Getting into acting and modeling can be an enjoyable hobby or career.
One of the largest dreams a person can have when growing up is to become a world-renowned movie star or supermodel. While only an esteemed few make it to that pinnacle, it is possible for many more to earn a respectable living from acting or modeling. To get your foot in the door, you may need to spend money and work hard for many years, but when you find yourself on stage or in front of the camera, all your efforts will have been worth it.
Instructions
1. Find a friend or acquaintance with a top-of-the-line digital camera and have him take a few simple headshots of you. A simple headshot is a picture of you, typically from the midsection and up, against a solid-colored background or a wall. You will eventually get more professional headshots, but it is best to not put out any money until you have the chance of getting some back. Pick the best one from the shoot.
2. Use a photo editing program to make the photo fit on an 8-by-10-inch sheet of photo paper. Using a text box in the program, type in your name on a white space just under the photo. This will act as your headshot in your first few gigs. Print the headshot.
3. Sign up for a modeling or acting class in your area. Ask any modeling or acting friends for recommendations or do an online search to check for those that get the best reviews. This class will teach you some of the skills you need to succeed in acting. During the class, ask your classmates and instructor for the websites and resources that they use to check for gigs in your area. They may suggest a general site like Craigslist or a specific telephone or online directory that works specifically for your city.
4. Visit the resources suggested to you by your class to search for auditions for local gigs. You are more likely to be hired for gigs that are unpaid like local community theater shows and student projects when you are just starting out. Repeat this step until you have been hired for five to 10 gigs.
5. Create a resume based on the gigs that you have been hired for. List your name, phone number, hair color, height and weight along with information about the gigs like which company you worked for, the name of the project and the role you portrayed in the gig. Bring your resume along with your headshot to all future gigs.
6. Find a reputable photography or headshot company in your area to take a professional headshot. Once again, use friend, colleague and online recommendations to find the most affordable and professional company. After you receive the headshot, visit a headshot printing company (the photographer will most likely recommend one to you) and print 50 to 100 headshots with your resume printed on the back.
7. Call any and all talent agencies in your area and ask them how new talent should submit materials. Often you will need to send a copy of your headshot and resume through the mail and you will need to wait at least a month for a reply. Before sending, make sure to check online and with friends to ensure the agencies are legitimate. The agencies may ask you to come in and audition. Do not sign with an agency if it requires money from you as it may be a scam. Sign with one or more agencies.
8. Continue to look for auditions online as your agency or agencies also look for work for you. Take more classes and network to find as many contacts as possible as you never know where your next gig might come from.
