Thespian tips: How to get started in acting

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Many people want to make it big in Hollywood, but being a successful, well-regarded actor takes more than just a pretty face. It requires not only talent but also commitment and drive.

The following tips can be useful to those who want to break into show business:

Start early.

Many celebrities started their pursuit of acting success early in life: Some were members of their high school drama club, while some went to film school to study acting. Aspiring actors should consider taking acting classes as soon as possible in order to hone their natural talent.

Be financially stable.

In order to find work as an actor, one needs to be where the action is. While American films are shot everywhere in the world, most of the casting agents live in the Los Angeles area. However, actors shouldn't immediately quit their day jobs, sell everything they own, and move. It would take several years of being in the business before an actor can make enough money to support him or herself. It's important to have a job or some other means of sustaining oneself while pursuing this career as acting jobs are often few and far between, especially for those who are just starting out.

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Act!

Student films and plays are a great way to get some practice, earn a good reputation in the acting community, and to get one's name out to potentially interested parties. An added plus: After-parties are a great venue for networking and for meeting useful contacts and other actors with whom one can share experiences and tips.

Learn how to handle rejection.

Sydney Poitier was once told by a casting director to give up and become a dishwasher instead. Poitier went on to win a Best Actor Oscar for Lilies in the Field in 1963.

Actors need to be persistent and be able to handle rejection well. Newcomers to the field will hear “no” many times in the course of their career. Actors should keep in mind that they probably just weren't suited for that particular part, but there are plenty of other roles out there for which they will be a better fit.

Image Source: ace-your-audition.com

Edoardo Costa is an Italian actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Subscribe to this blog for more articles on the acting profession and career success.