How to Become a Professional Actor

We all know that actors perform on stage and in front of the cameras rather than behind the scenes. But some professional actors have become writers, producers, directors, and combinations.

It is becoming commonplace for actors to take on multiple roles in the film business. They are behind and in front of the camera. Some good examples are Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Leonard DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie, Charlize Theron, Tina Fey, and Jody Foster.

But we can never forget that actors are professional liars as well. They bring the unimaginable to the front and make it real.

But we can never forget that actors are professional liars as well. They bring the unimaginable to the front and make it real.

Prime examples of these "Renaissance people" include stars such as Johnny Depp, John Travolta, Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, George Clooney, and Ryan Gosling.

Actors entertain and communicate with the audience through their interpretation of dramatic roles.

Being an actor requires you to hone your craft so you know what to do at an audition and when you land a role in theatre, television, or film. Landing commercial takes the same skill as landing a leading or speaking part on the stage. Each medium is different in technique, but they rival with being an amateur or being a professional.

Laurence Olivier, one of the most profound actors in this century, wrote a brilliant book called On Acting. He defines his journey and shares his journey from the first audition to the role of producer and director.

Olivier's book gave me invaluable suggestions and professional secrets I use and share with actors I teach and direct. You read his book and follow what he says and does. You will not fail as an actor.

Only a small number of actors achieve a tremendous amount of recognition in motion pictures. Some actors start as "extras" (the people in the background of the film) with no lines to deliver, while others are cast in supporting roles or as walk-ons. A "feature extra" may be used for the same film over and over again, with no lines but lots of camera time.

Stunt people take on the more dangerous work, performing such stunts as driving cars in chase scenes, falling from buildings and other high places, or "fighting" instead of the principal actors.

A stunt actor is a professional stunt person hired to be an actor in a scene that requires a full camera shot. They get paid more and are in the film credits as a character in the movie.

It would help if you built your resume before a decent agent sees you and considers representing you. That is the problem of breaking into the film business. But, keep working on your craft because the positive aspect is an agent will see you.

Most acting jobs come through an agent. Beginners and lesser-known actors and actresses, if they are non-union, register themselves, for a small fee, with several casting directors, who invite them to auditions, which lead to acting roles.

Later in the article, I will tell you how to build your resume and land jobs based on your talent and previous work.

Although a few actors and actresses find parts in feature films straight out of drama school, most spend many years supporting themselves by working at jobs inside or outside the industry.

To learn the ropes, some actors and actresses have gotten jobs at talent agencies or casting companies. Here they understand the process of setting up auditions and casting for commercials, film, and television.

Taking any old acting class is not the way to do it. It would help if you did your homework, asked around for opinions you could trust, and checked the teacher's working student ratio. How many of their students get paid work? The class is full, but two out of ten students are making a living as actors. Five out of ten students working is a better ratio.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the teacher and know they will help your career. Make sure you attend the classes and do your homework, so the teacher knows you are serious about becoming a successful actor and will work with you in earnest.

Success, for the most part, does not happen overnight. "Being discovered" is a fantasy that happened for a few movie stars over the centuries of theater and film. Still, they proved themselves, took classes and maintained professionalism.

Being a professional is where you start. There is a valuable booklet called The Way to Happiness. The booklet contains 21 precepts that help people live a happy life by following the precepts. One principle, which applies to being professional, is "Be Competent." The common sense guide explains how to succeed in what you do. I tell my students and friends to follow this guide.

They read it, follow the advice, and achieve their desired goals. That is my final advice to you, be competent as an actor, and you will succeed.