So you want to be an Actor?
That's great! That's what I tell all my students. One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that there is a great need for talented well-trained actors. Not hardly, but, there are still constantly new faces found everyday that fill voids that we never knew were missing. As a director, I have auditioned thousands of actors and I have seen amazing work, but as you know most people who go into the business don't always accomplish their goals immediately or ever. But don't fret the great thing is that to be a working actor you do not need to be recognized on Broadway or seen on the silver screen or famous in TV to maintain a constant life of work as an actor. Truth is most actors in our world don't ever reach fame and fortune by our pop culture standards. They get into a groove and just start working.
Of course, it really comes down to "how bad" do you want to pursue acting as a career choice and what you are willing to sacrifice and work for to be successful. This will pose two questions of this business that you must address in order to get started and that is; 1. Do you have a real drive to study the art of acting and develop a craft? or 2. Are you just going after the element of money, fame and fortune? I would tell you that talented committed actors make decent money and maintain work, but most that do have a real passion for acting. If it is money you are after you can make a chunk here or there through a national commercial or a movie deal, but the time committment and responsibility to get to that point, if ever, requires a very busy audition schedule. There are those "one hit wonders" like the "Where's the Beef Lady" and I have had several students and friends get that big contract, but they did work pretty hard and if asked most would say they considered it luck given the stiff competition out there.
So, I guess to get to the point, you probably should have somewhat of a drive to be an actor. You may not know if you have it, so I ask my students; "would you do it for free?" if you said yes then you have somewhat of a passion. The last thing is you must have that crazy thing called talent and training. It is all about committment and there are several avenues to explore. College training programs, conservatories, acting classes etc. It is wise to seek these out in your area and gauge the level of your seriousness about acting. It is all about experience from the training or classes. Acting is like tennis you must emmerse yourself and pick up the "raquet" and do it and of course the great thing is that it is a career that I have seen take people of all ages at anytime in their lives.
Explore this site and check it regularly. I have tried to include all of the information that I can on how to direct you to the right choices or better ones in order to assist with helping you obtain your goals. I have been in the business as a Director, Actor and Producer for over 15 years. Good Luck.
C. R.