How Do I Become an Actor?

FYI, in California, “theatrical” means film/tv. In New York, they say “legit”. Well, last I knew back in 2012.

  • Take classes. There are many online classes. Here are a few I’ve taken and recommend:

    • Theatrical - Stan Kirsch Studios - They’ll help you focus, adjust your acting for film/tv, and learn the art of stillness.

    • Theatrical - Howard Fine - He’s efficient, honest, and sets a high standard (but not mean). I’ve seen people grow pretty quickly in a short amount of time.

    • Commercial & Theatrical - Keep It Real Acting. Judy is a screen veteran who has done over 400 commercials and performed in many TV shows over 38 years.

    • Theatrical - Run At It Shouting (UK) - For the serious, trained performer. I’ve taken casting workshops not just for networking, but because their casting directors are highly attentive and specific.

    • Comedy: Second City (ensemble work), UCB (long form improv), and Groundlings (more character based). Which Top Improv School is Right for You?

    • Get involved in theatre. It’s a different form of acting than film and TV, but there’s a lot to learn.

    • Generally highly recommended studios: Margie Haber, Ivana Chubbuck, Anthony Meindl, Larry Moss.

    • Top acting schools (universities): The Juilliard School (NY), Yale (CT), NYU- Tisch, University of North Carolina, UC San Diego, LAMDA (London), Carnegie Mellon (PA), Guildhall (London), RADA (London), and more…

  • Watch great films and TV shows. Study the performances, the micro expressions, the eyes, the pauses, eye-lines, how they use color and framing to tell the story.

  • Figure out your type(s) and find scenes (not monologues) in alignment with your type(s) to perform. Work with another actor or a coach. Record, watch your work, and develop a critical eye.

  • Read books about acting, Backstage.com, and learn from solid YouTube channels. Here are a few channels I like:

  • Observe other people. Meet people outside of your bubble. Listen to and understand people.

  • Life experience. Sometimes, people get so into being positive all the time, their emotional depth becomes limited. It’s perfectly okay to sit with discomfort and negative emotions, to learn from them. They’re simply part of the human experience.

  • Read. Educate yourself. Learn about history. Learn about current events. Be curious, ask questions, seek answers. People whose lives revolve around acting are not very interesting.

  • Build your skills and knowledge. Athleticism, music, other forms of performance, foreign languages, all of it is helpful. Be adept at understanding and discussing various topics. Develop a point of view and the ability to counter it.

  • You don’t have to limit yourself to one form of acting. There’s also voice-over, motion capture/performance capture, stunts, audiobook narration, hosting, working on cruise lines, tours.

  • Authenticity. Stop trying to be like everybody else. Develop yourself and your own voice.

  • Spend time alone. Learn how to conjure authentic emotions without having someone in front of you. Use your imagination.

Once you have training, it’s time to work on your resume, self-tapes, and casting profiles…

Melina Paez