The best acting is instinctive. It’s not intellectual, it’s not mechanical, it’s instinctive. – Craig MacDonald

Every actor forges their own path to stardom. These nine essential pointers will assist you in establishing yourself as an industry professional:

1. Make a schedule.

The best way to use the time between jobs and auditions is to work on improving your skillset. Create a routine that resembles a typical workday: Begin each day at the same time and devote yourself to improving various aspects of your craft.

Include voice work, full-body conditioning, and script reading in your daily routine. Maintaining a consistent routine will improve your skills and put you in the best position to ace your next audition.

2. Make connections with other industry professionals.

Working in major industry hubs can be less intimidating for new actors if they make friends with other actors. In the entertainment industry, networking within your peer group is invaluable. You should also network with aspiring directors who might be interested in casting you in their next film or theatrical production.

When networking, look for potential connections that you have with other professionals that are not related to entertainment. Cultivating a friendship while networking can have a significant impact on your personal and professional development.

3. Collaborate with your peers to create.

When you find a group of like-minded creatives in the entertainment industry, think about how you can collaborate for free or on a shoestring budget. You can put on a live theatre performance if your group includes actors, screenwriters, and directors.

If you have a friend who has a camera and lighting setup, you and your friends can make a short film or web series centered on your apartment. Aside from creating new work, you can also get together with your fellow actors for character studies, table reads, and rehearsing. Your new acquaintances have the potential to become a fully realized creative team.

4. Look for representation.

While new actors are usually not on the radar of major talent agencies, you can join a smaller acting agency. Affiliating with a talent agent can help you get auditions, but you’ll need to do your homework to make sure the agency is a good fit for your needs.

Talk to current clients, look for feedback online, and ask your peers and acting teacher if they have any experience with the agency. If you want to write and perform, you should look for a manager.

Managers may be a better fit for writers and directors, but they can also help balance an actor’s entire portfolio. It’s worth noting that agents and managers typically charge at least 10% of your gross earnings on a project.

5. Be respectful to casting directors.

Casting directors are always looking for new and experienced actors to fill their clients’ casting needs. When submitting headshots and resumes to casting directors, be courteous and professional.

As a general rule, it’s best to maintain a professional relationship in order to avoid giving the impression that you’re just trying to befriend them in order to get the job.

6. Enroll in classes.

Acting is a craft that requires repetition, reevaluation, and fine-tuning. Taking group classes or online acting classes can be a great way to sharpen your acting skills in between jobs and auditions. These classes can help you improve your skills while also introducing you to new people.

7. Get some practice in front of the camera.

Many actors start their careers in live theatre, which requires different performance techniques than on-screen acting. The camera exaggerates detail; what appears to be a subtle facial expression may appear to be over-the-top when scrutinized by the camera.

Record your next rehearsal with your phone, then review your on-camera acting work to better understand how your face and body language project onscreen.

8. Be punctual.

Arrive within fifteen minutes of the scheduled meeting time, whether it’s an audition room, a rehearsal, a film set, a talent agent’s office, or the first day of drama school. Being on time demonstrates professionalism and shows the other party that you value their time. Arriving late for a rehearsal or audition can make you appear unprofessional and agitated, jeopardizing your ability to perform at your best.

9. Look after your mental health.

Show business is a cutthroat industry that is rife with rejection. You may have to audition dozens of times before receiving a callback, so it’s critical to boost your confidence so that you can handle rejection and criticism about your performance better.

Practicing meditation, yoga, or mindfulness exercises is an excellent way to help balance job-related stressors. If you notice a significant change in your attitude, sleeping patterns, or eating habits, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

With today’s technology, there are many educational options available online! CelebritySchool is pleased to announce that the outstanding Nawazuddin Siddiqui will teach an online acting course to students and aspiring actors. Enroll now.