How To Survive the Acting Industry.
It’s not a secret, but there are thousands of people trying to “make it” in the acting industry. But did you know that around 80% of actors are out of work at any one time?
So, what should you do in the meantime while you are waiting to become apart of that working 20%?
1. Get a Job.
No one wants to hire desperation. And in general you want to ability to pay for food, rent, loans and fuel. Avoid going to an audition hoping that they will hire you and pay your over due bills, they will see your desperation, which will make them more inclined not to hire you.
2. What makes you different?
What makes you who you are? Directors are commonly said to like actors with a lot of skill and variety. For example, you might be able to play the drums, plays basketball or do a handstand. This can make your more versatile to the directors.
3. Get an agent.
Yes, you need one. Legally no one else can negotiate your jobs. Sign with one that is renowned and if within 4-6 months your career is not moving forward at the rate you want try someone else.
4. Don’t wait for your agent.
Once you have an agent, doesn’t mean to don’t do any work. Work on getting auditions from everywhere you can. Whether its through friends, online casting sites, plays or student films. The more you work for you, the more your agent will.
5. Outstanding showreel.
This is your number one tool, it displays your talent. Try for having your greatest work within the first 30 seconds so you can capture the attention of the viewer. Headshots are also a great tool as they give the first impression of yourself.
6. Keeps sharp and up to date.
Preparation is no different from athletes. They train and stay in shape for their competitions and events, so you should to. Don’t sit around and wait for something to happen, actors need to maintain their skills too. Go to class. This will help you to work on your existing skills as well as develop new ones. The more you know, the more you can work and the more castable you are.
7. Free Work.
I know, this isn’t what you are looking for, but you should never miss an opportunity. Working for free still enables you to build relationships with people. And you never know, you could be rewarded with future jobs!
8. Stay healthy.
You are not ready if you are unhealthy. Acting takes both physical and mental capabilities and it does take a toll, take after take. You need the stamina to be able to work for the long haul.
9. Inspire yourself.
View others work as often as possible. Explore different genres and see what inspires you. Also, you’ll be able to see how high the bar is.
10. Be prepared.
Get ready to perform at any time. You never know when an opporuntoy is going to present itself. Always have a couple of monologues in our back pocket and change it up with different genres.
11. DON’T BE LATE.
Never. Ever. To any form of work, whether a job or audition, you don’t want to waste anyones time. Just remember the common industry saying “15 minutes early is on time”.
12. Don’t complain.
Simple enough. You should only be doing what your doing, if you WANT to be doing it.
13. Don’t quit.
If acting is your passion you already know that it takes time. You’ve just got to hang in there, you never know when your big break is, it might just be around the corner!
The old saying is “Out of every 3 actors, one will make it. Not because of looks or talent, but because the other 2 gave up.”
It’s all in the name of acting.