How to Become an Actor: What You Really Need to Know

Acting might look fun and glamorous from the outside—but it takes real skill, hard work, and patience to succeed. Whether you want to be in movies, on stage, or in TV shows, this guide will help you understand what it takes to become an actor—and how to get started.

What Actors Really Do

Actors bring stories to life. They study scripts, become characters, and perform in front of audiences or cameras. This can happen on a stage, in a studio, or on location.

But there's more to the job than just memorizing lines. Actors must also:

• Deal with last-minute changes – Scripts can change right before filming or during rehearsals.
• Handle long hours – Days can start early and go late. Performances may happen at night, on weekends, or on holidays.
• Stay in shape – Some roles involve heavy costumes, hot studio lights, or long hours on stage. Actors need stamina to keep up.
• Read and understand scripts – They must understand what the writer wants and bring those characters to life.
• Speak clearly – Stage actors especially must project their voice so every word is heard.
• Move well – Actors often need to learn choreography, stage combat, or complex movements.

Key Qualities Every Actor Needs

To succeed, actors need more than talent. They need:

1. Persistence

Most actors face a lot of rejection. You might audition for many roles before getting one. You have to keep going and stay positive.

2. Reading Skills

Scripts can be tricky. Actors must read them carefully and understand the emotions and actions behind each line.

3. Speaking Skills

Lines must be spoken clearly and naturally. Good actors can be heard and understood in any setting.

4. Physical Stamina

Acting can be physically demanding. Actors need energy for long days, costume changes, and active scenes.

5. Coordination

From dancing to stage fights, actors must move with control and accuracy, often working closely with others.

How to Train as an Actor

Actors never really stop learning. Even professionals continue to train throughout their careers. Here’s how you can start:

• Join school plays or local theatre – Many actors begin here.
• Take acting classes – These can be in person or online.
• Practice at home – Read scripts aloud, record yourself, or try monologues.
• Work with a coach – A drama coach can help you improve faster.
• Learn special skills – Some roles need singing, dancing, accents, or sports skills.

Every role is different. One day, you might need to speak French. Another day, you might need to learn how to sword fight. Stay open to learning new things.

If you’re an aspiring actor wondering where to start, who to talk to, what to expect, and how the acting world actually works, this is for you

How to Become an Actor

You probably have a ton of questions—like where do I even start? Should I join drama school? What about headshots? Do I need an agent? And where do I actually find auditions? Don’t worry. This guide breaks it all down step by step—from your very first move to landing real roles.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Acting You Want to Do

Acting isn’t just Hollywood. You can work in:

• Theatre – plays, musicals, community productions
• Film and TV – streaming shows, commercials, movies
• Voice Acting – animation, audiobooks, games
• Online Content – YouTube, TikTok skits, indie shorts
• Background (Extra) Work – silent roles in movies/TV

Each path has different demands. Think about your strengths. Are you more comfortable on stage or in front of a camera?

Step 2: Build Basic Acting Skills

You don’t need a degree to start acting—but you do need training.

Learn Through:

• Local acting classes (check community centers, theaters, or art schools)
• Online platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, or YouTube
• School plays or drama clubs
• Improv classes (great for confidence and spontaneity)

Step 3: Get Headshots (the Right Way)

Your headshot is your acting resume’s front page.

• Hire a photographer who specializes in actors
• Wear neutral colors, no heavy makeup
• Aim for one commercial shot (smiling, friendly) and one theatrical (serious)

Step 4: Create a Simple Resume or Acting Profile

If you’re just starting:

• List any acting experience (even school plays or online skits)
• Include training, workshops, or classes
• Add your contact info and links to your reel (if you have one)

Tools like Casting Networks, Backstage, or Actors Access let you build free or low-cost profiles.

