Houston has launched the careers of performers including Beyoncé, Jim Parsons, Dennis Quaid, and…you? The nation’s fourth-largest city offers an acting scene that’s diverse, accessible, and refreshingly collaborative. Consider this your guide to launching an acting career in Space City.
1. Get to know Houston’s acting scene.
Houston’s acting scene is as diverse as its people, with a booming theater community and a growing film and TV industry. The city’s key theaters include:
- Alley Theatre
- Art Factory
- The Catastrophic Theatre
- The Hobby Center for Performing Arts
- Stageworks Theatre
Some offer invitation-only auditions, so volunteering as an usher or stage crew member is an excellent way to get your foot in the door and build relationships.
On top of its thriving theater scene, Houston is home to several major film production studios.
Houston, we (don’t) have a problem: The Space Capital of the World also regularly attracts space-themed productions and live shows, which require actors who can authentically portray astronauts and similar roles. It’s also home to major corporations such as ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and numerous other oil and gas giants, which means ongoing demand for commercial and industrial acting roles.
How to Become an Actor in Texas2. Refine your skills.
No matter your experience level, training is a vital part of your growth as an actor. To develop your skills and make important contacts, check out one (or a few!) of Houston’s top-tier acting schools:
- Next Level Acting Studios
- Film Acting Academy
- University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance
- Next Actor Studio
- RISE at The Warehouse
3. Ensure your materials are clutch and submit to agencies.
Before you start submitting for roles, you’ll need a professional package consisting of your headshot, acting résumé, and demo reel. They will help you stand out to Clutch City agents such as:
4. Build community.
Houston’s acting community is tight-knit and supportive. Building relationships is just as important as building your résumé, and the city’s collaborative spirit makes networking feel natural rather than transactional. Try networking at:
- Groups such as Actors MeetUp, Houston Cinema Arts Society, Houston Film Industry Meetup, Actors Group of Houston, and Houston Cast and Crew
- Events such as the Houston Horror Film Fest and WorldFest Houston
The bustling community theater scene throughout the greater Houston area offers another excellent networking avenue while providing opportunities to hone skills and gain stage experience.
5. Find and apply to gigs.
From indie films to commercials to theater, there’s a steady stream of jobs in Houston for actors to tap into. You can find them using our comprehensive casting call database and by checking in with the Houston film commission.
6. Keep up the H-Town hustle.
Remember that everything is bigger in Texas—so your grind should be larger than life as well. Keep up with training, update your materials regularly, engage with a supportive network—and who knows? You may just be the next Houston success story lighting up screens across the nation.
