Jodie Foster was just 12 years old when she co-starred in the era-defining “Taxi Driver” alongside Robert De Niro. Meanwhile, Samuel L. Jackson didn’t deliver his career-making “Pulp Fiction” monologue until he was 45. The point being: There is no exact timeline on how long it takes to become an actor. However, there are several milestones along the way that can help you build confidence, gain experience, and take the stage for a rewarding career.
It all depends on your individual goals, determination, and, yes, a lot of luck. Let’s break it all down.
Before you head out on this exciting journey, consider why you want to be an actor and what you hope to accomplish. Is this a hobby you want to explore for fun and personal expression, or do you want acting to be your full-time career? Do you crave the adrenaline of performing live theater, or want to shine in front of the camera? Think about where you see yourself feeling happy and fulfilled so you can start charting that path.
Next, create a few acting goals for yourself to stay motivated and work toward the destination you’ve visualized. Sure, it’s fun dreaming about displaying your Oscar, but mapping out smaller, short-term goals make it easier to see your progress and keep you moving forward.
Consider these short-term acting goals:
- Take a class to improve a specific skill, such as improv or character development
- Attend more live theater to watch professionals in action
- Get professional headshots taken
- Connect with other aspiring actors
- Go to an audition
- Research agents
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Any skill requires time and effort for proficiency. Actors must pull from a wide variety of skills, plunging the depths of human emotion to bring experiences to life. There are no formal actor education requirements; rather, mastering the craft of acting is a lifelong endeavor.
There are several methods for learning acting, from acting schools to workshops to practicing on your own. Each path has its pros and cons depending on what works best for you.
Acting school
Pursuing an acting degree is the most comprehensive format for discovering the art of acting. You’ll learn acting fundamentals and techniques, specifics on how to move and speak with intention, script analysis, and other important skills for building a career in show business.
How long is acting school? Traditional BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) programs at acting schools such as Julliard take four years, while non-degree acting programs vary in length, allowing participants to join on a class-by-class basis or ongoing learning. As a middle ground, many liberal arts colleges offer acting as a major, resulting in a BA (Bachelor of Arts).
Acting workshops
Individual classes and workshops can help you zero in on specific skills, such as public speaking or how to audition. Advanced programs may require an audition to get in, while beginner sessions are generally open to all.
Learning solo
Whether or not you are taught by others, practicing on your own is an invaluable discipline. You can do this by recording yourself acting out scenes, or by exploring facial expressions in front of a mirror. Explore what works and what doesn’t, leaning into the uncomfortable to grow your talent.
Consider your budget and availability to find the right option for you. While many successful actors studied their art in school, just as many others skipped class. Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, and Al Pacino all graduated from acting programs, but Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jennifer Lawerence chose other routes.
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Getting booked with no experience can be a long, frustrating journey; remember, there is rarely such a thing as an “overnight success.” Expect to weather a lot of rejection for months (or even years) at the beginning, but don’t give up.
- John Krasinski told himself “I’m out, this is terrible, it’s so scary” after two and a half years of trying to land jobs before “The Office.”
- Millie Bobby Brown was on the verge of quitting before booking “Stranger Things,” saying “I was very disheartened by the rejection…. This industry is full of rejection 24/7. You get a lot of nos before you get a yes.”
- Jon Hamm gave himself an ultimatum: "I moved out to L.A. when I was 25, and I was like, 'If I'm 30 and I’m still waiting tables, it's time to move on to something else,'" the actor said. Hamm landed his first major job in “We Were Soldiers” right at the deadline; he wouldn’t score his breakout “Mad Men” role for another five years.
Look for acting gigs on professional job boards like Backstage or through acting communities. You’ve likely heard the phrase, “There are no small parts, only small actors” which is especially relevant when you’re first starting out. Your early acting roles may have little to no dialogue, but being part of a scene and observing the process of bringing a script to life will be highly educational.
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After building your skills and résumé, the next step to consider is partnering with an acting agent. An agent will unlock the door to bigger roles and help you shape your career, stepping in as a long-term advocate. They give advice, negotiate contracts, and provide access to auditions you wouldn’t be able to get on your own.
How long will it take to land a big agent? “You know when it’s time for a large agency when they approach you,” Robert Enriquez, talent manager at Red Baron Management, told us. “It’s really that simple. They search the trades, festivals, [and] showcases. They know and approach when the time is right.”
Good agents can only manage so many clients at a time, meaning most are very selective over whom they represent. Before you start hunting for an acting partner in crime, you must check a few milestones off your list:
- Get headshots: Professional headshots, along with an acting reel, showcase your unique look and capabilities. Just like casting directors, agents search for specific qualities to build out their talent roster.
- Have experience: Agents want to see that you’ve successfully landed jobs. It’s in your best interest to perform several roles before seeking representation.
- Join SAG-AFTRA: Being part of the acting union not only shows commitment to your career, but also opens up opportunities that are union only.