At least once a month someone asks me, "How do I become an actor?" My initial thought is, "If I have to tell you, you don't really want to be an actor." What I think these people are really asking is, "How do I get rich and famous?" Unfortunately, no one can tell them that.
Being an actor is not being rich and famous. Most of us aren't. I don't know what the statistic are now, but when I was in college my acting teacher used to quote these--only ten percent of actors ever make a living at it and only about one half of one percent become wealthy from acting. If you want to be an actor for money and fame, better find another career field.
For the most part, acting is a continual search for a job. It's a numbers game. The more you audition, the more likely you'll get cast. Acting is, at best, a "few weeks" job. Then it's back to the hunt again. For some of us, me for example, it's usually a "one day" job. It can be disheartening looking for that one day. You try and you try, you do your best and you still don't get the job. But somehow, if you are an actor, you pick yourself up, you get out and you do it again, and again, and again.
The moments when you do work are heavenly. The worst day on a set or stage is better that the best day doing anything else for me. I love the process and I suspect most of my colleagues do too. The work is what being an actor is about. Creating a character that resonates with an audience. Making a statement with art that makes people think and expand their horizons. Of course, the money is nice and if people remember your work, that is the icing on the cake.
So how do you become an actor? I think you are born needing to perform. Some of us search for our own identity through trying on others. You have to be hungry to perform. If you don't have the hunger, you won't have the persistence that keeps you out there, against all odds, searching for the next job. And boy oh boy, you better be persistent because it's a crowded job market.
When I came to Hollywood in the 90s, there was good news and bad news. The good news was I found out I wasn't the only large sized woman in the world like I thought I was. The bad news was every other large sized woman was here looking for the same jobs I was. I go to auditions and there are a dozen other "Royce Herrons" looking at me as I walk in the door. No one is alone in Hollywood. There are hundreds of every type, all talented, all looking for work. That's the acting game.
So you want to be an actor...good luck. No, that's not sarcastic, that's genuine. If you have the hunger, need to do it, will work (even for free) to be involved in the process, come join the fray. I wish you the best as I hope you wish me the best. I'll see you on the set soon, I hope. Right now, I need to go submit myself for auditions. Like I said...it's a numbers game.
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That's so true because everyone thinks it is easy, but it is not. Most Actors and Actress who started as extras and then became famous, but they also had to go to a process of audition. Others like you, Royce, have to go on Theatre to do a performance. That's where some Actors and Actress get cast on movies or television, BUT that's if you get lucky.
ReplyDeleteOther Actors and Actress, still have to audition if they want to land a part of a movie or TV, it is not like a Genie or a Fairy Godmother grants them a wish and make them (Actor or Actress) a star over night. It is a lot of hard work, if you want to become one (an Actor or Actress) then audition and audition until someone notices you. One thing you should remember is to, Never Give Up and also make sure you always give a 100% or 110% in every performance you do.
Plus, even if you don't become famous at least the Casting Directors will know you are really trying and also not giving up. Also, you will become familiar with them (the Casting Directors) too.