How to act on stage or in a theatre production?
Go and watch as many plays as you can. Make it a regular thing to go to the theatre. Not only can you analyse performances, you also get the chance to brush shoulders with industry professionals. This doesn’t just mean West End shows, support local theatre. After all, getting involved with local fringe theatre will help you build your foundations and for many, fringe theatre acts as a stepping stone onto bigger theatre venues.
You can also write your own material and see if you can get it on at a local fringe theatre. Join a local theatre group or a rep company.
Head shots and Showreels
Once you’ve started going to acting classes and training, the next step is getting the right headshot which shows the real you. When making a showreel, think about the characters you’d like to get cast as. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t got any professional material to begin with. Get a showreel made. However, get a good quality showreel so that it almost looks as if it could be from a professional TV production.
How do I get an Acting Agent?
We’ve all got to start somewhere. Send your head shot and showreel to agents and tell them where you’re training. Start small and local if you don’t have any acting credits. Once you build your credits, you can work your way up. Having an agent is a big step towards becoming an actor, but that doesn't mean you should let them do all the work for you. Be a go-getter and find your own opportunities too.
Shila Iqbal is an actor who has starred in Eaten by Lions, Emmerdale and Playhouse Presents.
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