Learn About Starting an Acting Career

Understanding What an Acting Career Involves

An acting career means performing in films, television shows, theatrical productions, commercials, and other media projects. Unlike many careers with a clear linear path, acting involves unpredictable work schedules, varying income levels, and constant competition. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for actors is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, slightly faster than average job growth, though competition remains intense.

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Actors work on different types of projects depending on their skills and interests. Theater actors perform live on stage in front of audiences. Film and television actors perform for cameras and may work on the same project for weeks or months. Commercial actors appear in advertisements for products and services, often for shorter shooting periods. Voice actors provide voices for animated films, television shows, video games, and audiobooks without appearing on camera. Background actors, also called extras, appear in crowd scenes or minor roles without speaking lines.

The daily reality of acting work differs significantly from what people see on screen. Many actors spend more time auditioning than performing. A typical audition lasts only a few minutes, and competition is extremely high. According to industry data, actors may attend dozens of auditions before booking a single role. Between projects, actors often work other jobs to pay bills, with many balancing part-time employment alongside their acting pursuits.

Understanding the actual structure of acting work helps you prepare mentally and financially for the career path. Success requires persistence, resilience, and realistic expectations about income and employment patterns. Many working actors take years to build steady careers, and income can fluctuate dramatically from year to year.

Practical Takeaway: Research the specific type of acting that interests you most—theater, film, television, or commercials—and watch how professionals work in that area. This helps you understand what skills you'll need to develop and what your day-to-day life might look like.

Building Your Foundation Skills and Training

Training is essential for developing the skills needed to succeed as an actor. Most professional actors invest in formal training through acting classes, workshops, and degree programs. These training opportunities teach fundamental techniques used across different types of acting work. The Meisner technique, Method acting, and other approaches focus on different aspects of character development and emotional authenticity.

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Acting classes typically cover several key areas. Scene study teaches how to analyze scripts and develop characters. Improvisation training helps actors think quickly and adapt to changes on set. Voice and speech classes improve diction, projection, and emotional expression through the voice. Movement classes develop physical awareness and body control. Cold reading training teaches actors to perform effectively when seeing a script for the first time—a skill essential during auditions.

Different types of training programs exist at various price points and time commitments. Community colleges and local theater groups often offer affordable classes for beginners. Private acting coaches work one-on-one with students and charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour depending on location and experience. University degree programs in theater or film typically take four years and cost thousands of dollars, though they provide structured training and industry connections. Some actors attend well-known conservatories or acting studios, which can be expensive but offer intensive training and networking opportunities.

Beyond formal classes, actors learn by performing in productions. Community theater offers free or low-cost opportunities to perform in front of audiences and gain stage experience. Student films and independent projects allow actors to build their reel—a collection of video clips showing their work. Many actors start by performing in local theater productions while taking classes, combining learning with real-world experience.

Practical Takeaway: Start with one or two acting classes in your area to explore the craft before investing significant money. Look for introductory classes at community colleges, community theaters, or independent instructors. This gives you a sense of whether you enjoy the training process and whether acting remains something you want to pursue.

Creating Your Materials and Building Your Portfolio

Professional actors need several materials to present themselves to casting directors and agents. These materials—called "headshots," "reels," and "resumes"—form the foundation of how you market yourself in the industry. The quality and presentation of these materials significantly affect your chances of being considered for roles.

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A headshot is a professional photograph used for casting purposes. Headshots should look like you in real life and typically show your face and shoulders. Industry standard headshots are 8x10 inches in size. Most actors spend $150 to $400 on professional headshot photography with someone who specializes in acting headshots. A good headshot photographer understands the specific requirements of different industries—theatrical headshots for stage actors differ from film and television headshots. Many actors get multiple versions of headshots showing different looks or character types they can play.

A reel is a video compilation of your acting performances, typically 1 to 3 minutes long. Your reel should showcase your strongest scenes and demonstrates your range as an actor. Starting actors without professional credits sometimes create reels using scenes from student films, class projects, or short independent films. As you book more professional work, you replace student material with professional credits. A reel can be created by editing together clips yourself using free or paid video editing software, or by paying an editor to assemble your materials.

Your resume lists your acting experience, training, and special skills. Unlike traditional job resumes, acting resumes are typically one page and formatted specifically for the industry. The resume includes your credits in film, television, theater, and commercials. It lists training and coaches who have worked with you. Special skills section should include abilities that might be relevant to roles—accents, languages, athletic abilities, musical instruments, or dance styles. Many actors work with industry-specific resume templates or have experienced professionals format their resumes.

Building your portfolio requires time and strategic thinking about what materials showcase your talents effectively. Starting actors should focus first on getting training and gaining experience in local productions, which provides material for an initial reel and real credits for a resume.

Practical Takeaway: Before investing in professional headshots, gain some acting experience and training. Once you have completed a few scenes or small roles, you'll have a clearer sense of what your professional headshot should convey about your type as an actor.

Finding Auditions and Understanding the Casting Process

The audition process is how actors learn about opportunities and compete for roles. Understanding how casting works and where to find audition information is crucial for pursuing an acting career. Most roles are filled through a systematic casting process, though the specific process varies depending on the project type and budget.

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Auditions are found through several channels. Casting websites like Backstage, Playbill, and Actors Access post audition notices for film, television, theater, and commercial work. These sites require subscriptions or payment to access full audition listings, though some auditions are posted for free. Local community theaters post auditions on their websites and social media. Independent filmmakers often post casting notices on social media or filmmaking websites. Talent agents represent actors and submit them for roles matching their profile, though beginning actors often cannot obtain agent representation until they have some professional credits.

The standard audition process involves several steps. First, you submit materials—usually a headshot, resume, and sometimes a video clip—in response to a casting notice. If the casting director is interested, they invite you to audition in person or submit a video audition. During an in-person audition, you perform sides (short scenes from the script) in front of the casting director and possibly other people involved with the production. The audition typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes. If the casting director wants to see you again, you receive a callback, where you audition a second or third time, sometimes with other actors or with the director and producer present.

Understanding audition etiquette helps you present yourself professionally. Arrive early, bring multiple copies of your headshot and resume, and be prepared to take direction and make changes to your performance on the spot. Casting directors often ask you to perform a scene differently than you initially presented it, so flexibility and openness to feedback are valuable. After the audition, it's typical to hear nothing for days or weeks while the casting director reviews all candidates. Persistence in auditioning regularly, even with many rejections, is necessary for building an acting career.

Practical Takeaway: Spend time exploring casting websites relevant to your location and the type of acting you want to pursue. Note the types of roles that interest you and what requirements they typically list. This helps you understand what casting directors look for and where opportunities exist in your market.

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