Acting is a calling. Simply ask anyone who has grown up dreaming of becoming an actor or an actress and they will tell you the same. But the issue is that many people dream of acting on the big screen which has made the competition increasingly fierce over the years. 

To fulfil your dreams as an actor it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to the craft, and so to get you started, we’re going to outline the steps that all well-known actors and actresses will have taken to land their first big role. 

The first step is to enrol yourself in an acting course which will help in providing you with the foundations of your acting ability. Courses will vary in their curriculum as well as their duration and cost but you can be sure that there will be plenty of options to choose from in your locality. 

It is also a good idea to ensure you take up a drama class if one is available to you through your school as part of the curriculum or even as an after-school club. Practice makes perfect so the more time you spend acting and polishing your skills the better.  

Many local theatres will put on plays or what is known as community theatre where budding actors and actresses can get involved to gain experience. This is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed as it will also expose you to talent scouts who often attend these events. 

Professional photographs are your best form of representation and will be key to landing an audition for potential clients. There are many professional photographers who are experienced in taking headshots for actors so approach several for a quotation. 

It’s also a good idea to take a look through their previous client work to see whether they’re a good fit for the image you’re trying to achieve. 

With your headshots in place, it’s time to begin crafting your portfolio. It should contain details of every performance you’ve ever taken part in as well as links to recorded footage where possible. It’s also always a great idea to include references where applicable. 

Once your resume has been compiled, it’s time to start applying for roles. Clients will often broadcast what are known as casting calls when they are looking to hire a young actress or actor so send your application in the form of your headshots and portfolio. This is your opportunity to showcase your talent, and with a little luck, should see you land your first role.

The first few years of your career will involve developing your ability and perhaps even creating a niche for yourself in the area of acting in which you excel. Before you know it, the number of roles you’re invited to audition for will increase as will the likelihood of being selected each time.