As actors, we all have one dream: we land in L.A. or New York, are immediately discovered, and, just like that, land a contract working with a huge star! If you, in fact, are one of those actors, chances are you’re probably on a set somewhere (even during the pandemic) and not reading this article. But for the rest of us, the reality is a little bit different.
Building a strong acting career takes years of consistent hard work. This hard work gets multiplied many times over if you’re an actor of color. We all have to nurture, protect, and develop our talents and relationships so that everything comes together in the right way and brings us the satisfaction, the fulfillment, and the recognition we so desperately desire. Through it all, however, we have to fall in love with the process more than the product. This means we have to enjoy the journey and not get too hung up on the results—but always keep the dream alive that one day your moment will arrive, in a huge dramatic Hollywood way!
In order to facilitate this process, every actor must set up some fundamental elements, which when implemented fully, will create forward momentum, as they pursue their passions. In that spirit, here are there important strategies I wish somebody had told me when I started.
1. Have a concrete plan to target the industry.
As actors, you’re your own product. There’s only one you and no one can do what you do in the manner that you do it. There are people in the industry looking for you, just as you are, right now. So, you have a duty, yes duty, to reach out to those people and let them know that you exist and are ready to be hired!
This is where taking the time to actually make a target database of CDs, writers, directors, executives, experts, and fellow actors who will buy your product is an important first step in creating a successful acting career. Keep a spreadsheet of your target people, market to them, and follow-through. Please note that by target I most certainly don’t mean stalk them in person or online. I mean create genuine relationships that are rooted in authenticity and mutual respect.
You may think that you can do every role and so don’t want to limit yourself too much, but as they say, “when you trust everybody, you trust nobody.” Trust the power of targeted marketing and know that, in the long run, this will open more doors for you, rather than the “throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks” strategy.
How To Become an Actor2. Work with the right experts.
Human beings are social creatures and Hollywood relies heavily on reputation and referrals. This means we naturally gravitate toward the biggest and the most popular names—whether they’re acting teachers, photographers, accent coaches, or agents. But here’s the caveat, just because they’re number one or most popular doesn’t mean they’re right for you.
You may be an actor who doesn’t respond to negative reinforcement, so you may need a more spiritual connection with people you work with. You might be somebody who works better in private coaching versus in-class coaching or learn better by performing onstage. You might be an analytical thinker who needs a full technique-based program. Your needs are different from your fellow actor friend. Actors have a responsibility to show up willing to play and be stretched and transformed, all in the service of their craft, but you also have to find the people who can make all this possible in a safe, supportive, and creative environment where you are free to learn, create, and grow rapidly.
I can’t urge you strongly enough to take the time to connect with people who bring out the very best in you and then push you to go even further!
3. Practice saying “Yes, I’m an actor.”
We all know the old adage, “everybody’s an actor in L.A.” Your friends eagerly want to know if you got the role. Your family asks, “so are you still doing the acting thing?” Most likely, you won’t have a good answer that satisfies them, so the next time somebody asks if you’re an actor you just sidestep the issue or you start to not tell people you’re an actor, which sounds like a great way to protect yourself from the world and its disappointments. Pretty soon, this becomes your modus operandi.
But the ugly truth is, if you do this long enough you’ll start to hide it from yourself too. This energy of hiding will translate into less self-confidence, less self-worth, and more self-doubt—pushing you further away from your goals, not allowing you to be present in your work or passionate in your pursuit. So, do yourself a favor, and every morning, say it loud and proud, “Yes, I’m an actor!” Even if it’s to a mirror.
So there you have it, artists! Solid strategies to help you stay focused on your work and dedicated to your purpose as you navigate the intricacies of creating a satisfying acting career. Above all, remember to enjoy the process!
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and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
