How to Make It in the Acting Industry

Breaking into the industry is often the hardest part of becoming an actor. Competition is fierce, and opportunities can be few and far between. But with perseverance, determination, and a little creativity, you can claw your way in. Here’s how:

Train, train, train

Think of Rocky’s iconic training montages or Mulan perfecting her practice to the tune of “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” One thing is almost always true in every underdog movie: The protagonist trains like their life depends on it. And in a way, your future as an actor does too. Acting classes, workshops, and intensives are essential for honing your craft and keeping your skills sharp.

To find the right training for you, do your research, ask for recommendations from fellow actors, and be prepared to invest time and money in training. Consider the following options:

• Higher education: The first option is to go old school by literally going to acting school. Prestigious acting programs like Julliard, Yale, and NYU provide comprehensive training, are highly respected in the industry, and can give you a leg up in your career. Or you can major in an acting-adjacent degree at the school most convenient for you. 
• Studios and coaches: Look for reputable private studios and teachers offering classes that cover topics like scene study, technique, auditions, on-camera work, cold reading, improv, commercials, vocals, and body and movement. 
• Online classes: Acting classes online are often cheaper and more accessible than in-person learning. Check out the Online Actor, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Interlochen Online, Acting Studio Chicago, the Barrow Group, the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, and New York Film Academy.
• Community groups: Try tapping into the wealth of knowledge available in regional theaters and local acting troupes. Many of these offer training led by experienced actors and directors. For instance, the Chicago Actors Studio’s array of programs explore different aspects of performance, and Not Man Apart in L.A. has intensives and workshops focusing on physical theater. Hands-on experience like this can be invaluable, since it provides real-world insights and the chance to network with other actors and industry professionals in your area.

Network

Make sure to attend major industry events like film festivals and acting conferences, where you can meet fellow actors, agents, casting directors, and producers. Find local acting groups on Meetup, Facebook, and other social platforms—then join and engage. Until you get an agent and become eligible for that coveted SAG card, these are the connections that will propel your acting career forward.

Work with an agent

Agents are indispensable for actors and will help open doors you didn’t even know existed. If your acting résumé‎‎ is looking a little light on professional credits, don’t sweat it too much. You’ll likely start off with a smaller agency. But make sure they’re reputable (SAG can help you out with that) and are in need of your specific acting type. 

Here’s a hot tip: You can sign with an agent and give them a test run for about four to six months. If you feel like they’re just not cutting it—like you’re watching paint dry waiting for your career to progress—then it might be time to try someone new. The good news? Getting a second agent tends to be easier. After all, someone’s already rolled the dice on you once before!

Let’s not sugarcoat it: the odds of making it in the film industry are slim, and the odds of making it big are about as good as winning the lottery while being struck by lightning. Only a small percentage of actors become household names.

What’s more, only a small percentage of actors succeed at even making a living from the profession—only 2%, according to a study published in Nature Communications. Approximately 90% are unemployed at any time throughout the year.

Being a performer is often glamorized as a lucrative and star-studded career, but most actors are lower-income. As per a troubling SAG report, the median income for actors was $46,960 in 2021. The lower quartile averaged a mere $30,040, despite the fact that studios rake in over $12 billion a year.

So while the idea of fame and fortune may be alluring, it’s important to redefine what making it means for you personally.

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“West Side Story” Credit: Niko Tavernise

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some tips and techniques that can help you stand out from the crowd.

Embrace rejection

Rejection isn’t just part of the acting industry, it’s the bread and butter of it. But remember, every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.” The key is to learn how to take rejection constructively and use it to improve your craft. Heed the wisdom of these actors who did make it to reconceptualize your relationship with rejection:

• Separate the business of acting from your feelings. Rejection “can be really hard when you’re in such a personal art form,” explains Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”). “Those are deep cuts! It can be really challenging to keep things separate and realize this is business, and this is the personal part of it. They’re two separate things.”
• Focus on yourself. “You can’t always think negative; I always thought, I’m gonna get that,” Caleb McLaughlin (“Stranger Things”) says. “Your competition is yourself. Don’t think about anyone else because when you think about someone else, you go to the other track, and that’s not yours.”
• Stay confident. “Don’t let the rejection take you down into a dark hole, because it very easily can do that to you,” adds Jessica Biel (“Candy”). “Having that confidence is important.”

Find your type and brand

What sets you apart from the thousands of other aspiring actors? What unique qualities do you possess that can make casting directors sit up and take notice? “There is no one-size-fits-all path to an important acting career—you must forge your own career path and create your own acting opportunities,” says acting coach Joseph Pearlman. “Embrace your personality; it’s your secret weapon and greatest asset as an actor.” Discovering your niche and honing your brand will help you stand out in auditions and gain a loyal following of fans.

Be prepared

Summon your best Scar from “The Lion King” and aim to always be prepared, particularly for auditions. Putting the work in ahead of time can mean the difference between an epic fail and landing a part. “Researching the body of work of the casting director, producer, director, and writer will help you with the tone of the piece, and provide talking points in the room should the opportunity arise,” writes CD Caroline Liem (“Rust Creek”). Study the role, rehearse until you can’t forget your lines even if you tried, and bring your A-game on audition day.

Keep your materials updated

Your headshots and résumé‎‎ are like your business cards, so make sure that they are professional and up-to-date and that they reflect your range and abilities as an actor.

Stay persistent and consistent

The road to success is paved with hard work, dedication, and persistence. Keep at it, even on the days when it feels like nothing is going your way. “Start by scheduling one hour every day to work at your business—because it is a business!” advises Timothy Davis-Reed (“West Wing”). “Any day that you’ve done at least one thing for your career is a good day.” So continue training, auditioning, networking, and building relationships in the industry. Your persistence will pay off in the long run.

Keep learning and evolving

The acting industry is constantly evolving, and so should your craft. If you’ve always leaned toward the Method, try your hand at Viewpoints. Do you feel like you’ve grown out of your casting type? Zhuzh up your look and apply to a different array of roles. Stay open-minded and always be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

The acting industry is undoubtedly challenging, but with determination, resilience, and a little bit of luck, you can make your mark. Remember, every actor’s journey is unique. Blaze your own trail and always come back to your passion and love for the craft. After all, that’s what brought you here in the first place.