It’s a juggling act
Actors today have it harder than ever. More and more people are interested in acting at a professional level. The lure of fame and fortune is powerful, and rising to celebrity status in the acting world is an incentive to rival “Eve” tempting “Adam” in the Garden of Eden. Reality television is still alive and kicking and many viewers would rather watch the real housewives fight in a restaurant than a movie directed by Sidney Lumet. The best way to approach this highly competitive field is with your feet firmly planted on the ground and your eyes wide open. For this I would like to offer some tips that may be useful.
Pursuing a career in acting will require all of your time, energy, and the financial means necessary to sustain yourself in the long term. Acting is not a part time endeavor. I have never met anyone who could juggle a full time job and the demands of acting. The first thing you will need to do is find a part-time job that will provide enough income to pay for an apartment near New York (Manhattan). Rents are at an all-time high, so you’ll have to find a roommate to share the expenses. Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Astoria, Kensington, Bushwick are among those that are still affordable (by New York standards). If you use a real estate broker, you will have to pay a fee close to 18% of the annual rent. No situation is perfect, but it is important that you have a good feeling for the person(s) you will be living with. You don’t want to be saddled with a situation riddled with tension and conflict. Spend a little time (if time is available) getting to know your potential roommates. Networking is a great way to find out who and what is available. In my experience, most people are eager to help, as many have faced the same challenges that you will.
As I mentioned before, you will need a job that provides enough income to pay for classes, workshops, apartment (utilities are rarely included), photography, transportation (if you are outside the districts), and everything else related to the profession. It is important that you find a job that does not stress you out and provides you with some degree of flexibility. Over the years, I have seen students so drained of energy that they cannot concentrate in class. Do your best to find a job that complements the demands of acting.
You will need to find an acting class that resonates with you and fits within your budget. Take some time and read up on the different techniques so that you have a basic understanding of the different approaches to the craft. Then spend some time in listening classes. How is the environment? Is it conducive to learning? Is the teacher knowledgeable, well-versed in the trade, communicative, articulate, approachable, warm, caring, passionate, concerned? All of these are qualities that contribute to a positive learning environment. When choosing a teacher, it should be the right one for you.
At some point you will need headshots. Some photographers are very expensive, but there are very capable photographers who don’t charge a king’s ransom. Take the time to look at other actors’ headshots. If you like what you see, ask them who took their photos. Most headshot photographers have a website with samples of their work. There are not a few “photographers” just starting out who may offer their services for free in an effort to establish themselves. This is a risky business. His headshot is his calling card. If you have to spend a little more to get the best results, don’t settle for images that don’t present you in the best possible light.
Chances are, in the early stages of your career it’s hard to find paying gigs. It takes time to develop solid technique, and jobs may not be prolific until you can prove to casting directors that you’re capable of doing the job. Take your job seriously. Don’t hesitate to do the work.
Rejection is part of this business. You will need to develop thick skin. Acting is not for the faint of heart. Moxy is needed to cope with business pressures. The best actors in the world are no strangers to rejection. Learn how to develop strategies that will help you when you don’t receive callbacks or job offers. At first, when Richard Dreyfuss didn’t win a role, he would say to himself, “What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they know how good I am? Find your own unique way of dealing with rejection.
Work, training, housing, transportation, workshops, networking, headshots, developing your own website, business cards, auditions, are all part of the actor’s world. If you want to be a part of it, it’s important that you understand what’s ahead and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the journey. Like everything in life it is a process. Learn to embrace it and get something positive out of every experience.