For most people, participating in a TV show is a dream. However, getting automatically cast does not just happen. You need extensive knowledge and undeniable skill to get on a TV show. That notwithstanding, knowledge and skills without practice do not cut it. There are a few tricks you need to learn to land a prestigious acting role on television. Let’s explore ten tried and tested techniques for kickstarting a successful acting career on television.
Hire a Talent Rep
Finding good representation is daunting but worth all the effort. An agent can make or break your career. Although actors do not need agents as a basic requirement, it is quite hard to function as a freelancer. Once you have an established portfolio, do your best to get the attention of the top agents. Find their numbers and look them up on PhoneHistory to find more details about them, like their email addresses or business location. You want to be as professional as possible to make them take you seriously.
A good talent rep will find you the best productions, pitch you to casting directors, negotiate good salaries on your behalf, and give suggestions and guidance to improve your acting skills.
Enroll in Acting Classes
Acting classes involve performing under the supervision of a couch and watching other professionals do it. You get to perform memorized scenes or monologues, depending on how advanced the class is and the best way to improve your acting skills. The materials used in acting classes are similar to those used in TV shows.
Besides helping you hone your acting skills, a good acting class helps you express yourself better by improving your communication skills. It also boosts your confidence, which will go a long way in nailing your auditions, and widen your social circles with kindred spirits.
Attend Acting Workshops
Acting workshops are crucial for most people who take private acting lessons or want to improve their acting skills. Actors and other professionals in specific acting industries meet to network and learn from one another in workshops. In addition to the joy of working with other actors and groups, you can network with other actors, coaches, and casting directors.
Positive criticism from professionals also helps to enhance your acting capabilities. At the end of the day, since acting is a craft perfected through observation and practice, you learn from the mistakes and greatness of other actors, which will come in handy in your TV show career journey.
Be Part of a TV Show Audience
For talented actors who are not confident to audition for a TV show opening, being part of the audience for a show can be eye-opening. As an audience participant, you will not be there just to enjoy the show but to benchmark, take in key moments, and learn from others’ mistakes. It serves as an introduction to how TV shows are made, which, for a passionate actor, is motivation enough to keep moving forward in the industry.
Film Yourself
Since you will be working on TV, the casting directors need to see how you act and look on an actual screen, which is quite different from being on a stage or a live theater. By filming yourself on your phone or camera, you realize some weird expressions or looks you have not noticed before. It might be consistently blinking, raising eyebrows, or forgetting your lines. You can use the film to critique yourself on your audibility and identify ways to improve your performance.
Put Together a Showreel
Suppose an opening for a lead role in a TV show is advertised, and 2,000 people apply. It is up to the directors to come up with about 100 shortlisted actors to interview. Rarely would just a face appeal be enough for you to make the list. To be chosen, you must have an appealing CV, including your training and acting portfolio. Your showreel doesn’t have to be the most professional representation but should include the best instances demonstrating your talents.
Look for Casting Notices and Openings
You do not have to wait until you get a talent rep to start job hunting. Professional casting websites are constantly posting openings. They are free to sign up and are managed by professional casting directors. These online casting directories provide serious casting calls based on location and production type. You can also contact casting directors and producers to inquire about any openings and send out your resume.
Apply as a Contestant
With a fully assembled resume and confidence, you are ready to start making applications for an acting role. During an audition, there is a lot to prepare for, such as memorizing your lines, wearing the right outfit and color, calming nerve wracks, etc. When you are ready to take the leap, research the requirements and get everything ready before showing up. Directors will look for an actor embodying confidence, enthusiasm, and charisma.
Apply to Work as a Background Actor
Many prominent actors, such as Matthew McConaughey and Adrien Brody, started their careers by working as support actors. To land a background role, watch out for production calls and specific look-sees. Support actors have different auditions than the main actors as they are looking for people who have the potential to fit the bill visually as opposed to acting skills. Ensure you meet the criteria listed before applying for the role, such as age, physical aspects, and background work.
Build on Your Experiences
When you step out of the acting classroom and into the real acting world, it is time to build your experiences. Even the simplest tasks, such as playing extras, backstage manager, being part of live theater performances, or acting in commercials, are important, especially when you are new in the industry. Start by looking locally for workshops and theater openings and participate in all sorts of performances.
Conclusion
There is no single straight path to becoming an actor. Just because you don’t start with training does not mean that you stand no chance of having a potentially successful and fulfilling career in acting. The most challenging hurdle is the start, especially when you have little to no experience. Nevertheless, once the career wheels start rolling, it gets easier to keep it going.
