Halle Bailey catapulted her acting career by using her viral YouTube channel to open for Queen Bey and, ultimately, land a role on “Grown-ish.” Harrison Ford got his breakout role after being hired to do carpentry work for director Francis Ford Coppola, just as “Star Wars” director George Lucas was walking into the building. While these examples show that there’s no one surefire way to land an acting gig, there are certain steps you can take to improve your chances and make the process a little less intimidating—no woodsaw necessary.
Knowing where your ambitions lie in the thespian realm will help you find your first acting jobs. The main types of work include:
- Film: Whether it’s starring in big-budget blockbusters from Hollywood studios such as Marvel or indie films from emerging filmmakers (or even short films by ambitious film students), film acting allows actors to embody diverse characters on the silver screen.
- TV: From sitcoms to gripping dramas and even reality TV, television acting offers performers the opportunity to bring characters to life in serialized storytelling. This can be anything from a long-running series to a limited mini-series.
- Theater: On Broadway stages or for local community shows, theater acting involves live performances in plays and musicals. Actors showcase their talent in front of live audiences, bringing stories to life in an immediate way.
- Commercial: On TV commercials, online advertisements, and everything in between, commercial acting entails conveying messages and promoting products or services in a compelling way to connect with consumers.
- Voiceover: Voice actors lend their sound to movies, TV shows, video games, and more. They bring characters to life, adding depth and personality to animated projects across various media platforms.
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No matter what type of acting you decide to pursue, landing an acting job can be a challenging and highly competitive process. While every actor’s path is different, following these steps will help you get closer to that coveted role:
1. Get some acting training
Before you can start auditioning, it’s essential to have some acting training under your belt. This could be through drama school, acting classes, or even online courses.
Schools such as the New York Film Academy, Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, and the Juilliard School offer comprehensive training programs that can help you hone your craft. Or, check out online resources offered by reputable acting studios such as the Online Actor, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Interlochen Online, Acting Studio Chicago, the Barrow Group, the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, and the New York Film Academy.
Find local acting classes or workshops in your area to get started and continue learning and growing as an actor. Experience in a local theater or community production can also provide valuable training.
2. Zhuzh up your materials
You need a professional acting portfolio with a résumé, headshots, and a demo reel showcasing your best work to land auditions. Include your contact information and representation, and highlight your training, experience (including any roles you’ve played), special skills, and anything else that makes you unique.
3. Build your online presence
Make a professional actor website that includes your portfolio, contact information, and any links or videos showcasing your work. Create profiles on social media platforms and use them to network with other industry professionals and share updates about your acting journey.
4. Seek representation
Alright, you’ve got the training and a headshot that screams star quality—now, it’s time to snag an agent. These gatekeepers of the industry can unlock opportunities for you and help guide you on your path. Do your research and be selective when choosing an agent, as they will play a significant role in shaping your acting career. Find an agent that matches your style and goals.
Finding an agent means submitting your résumé, headshot, and a demo reel (if you have one) to agencies that represent actors in your area. You can also attend networking events and workshops where agents may be present.
5. Find casting calls
Unless you’re like Anya Taylor-Joy, who was whisked into the industry when a scout spotted her walking her dog, acting jobs won’t just land in your lap—you need to go out and find them. Explore the Backstage database of casting calls for all types of acting jobs. You can filter by location, type of gig, and pay rate.
6. Perfect your self-tape
Most casting calls ask for a self-taped audition as an initial screening. Make sure yours meets the gig’s specific criteria and allows your personality to shine by following our comprehensive self-tape guide.
How to Make a Perfect Self-Tape 7. Prepare for auditions
Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but proper preparation can help ease those nerves. Research the project you’re auditioning for, the director you would be working with, and the character you’re auditioning to play. Make sure you have all the necessary materials, such as a monologue or scene, or that you’re ready to bust out your cold-reading skills if necessary.
8. Land the part
Impressing CDs requires a blend of preparation, personality, and professionalism, so remember to arrive early to auditions and callbacks, have your lines memorized, dress appropriately, and be polite to potential colleagues.
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- Network. In the acting world, who you know can sometimes be as important as what you know. Attend industry events and make connections at film festivals such as Sundance, networking events such as Actors Pro Expo, or even local film screenings. Join relevant unions such as SAG and Equity
- Create your own content. Try showcasing your abilities through self-made projects. “Over the last few years, I’ve signed quite a few actors who had limited film and television credits, but I added these people to my roster because they had created their own content,” explains Secret Agent Man. “That work helped me see their potential, and after we started working together, I used that material to create opportunities for them.” Whether it’s a short film, web series, or even just posting comedic sketches on TikTok, creating your own content helps keep you in the game.
- Keep at it. The more you audition, the better you’ll become at it, so audition for everything you can—even if it’s just for the experience. An audition for a small project could always lead to something bigger.
- Be resilient. Getting an acting job is as much about perseverance as it is about talent, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get cast. Instead, try to learn and grow from each experience.
- Strive for versatility. Instead of limiting yourself to one type of role or genre, remain open to trying new things and showcasing your range.
- Stay informed. Keep up-to-date on industry news, trends, and opportunities. Follow casting directors and production companies on social media, and join online acting communities to stay in the know.
Remember, becoming an actor isn’t about overnight success—it’s about perseverance, passion, and patience. Whenever you lose steam, remind yourself why you love acting and keep pushing forward. Break a leg!