As an actor who’s been on both the acting and directing sides of the universe known as “Theatre”, I’ve experienced a lot. Who can benefit from my advice? Those whose situations and backgrounds are similar to mine: I am not a drama or theatre major, nor have I gone to Julliard Academy. I haven’t even taken a single acting class. So, if I am able to land leading roles with little to no credentials, then so can you.
- No headshot? No problem
Actors stress out when they don’t a headshot or a resume on hand. From my experience, I’ve found that a headshot doesn’t give you an edge over your competition if your acting sucked in the first place. There’s the common misconception that a director will remember you only if you submit a headshot. But, as you’ll see from my tips to follow, there are other ways to be memorable. - Walk the walk and talk the talk
There is no substitute for a good performance. If it’s a cold read, quickly scan over the text and try to get in the mindset of the character. Think beyond what you see on the page. Try to relate to the character based off of what it says or doesn’t say in the text. Then, the character starts to become organic and *more importantly* your own. Which leads me to my next tip: - Act from the heart
If you think sex appeal is going to land you that role, think again. That may work in the big city shows (I am referring to you, Big Apple where the much talked about Director’s Couch unfortunately exists) but not in your average theatre. Take your time and don’t rush. Focusing on feeling and emoting every word and emotion your character has. Pick and emphasize certain words to give your performance panache. - Look the part
While you don’t want to be typecasted, it never hurts to show the director how you can fit the part. For example, if you’re doing a play set in the 1930’s, you might want to shave that goatee and cut those dreadlocks. The trick is to not go overboard and make your look so concrete; You still need to look malleable, just give them a good base so they can visualize you in the role. - The Napoleon Persona
Even if you wound up being cast in a smaller role, don’t get discouraged. Act it out as though you have the lead. Make your walk-on role as memorable as possible. Remember James Dean whose first acting roles were in background war scenes and locker rooms. His scenes were sometimes left on the cutting room floor, but that didn’t stop him from acting his heart out. Your walk-on role might be so memorable that a director or critic in the audience will not forget you when the right moment comes. However, never upstage any of your castmates; That’s just rude.
I hope my tips from the trenches help you out. As always, comments and suggestions are always welcome! Break a leg!
Filed under: Art, Pearls of Wisdom | Tagged: acting, actor, actress, audition tips, headshot, james dean, resume, theater, theatre, tips, upstage
As working actresses with directing experience, we think these tips are….absolutely horrible. It isn’t that the tips you are giving are wrong, but we find it laughable that you think that training in acting doesn’t amount to much. If you have really been cast in lead roles with these tips we question the quality of the productions, or the pool of actors they had to choose from. Work ethic always comes first, as with any job, but training is also very important. Having a headshot and resume shows that you are professional , and you should always strive to be a professional, even if acting is just a hobby. Plus having a resume saves you time in filling out those audition forms. As directors we would be more impressed with someone who prepared for the audition instead of someone who thinks they can get by simply because they believe they are talented. An audition is a job interview. If you are doing community theatre you are probably not getting paid much, but it is still a job. When you present yourself at another job interview do you believe it would be okay to say “I didn’t bring a resume, I’ve never been trained in this type of business, and I’m just going to feel my way through this…but I shaved my goatee?”
Thanks for weighing in — sans paragraph breaks, mind you. But thanks nonetheless.
First off, I never said don’t bring a resume. I simply suggested that if you’ve forgotten your headshot, you shouldn’t fret. The last thing you want is to stress and blow your chance. Be more impressive than your headshot is what I’m saying.
“Plus having a resume saves you time in filling out those audition forms.”
I don’t know where you’re auditioning, but we still need to fill out the form in addition to a resume. You can’t just write at the top of the application “please see attached resume”. It’s downright lazy and won’t win any points.
And when have I ever said to act unprofessionally? With tips like “Act from the heart” and “Walk the walk and talk the talk”, you’d think you’d be more supportive of my information.
I guess competition gets you hot under the collar…
Looking at your website I think you are asian as an asian person myself that wants to be an actor. Is there really much roles out there for an asian to do?
Hi Holden!
Yes, I am filipino-chinese.
There are definitely roles out there for asian actors. There are niche roles like in “South Pacific” or “Flower Drum Song”.
But, you should never feel pigeon-holed into just asian-specific roles. I’ve landed roles meant for blonde caucasian men and black men because my performance was memorable.
No matter how big or small a role you get, never be dissapointed. Look at each experience at a growing opportunity.
Break a leg!