Step 5: Start Auditioning for Small Roles

Don’t wait for the “perfect” role. Start with:

• Student films (check local universities or film schools)
• Community theater
• Indie projects or online shorts
• Background work (get experience on set)

Try these websites:

• Backstage
• Casting Call Club (great for voice acting)
• Actors Access
• Mandy

Step 6: Submit, Audition, Repeat

You’ll need to submit regularly, sometimes every day. When you land an audition:

• Read the script carefully
• Understand your character
• Practice with a friend or coach
• Show up on time, dressed simply
• Take direction well

If it’s a self-tape audition, film in good lighting, use a quiet room, and follow the instructions exactly.

Step 7: Get an Agent (Later)

You don’t need an agent to start—but they help you find bigger roles once you have some experience.

How to get one:

• Build a solid reel with your best clips
• Act in short films or plays
• Attend showcases or submit directly to agencies with your headshot and resume
• Never pay upfront—real agents earn commission (usually 10–15%)

What Happens After You Get a Role?

Here’s what to expect:

1. You’ll sign a contract (for pay, time, etc.)
2. You’ll get a call sheet with where/when to show up
3. You attend rehearsals or table reads
4. You perform (on set or on stage)
5. You may need to come back for retakes or post-production

For stage: expect more rehearsals
For screen: expect more waiting between takes

The Acting Career Cycle

Here’s the honest truth: Acting is a cycle of train → audition → wait → work → repeat. Most actors do side gigs between roles. The hustle never really stops.

But each role, no matter how small, builds your experience and confidence.

Bonus: What About Acting Schools?

Acting school is optional—but helpful. Top schools include:

• Juilliard
• NYU Tisch
• RADA (UK)
• LAMDA (UK)
• Local conservatories or college drama programs

You’ll learn voice, movement, Shakespeare, on-camera technique, and more.

If school isn’t for you, plenty of working actors train through workshops, short courses, or private coaches.

So Where Do You Start?

Start right where you are. You don’t need to live in LA or London to begin. You just need to take that first class, submit that first self-tape, or step onto that first stage.

The industry is tough, yes. But it’s also full of opportunity—especially in today’s online world.

Ready to Start? Here’s What to Do This Week:

✅ Take an acting class (online or local)
✅ Set up a basic profile on Backstage or Actors Access
✅ Get simple headshots taken
✅ Audition for one student film or community theater role.

Next, I’ll walk you through how actors grow in their careers—because at some point, you’ll need to level up too, right?

How Actors Grow in Their Careers

Actors usually start small. Maybe it's a background role in a student film or one line in a community play. As you build experience, more chances come your way.

With time, some actors:

• Get lead roles in big productions
• Work on famous shows or movies
• Become directors or producers

Experience, talent, and a good reputation can help you move forward in the industry.

What Do Actors Get Paid?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for actors in May 2024 was $23.33. That means half of all actors earned more than that amount, and half earned less.

• Lowest 10% earned less than $14.00/hour
• Top 10% earned more than $97.19/hour

Here’s how much actors made in different industries:

Most actors work part-time. Only a few work full-time all year round. Work hours can be unpredictable, and travel is often required.

Job Outlook for Actors

From 2023 to 2033, actor employment is expected to grow by 5%, which is about the same as the average for all jobs in the U.S.

There will be about 8,600 job openings for actors each year. Many of these will be from actors retiring or switching careers.

Growth Areas:

• Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube are creating more shows and need more actors.
• Online content is booming, giving actors more chances to perform.

Slower Areas:

• Some live theaters may reduce shows if they have less funding.
• Well-known theaters with strong support are likely to stay steady.

Final Tips for Aspiring Actors

✅ Be ready to work hard – Talent helps, but effort and discipline matter more.

✅ Start where you are – School, local plays, online videos—use what’s available.

✅ Stay prepared – Learn lines fast, handle last-minute changes, and stay professional.

✅ Be open to learning – New skills can open new doors.

✅ Keep trying – Rejection is normal. Keep showing up.

Conclusion

Becoming an actor takes time, training, and a lot of determination. But if you're serious and willing to put in the work, it’s possible to build a career in acting—one role at a time.