Becoming a TV actor requires patience, training, and luck. Living in a city with ample opportunities, taking classes, creating an acting reel, and building a resume through live theater or extra work can help. Networking and building connections can also lead to acting jobs.
Trying to become a television actor takes patience, study and often a lot of luck. While this broad field is full of opportunities, it can sometimes feel like there’s a concrete wall separating a new actor from an acting job. Deciding to become a television actor can involve risk, frustration and creative thinking, but it can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice.
The first step when trying to become a television actor is to live in an area with ample opportunity. This may require moving to a location where a lot of television is filmed, such as Los Angeles, New York or London. Cities that film a lot of TV shows offer more opportunities; even budding actors can find jobs as extras or through open calls. While moving to a big city with a lot of production can be a daunting step, it can be pivotal when trying to become a television actor.
Training is often important for actors; While innate talent is a fantastic asset, a television actor must understand how to work on camera and in the world of television. A new actor should consider taking classes and reading about acting. While some choose to obtain a formal education and degree in acting, others take courses in workshops offered by companies or acting studios. Some places offer courses specifically geared towards working with cameras for film and television, which can be very helpful in overcoming a fear of cameras.
It can be valuable to create an acting reel when trying to become a TV actor. This is a short film that allows an actor to showcase their strengths to auditions or agents. To create a reel, an actor can combine clips from produced shows or movies they’ve been in, monologues, or short scenes filmed with other actor friends. A spool can serve as a calling card to find representation or send to potential employers.
Many television actors start out working in live theater or as extras. This allows an actor to build a resume and gain positive attention through reviews. The most successful actors have an agent or manager who helps them find auditions and negotiate acting deals. To land an agent, an impressive resume is a valuable asset. Luck also comes into play when finding an agent; some people get representation through friends or even by impressing a conveniently nearby agent.
As in the movie business, trying to become a television actor can rely heavily on networks. Whether a friend of a friend has an agent who is willing to watch an audition tape or a co-worker’s cousin is shooting a short film and needs a lead actor, it is possible to become a TV actor through a variety of strange coincidences. Being friendly, loyal, and honest can help build connections and friendships that can lead to television jobs.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
