What You Need

Below is a list of things that can help you in your journey to becoming a working actor.

What you must have if you want to work as a professional television and film actor, especially in Hollywood:

– An agent and/or a manager. Sadly, only agents and managers get to see the best roles being cast in the big films and TV shows. The general public does not.
– An Actors Access account. This is the primary source for most of the theatrical casting notices.
– A Casting Networks account. This is the primary source for most of the commercial casting notices and Indies.
– A GREAT headshot. One that captures “you.” For more on headshots click here.
– A professional resume. For help making one see here.
– A strong demo reel and/or clips on Actors Access and Casting Networks. For more info about demo reels see here.
– Confidence. A belief in the phrase, “You are enough as you are!”
– A strong knowledge of the Entertainment Industry and how it works.
– A place to practice your skills. Acting class, theater company, etc. For more on that explore all of our Online Classes and/or our list of vetted acting classes.
– Cold reading/audition skills. A good class helps.
– A decent source of income. That and a flexible schedule is a must!
– A dependable car. It’s doable, but tough, to make it in this business without one.
– A network of industry friends. We need others on so many levels!
– A passionate love of the art! You will never survive all the rejection and painfully hard work if you don’t have a deep love of acting.
– A good plan of attack and solid goal setting system. Actors are spontaneous people by nature but without a plan of attack you’re just shooting in the dark.
– A fan base. It’s largely about fan bases and how many people will pay to see you.
– A computer, laptop, iPad or cell with great video capabilities and Zoom. And Google Maps, if needed.

What you should have if you want to work as a professional television and film actor, especially in Hollywood:

– A SAG-AFTRA card. It’s true, Hollywood is primarily a union driven town.
– A Backstage account. This is a secondary source for casting, especially Indies, student films, commercials, etc.
– An IMDbPro account. It’s your secret weapon for researching the industry and figuring out who is worth knowing and who is not.
– A CastingAbout account. This is the most reliable list of casting directors, their contact info, what they are currently casting and if they are active at any given moment.
– A Great Sizzle Reel on IMDb (especially if you are looking for a good agent). For more info on demos click here.
– Improv experienced. This is especially helpful if you want to do commercials or have a problem being spontaneous. For a list of recommended schools check out out list of Improv Classes.
– Several specific character headshots. One for each of the types you will most likely play.
– Effective marketing materials and plan.  Great social media campaigns, fliers, plays your in, red carpet appearances, etc. These are needed to remind the town you’re out there still working.
– A proper wardrobe, appropriate for the types and roles you naturally play.
– A personal website, easily readable, with your photos, demos and your resume. It helps if people want to find you fast.
– Social media presence. It’s all about fan bases. Actors have booked roles based on their social media numbers alone.
– Strong skills in self-taping your auditions. The right equipment and knowing the techniques and tricks help greatly.
– Stand-up comedy experience, especially if you’re funny and want to do comedy.
– Audition class for a working knowledge of what to do in audition. A good audition and/or on-camera class can help as well. For more info on our classes click here.
– The ability and/or connections to make your own content. Shorts, films and content for festivals, YouTube, Vimeo, Funny or Die, etc. This alone has made many a career in Hollywood. Remember, it’s all about fan bases!
– Amazing business sense and entrepreneurial skills. The more you know about running a business, the better. If you want to geek out on business skills and ideas check out the SBA. 

What would be nice to have if you want to work as a professional television and film actor, especially in Hollywood:

– An Equity card (AEA). Not only is theater the best place for actors to hone their craft is also a great way to be seen. And, if you’re lucky, it can also be a nice source of income.
– An audition and work tracking system. A way to keep track of your auditions and your work, who you met, what you wore, etc. You’d be amazed at how much you miss without one. A well known one is Performer Track.
– An Agent and Manger email contact system. We love Repunzel, an email system that helps you reach the right person at each of the legitimate agencies.
– A good publicist. They are only needed when you have something to publicize, though.