How to Start your Acting Career

Your first job as an actor or actress was great but it shouldn’t stop there. Some of the greatest celebrities have been in it for decades and you too can also have a successful acting career.

One of the things you have to do is continue to take up acting classes. There are many around and this will give you the chance to explore more of what you can do is an actor. This will prevent people from giving you the same role every time which shows that you are very versatile.

Although your manager is the one helping you look for more projects, you can do your share also by sending out your resume and photos to producers and directors. You have to remember that the entertainment industry is a tough business and there are upcoming actors and actresses like yourself fighting for the same spot. Ever wondered what happened to those who had a good movie a few years back and where they are now?

Most of the films and television shows have actors and actresses that are physically fit so if you want to be considered for a part, do your share by working out regularly. You may not afford a physical trainer but you can surely sign up for a gym membership.

You should also accept invitations to scene nights where you get the chance to put a 2 minute monologue. This event is usually attended by people in the industry who are looking for talents for a new show or as a guest in an ongoing show.

Don’t forget to bring a press kit so you can distribute a few to the people there. This will make it easy for them to get in touch with you or your agent.

It wouldn’t hurt to also take part in a small movie made by film student or an independent film. You won’t get that much money from them but at least you can add this project to your resume so people will know you are doing something to better improve who you are as an actor.

The sad truth about being an actor is that you won’t know when you will have another acting gig. This is why you have to take steps to improve your craft and believe it or not find other ways to supplement your income by perhaps getting a regular job because after all, we need to pay bills and other expenses.

Keeping your acting career is tough and you won’t hear celebrities saying that in front of a live camera when all they will say is how good things are and smile.

But just think about it, when was the last time did you see Mr. or Mrs. X on a television show or on the big screen? It may have been awhile and in order for them to continue living in a big house; they must have done something to stay afloat.

To find out how, it is best that you talk with your fellow actors and actresses so you will know exactly what to do when it hits you in the face. Remember that the success of your acting career greatly depends on your patience and persistence because without it, you don’t have a chance of staying long in this industry.

An Acting Career Should Have a Resume and a Headshot

Preparing for an audition also includes having a resume and a few headshot pictures. This is because aside from performing your monologue or reading from a script, cast directors want to know how you look on camera or on stage as well as your previous work experiences. To help you, here a few do’s and don’ts in doing both.

When you submit a resume, make sure that this is stapled to the back of your headshot. If the resume is much larger than the picture, trim it a bit so they appear to be the same size.

For those who don’t know what a head shot is, it is picture of your entire face. It must be very artistic and is intended to put you in the best possible light. This is usually printed on an 8 by 10 inch format. Your name should be placed on the print or just below it.

As for your resume, just tell the truth of your previous accomplishments. Make sure that your contact details are up to date so it will be easy for the casting director or a representative to easily get in touch with you for a call back.

Creating a resume is easy. If you are going to an audition, make sure that it will focus on the part you are trying to get. For instance, if you want a part in a Broadway event, make sure you list down your previous experiences in the theater. If this is for a movie, tell them what you did even if you played a supporting role or as an extra. Should this be for a commercial, mention what your roles was as well.

You should bring at least 5 copies of your resume and head shots every time you go to the audition because you may never know who else will want one.

Now it is time for the things you must never do.

The most important is never lie about your experience. Just like applying for a job, the casting directors will get someone to do a background check about your credentials so it is only a matter of time before they find out the truth.

The same goes for special skills which you claim that you have but actually don’t. People won’t be able to do a background check here but they will find out when you are told to do something and suck at it.

When you submit a resume, make sure that this is printed on a sheet of paper that measures more than 8 ½ x 11.  Again, this is because of the size of the head shot. If you insist doing that, chances are your resume will be thrown away.

Since you are not the only actor applying for a part, don’t waste the time of the casting director by giving them a resume that is more than one page. If you have a lot to say, put the most relevant using a 10 point font. If they want more information and this won’t fit in your resume, mention it later on during the interview.

A resume is a piece of paper with a list of your accomplishments. You must never staple reviews or clipping from newspapers.

An acting career should always have a resume and a headshot. Write a few drafts and take some photos then just use the best.

A Look Back at how Vanessa Hudgens Started in her Acting Career

 

How did Vanessa Hudgens get started in her acting career? This girl was born Vanessa Anne Hudgens on December 14, 1988 in Salinas, California. Her looks can be attributed to her parents’ descents. Her dad, Greg Hudgens is an American with the Native American and Irish background. Her mother, Gina, is a Filipino who grew up in Manila with traces of Filipino, Chinese and Spanish blood.

Career Path

Vanessa was inclined on the performing arts since she was a child. After she finished seventh-grade at the Orange County High School of the Arts, Vanessa opted for a home school setup.

When she was eight years old, she began joining musical plays. She was included on the main and supporting casts of plays such as "The Wizard of Oz," "The Music Man," "Damn Yankees," "Evita," "Carousel," The King and I," and "The Music Man.” Everything happened by chance for little Vanessa. Her first gig was a commercial. But it was purely accidental why she landed the part. She went on the audition just because her friend, who was supposed to go there, got sick and asked her to come instead.

 

In 2003, she debuted in the feature film "Thirteen." This stars Evan Rachel Wood and Holly Hunter. Vanessa also starred in "Thunderbirds," an action-adventure film. But Hudgens hit it big after playing the part of Gabriella in High School Musical, a TV movie made by the Disney Channel that was first released in 2006. That same year, she was able to release her debut album entitled “V.” In July of 2008, her second album entitled “Identified” was released.

After she started on movies, she also played bit roles for television. She guest starred for TV shows such as “The Bothers Garcia,” “Still Standing,” “Quintuplets,” “Drake and Josh” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

For the two equally successful “High School Musical” TV movie, Hudgens played the role of Gabriella Montez. She played the love interest of real-life boyfriend, Zac Efron. Their roles had given them the “Best Chemistry” award given by Teen Choice Awards. The first movie also had a hit soundtrack and it brought the group on a concert tour worldwide. A book series was also made out of it.

With all the success she has garnered, Hudgens became the number seven on Forbes magazine’s top earning list of stars who are under 21. She was 18 years old at the time. She has an estimated $2 million of earnings. “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is set to be released on October 24, 2008.  

This talented gal was ranked 62nd of the Most Sexiest Woman on FHM just this year. She was also at number 12 at Maxim’s 100 Hot List. And she was also part of People magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People.

Life on the Spotlight

Her career was marked with controversy when provocative pictures of Hudgens proliferated the Internet on September 6, 2007. The photos were passed on through emails, mobile phones and other devices. There were rumors then that she would be pulled out from the High School Musical franchise because she was no longer fit to be called a model for the youth.

But everything was settled. And Hudgens apologized to the fans and her family. After that, all is well again for this young superstar. Just looking back on how Vanessa Hudgens get started in her acting career will inspire young minds about this craft if they are planning on joining the bandwagon.