Is becoming an actor right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become an Actor
Becoming an actor involves a combination of training, practice, and real-world experience. Here's a general guide:
- Gain Performance Experience: Start by participating in school plays, community theater, or local productions. Early experience helps you develop stage presence, timing, and confidence in front of an audience.
- Pursue Formal Education (Optional): Many actors enroll in acting or theatre arts programs at universities, colleges, or conservatories. These programs provide structured training in acting techniques, voice, movement, and screen performance, and often offer networking opportunities through productions and showcases.
- Take Acting Classes and Workshops: Even outside formal programs, specialized acting workshops can strengthen skills like improvisation, character development, and on-camera techniques. These classes help actors refine their craft and adapt to different performance styles.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a professional resume, headshots, and demo reels to showcase your work. These materials are essential for auditions and help casting directors evaluate your range and experience.
- Audition Regularly: Attend auditions for theater, film, television, commercials, and other performance opportunities. Learning to handle rejection and adjust your performance is an important part of growing as an actor.
- Network and Seek Representation: Connect with casting agents, directors, and fellow actors. Working with talent agencies or managers can help you find auditions, secure roles, and navigate contracts.
- Continue Learning and Practicing: Acting is a lifelong craft. Attend workshops, take advanced classes, and practice monologues or scenes regularly to keep skills sharp and adapt to new roles or performance trends.
Beginner Resources
Perfect if you’re just starting and want to learn acting basics and build confidence.
- YouTube (Acting Tutorials) – Free videos on monologues, scene work, improvisation, and audition tips.
- Monologue Archive / The Monologue Database – Access to beginner-friendly monologues for practice and auditions.
- Local Community Theater Online Resources – Many theaters offer free guides, tips, and workshops online.
- StageMilk (Free Guides) – Basic acting techniques, tips for auditions, and confidence-building exercises.
Intermediate Resources
For actors who have basic skills and want to refine technique, prepare for auditions, and build a portfolio.
- MasterClass – Acting Courses – Lessons from pros like Samuel L. Jackson and Natalie Portman on technique and performance.
- Coursera / Udemy (Acting & Performance) – Affordable courses in acting, voice, movement, and on-camera techniques.
- Casting Networks / Backstage – Access to audition postings and self-tape submission advice.
- Actor’s Access – Submit digital profiles and resumes for local or regional auditions.
Advanced Resources
For actors ready to pursue professional careers, production work, or voice acting.
- Stage32 – Network with industry professionals, filmmakers, and other actors for collaboration and gigs.
- Casting Frontier / Casting Call Pro – Platforms for submitting professional auditions and managing casting profiles.
- ACX / Voice Acting Platforms – For voiceover work, recording practice, and audition submissions.
- YouTube / Vimeo – Upload demo reels or performance clips to showcase your talent to agents and casting directors.
Quick Starter Path
- Begin with YouTube tutorials and monologue practice to learn basic techniques.
- Take structured courses on MasterClass or Udemy to improve performance skills.
- Build a portfolio of headshots and demo reels and start submitting to auditions online.
- Network on Stage32 or LinkedIn to find professional opportunities.