What does it take to become an actor?

Question

what are the steps someone needs to take to be an actor...

like do they have to go to drama school first and then audition for any mvie or can anyone audition for a movie and then if they get accepted they star acting and stuff

i know this sounds niave but i honestly dont know anything about how someone can become an actor

thanks

Answer 1

I think Uber has already covered some of this - there is no one single way to become an actor, many people in film and television haven't had any formal training, but have just been the right person in the right place at the right time. They do say though, that you make your own luck, and it is normally the people who really obsessively love the mediums of film, TV and theatre that are the most successful. If you care about the end product, then chances are you'll be a very conscientious actor. If you are obsessive about the quality of the films, TV or theatre that you go and watch then you're proabably on the right track. If you just want to be a star then I'd sat by all means go for it, but you'll probably never take much pride in what you do and never find much in the way of happiness therein.

I'd recommend that if you're under 18, you start by doing as many plays as you can, whether this is at school, the local community centre or wherever, it's important that you start building up your confidence on stage or in front of people - this'll allow you to learn about your body and voice, the two tools that an actor really needs to develop.

If you can also study drama in school then do - it gives you a chance to get feedback - don't worry if feedback seems like a personal attack - it isn't, it's about learning where we are going wrong and how we can move on.

As a next point try and go and see good films and professional theatre when you can. Too many people who want to be actors ignore theatre, yet for an up-and-coming actor, it is the best opportunity to see professionals at work up close. Try and be critical - if you loved something, try and ask yourself what it was. If you were bored in a play or film, don't just say that was rubbish, think about why you were bored and what was wrong with it. This way you'll start to build up a knowledge of what it is to be an actor.

When you are old enough, I would recommend going to a good drama school. Of course, some actors don't go, but the majority of the best ones do. A drama school will give you three years to learn a craft properly, it'll give you the chance to fall flat on your backside without it mattering too much and it'll build your confidence.

Lastly, if you go to a good drama school, it'll give you a platform to be seen by casting directors and agents. This can give you the first important steps up the career ladder. In the UK there are around 15 good drama schools, which can be found here:

http://www.drama.ac.uk/

In this group there are a consistent top 5 or so:

RADA

LAMDA

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

Central School of Speech and Drama

Guildhall

Obviously, even these schools have their up and down years, and there are others that produce strerling actors in particular RSAMD in Glasgow and The Welsh College in Cardiff.

I'm obviously not so familiar with drama schools in the US, but the best ones are well known - The Actor's Studio, HB studio and Jiulliard - all in New York, and there are other excellent courses around.

Above all, love what it is that you want to do. Michael Caine had no drama training, no money and no luck for many years, but he was obsessed by it, and in the end that's what pays off. If you're looking for some books a good book to start with is Uta Haagen's 'A Respect for Acting'.

Above all good luck!

Answer 2

Bob Hoskins never had a single acting lesson

Answer 3

I read about becoming an actor at school in a careers booklet. You need to study it for GCSE,be part of a stage school or group and then i think you need to study it at college for three years.