3 Things Every Actor Needs to Know

Have you always dreamed of being an actor? The process is by no means an easy one. You may have to starve for a while as you pay your dues. But if you keep your focus on success, good things are bound to happen. Here are the top 3 things that everyone aspiring to be an actor needs to know.

1. You Need a Good Audition Reel

One of the first and most crucial things that every aspiring actor will need is a really good demo reel. This is a video comp of some of your “greatest hits” as a thespian. It’s a reality that is designed to show off all of the things that you can do.

Your forte may be a comedy and you need the chance to show off your reactive skills as well as your natural sense of humor. On the other hand, you may be best as a brooding, melancholic master of drama. Whatever your strengths may be, you need to have a good reel of highlights that can show you at your best.

Keep in mind that no audition reel will ever be perfect. It simply is meant to be a tape of your various “best bits” that show your range. You can find plenty of places that specialize in helping you to create your audition demo. Once you have it ready, you can shop it around for whoever you think will like to see it.

2. Never Think You Are the Only One

It’s always good to have confidence in your abilities as an actor or actress. But don’t fall into the ego trap of overrating yourself. Remember that you are still an unknown until someone chooses to take a chance on you. The reason they take that chance may have nothing to do with your real ability as an artist.

You should project yourself in a forward and gregarious manner. But don’t ever make the mistake of thinking you are the only good actor out there on the scene. For all you know, there are tons of actors as good or better than you. Try to stay humble and fully appreciative of the chances that are offered to you.

3. Actors Don’t Give the Best Acting Advice

Here and there, you may well require some strategic acting advice. There are plenty of places you can go to to get it. Enrolling in a respected drama school is certainly a good idea.

You may think that you can skip school and get right into the field. You may think that you can fake it until you make it. Your plan may be to rely on handy tips that you can get from other actors. This isn’t always the case. The truth of the matter is that actors don’t give the best advice about acting.

Acting is such a hands-on job that most real actors aren’t able to describe what it is they do. It’s usually best to get advice from experienced directors and producers who know good acting when they see it. These are the pros who can help to steer you in the direction you need to go.

It’s Time to Start Your Acting Career

Now that you know a few of the very basics, the rest will be up to you. The most important thing is never to give up on your dream. It costs nothing to collect a hundred of “no”, especially when a “yes” may be right around the corner. Stay true to your dream and keep your focus always on the prize.