Acting can be great fun and something you will have doubtless done at school and perhaps as part of a local youth theatre or dramatic society, but it is, without doubt, one of the hardest industries to make a living from as a professional.

 

So how do people get discovered as actors? It can happen in many different ways… I’ve known people who have been snapped up by big agents after inviting them to see their school play, others have been accidentally discovered by casting directors while serving them food in a restaurant. That said, while these occurrences do happen, they are extremely infrequent and not something that can be planned – a bit like winning the lottery – so if you are serious about giving a career in acting a go, thought and preparation are essential in order to succeed.

 

While a few actors have forged good careers as totally untrained naturals, by far the best route into the profession is through training. This will not only teach you many vital skills and techniques to give and sustain convincing performances, but will also give you greater kudos as a performer and perhaps even get your face in front of potential employers and agents when you graduate. There are many drama and theatre schools, universities and colleges around the country, offering courses in the performing arts of varying levels and lengths. Details of these can be found by searching online, in The Stage newspaper (www.thestage.co.uk) and in a book called Contacts (www.contactshandbook.com), an essential bible, which no actor should be without.

 

Good training can be expensive (in many cases over £12,000 a year for up to 3 years, and that’s without living expenses). You will also be charged up to £50 just to audition for a drama school place and the competition for these places can be fierce, so it pays to think hard before taking action. Be sure about your reasons for wanting to act, remembering that very few achieve the heady heights of fame and fortune. It may be something you love doing and feel passionate about, but couldn’t it just be a hobby, rather than a profession? (I love cooking, but have no desire to train and work as a chef!) Know where you could fit in to the Industry, the type of parts you’re ideally suited to play and the skills and qualities you could offer. Think also about how you’d feel when you weren’t working doing the thing you love, were rejected at auditions and what you would do to pay the bills during leaner times. Lastly, think seriously about how you’d pay for any training fees – you will be asked all these questions when being interviewed, so ensure you have realistic, well thought out answers at the ready.

 

There is no magic formula for success as an actor – it can happen when you least expect it and in the strangest ways – but the more you hone your skills and know about the industry you are looking to get into, the greater your chances. Find out who does what, what’s being produced, and when. Don’t be afraid to ask and learn. Be sensible and keep positive and who knows what might happen!