight days of work; guest stars for half-hour comedies get $5,951 for five days of work.
• The minimum weekly salary on Broadway is $2,439, according to the Actors’ Equity Association production contract.
• Actors with Off-Broadway contracts are paid on a sliding scale of $689 to $1,526.

Should I Take a Survival Job?

You likely won’t be making a livable wage as an actor straight out of the gate. That’s where a "survival job" comes in. Walking dogs, tutoring, babysitting, waiting tables—it’s unlikely these are your passions in life, but work with flexible schedules and non-set hours is key to finding time for auditions and casting calls. It’s also important that you don’t hate your survival job! If you spend most of your day dreading going back to work, that’s a mental drain that will make it more difficult to nail your auditions.

The restaurant industry is an old standby for survival jobs—you could be a server, host, bartender, maître d', barback, cater waiter, or barista. But the growing gig economy has widened the possibilities when it comes to survival jobs. Driving for Uber or Lyft is one possibility, assuming you own a car; serving as a virtual assistant on Upwork or Fiverr are also options.

But not every job is a survival job! Full-time jobs obviously offer more financial security, but if you’re working in a traditional 9-to-5 office, it’s going to be almost impossible to show up to daytime casting calls and auditions.

Looking to get cast? Apply to casting calls on Backstage.