10 Tips For Beginner Actors

By Steve Stancato

1) UNDERSTAND THE REALITY OF BEING A PROFESSIONAL ACTOR. Actors need to understand the logistics of pursuing this as a full-time career. Acting is a business. You are an entrepreneur in a highly competitive field, and GENERALLY, you will spend 90% of the time marketing yourself (applying for jobs, auditioning, training, networking), and 10% of the time actually acting.

2) MONEY IS IMPORTANT. Many artists don't factor in the business side of show business and tell themselves, "Money isn't important. I just want to follow my passion" etc. The reality is, *almost* all actors must create substantial income OUTSIDE OF ACTING to support their acting pursuits in expensive cities like NYC and Los Angeles. In fact, this would be the first step I recommend to anyone pursuing an acting career: learn to create income on the weekends or evenings that gives you the TIME to audition, and flexibility to take on acting jobs. Typically resourceful actors can generate 6 figure incomes as solopreneurs (personal trainer, health coach, online business, real estate, investments) while others, depending on their financial needs and living situation, cater, waiter or bartend etc. Working a full-time day job is limiting and is not recommended for anyone who seriously wants to pursue acting full-time (most projects shoot during the week-days versus weekends).

3) READ READ READ YOUR BREAKDOWNS. Many actors blindly submit to breakdowns without reading the fine print or their e-mails. It is imperative and absolutely professional (and noticed by Casting Directors) when actors submit for their type and understand what the breakdown entails (from being available on shoot days to usage and conflicts). For example, do not submit for extra work if you "don't do extra work." Don't submit for a job that requires a driver's license, passport, or "authentic accent” if you don't have one. Don't submit for a job that is looking for a model in her 20's when you are not a model in your 40's.

4) SUBMISSION NOTES HELP. I always recommend actors mirror the spec requirements in their submission note. This always gets our attention and shows the actors understand the project and are right for it. Example of submission note would be: Avail on 12/9 for overnight outdoor shoot (CONFIRMING AVAIL ON SHOOT DAYS) / have 5 years comedy training experience (CONFIRMING YOU HAVE THE SKILL /TRAINING THAT WE ARE SEEKING)

5) PROMPT COMMUNICATION. Working actors are always responsible and prompt with their communication, as they know that a lot of quick-turn around jobs are being cast day in and day out. In order not to miss auditions and booking opportunities, professional actors are easily accessible by phone, e-mail when their agents/managers or CD's reach out to them. They also communicate their schedule or "black out days" (vacation days etc.) to their reps so they won't get submitted for projects they are not available for.

6) RELATIONSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT. Actors build relationships with industry by being consistently reliable, professional, punctual, organized and business-minded in addition to being talented and creative with a growing resume. They understand that they are working with management and agents as a team to generate success and income. There is no magic formula or secret - just consistent hard work, despite rejection and unpredictable outcomes. Successful mutually beneficial relationships are always genuine/organic and not with “agendas,” sleazy networking tactics or ulterior motives of "getting something" from someone. It’s also important for actors to become friends with other actors – “find their tribe”, for creative support and inspiration.

7) DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS. Do your research on agents or managers you may potentially work with. Never pay for representation. Do not be forced to go with a headshot photographer you do not resonate with. Workshops and seminars should be viewed as an EDUCATIONAL TOOL/EXPERIENCE, not a guarantee for representation or being "called in to auditions," (although in some cases, that can happen).

8) ONLINE PRESENCE. Serious actors have websites, updated IMDB Pages, Reels, and some even have social media pages and followings with relevant, professional content that showcases their talents. You never know if a Casting Director needs a clip to your latest work, or your hosting reel, or your comedy reel - it's best to have it easily and quickly accessible.

9) AUDITIONING. There are so many opinions and techniques to auditioning. Come prepared, know the copy (if there is copy), pay attention to the wardrobe notes, show up on time and communicate if you are running late. The best way to get experience for auditioning is not by reading about it, but to actually audition as much as possible.

10) CREATE YOUR OWN CONTENT. If you are inspired or inclined, rather than wait to be cast in a web-series or show, you can create your own show! Many people have found success and momentum by creating their own content that has reached thousands of people on YouTube, Social Media etc.

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