How To Become An Actor In Film And TV - 10 Steps

Step 1 - Start Training Now

Get into an acting class. Training is the first step for every aspiring actor. Training will also be an ongoing process for the entirety of your career. I’m approaching 15 years in the industry and I still take classes to up my game, learn new skills, and keep my tools sharp.If you are in high school, I recommend starting your training now by getting involved in school plays and drama club. You can also look for acting studios outside of school that offer classes for teens. If you are in college, consider taking some theatre classes if your school offers them. If you are out of school and perhaps currently working in another industry (like I was when I first started), look for some acting classes you can attend on your days off or after work. A quick Google search should turn up any acting studios in your city.Do you need a theatre degree to start working on movies and television shows? The short answer is no. While obtaining a BFA or MFA in acting can certainly make you a disciplined, well rounded actor, the degree itself doesn’t carry the weight you might think it would in the film and television world. Agents and casting directors aren’t exactly fighting to see the actors with the most prestigious diplomas. They just want to see well trained actors, regardless of how they got there.What classes should you take? There will be plenty of different classes available and all of them will help you in one way or another. If you are a complete beginner, a technique class will set the foundation for everything else to come. The majority of my training is in the Meisner technique. You may find that Meisner is a great fit for you as well, or you may find a different technique suits you better. Either way, find a solid technique class to get the ball rolling.

After that, you can choose from scene study, improv, on camera, voice and body, etc., and I will leave that decision up to you. The only class that is absolutely essential, in my opinion, is an on-camera audition class. You must learn how to audition and you must practice on camera. It’s how you’ll make your money in this industry! Get my free Audition Cheat Sheet Here.