Can I still get discovered if I don't take acting classes?

Question:

I love acting and have always be a natural at it. I've never taken any classes because I didn't think it is necessary. Will I still be able to get discovered and get an agent?

ANSWER:

Here is something you should know. The acting industry is full of competition. It's really unbelievable how many people want to become actors. I'm sorry to say that most of those people either believe that they have what it takes, that they are just natural talents or they believe that they will somehow "get discovered". Others wrongly think that the first steps to starting an acting career are to get a headshot and an agent and that things will be easy after that.

The one sure way to eliminate most of the competition is to work harder than they do. Why? Because most people aren't willing to do what's necessary to be successful.

Know that if you want to get discovered, you have to make it happen. It doesn't happen by itself. The more prepared you are, the more likely it is to happen.

Here are two videos I think you should watch:

Sign up to watch:
The top 10 reasons why most aspiring actors never make it:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/an-acting-career.html

The second video is the biggest secret I learned while sitting outside
an audition that helped me to get 8 acting jobs in less than 10 weeks.
www.actingcareerquickstart.com

I hope that helps.

Should I go to LA to start acting?

Question:
Should I go to LA to start my acting career? Do you think it's a good idea?

ANSWER:

I suggest you go to LA if you are really ready to go there and know what to expect, otherwise I would say stay where you are, study acting, get some experience, build your resume, put some money aside, put together your career plan and then go. Sounds like a lot and maybe it's not what you want to hear Corey, but know this. There are so many people who go to LA to pursue an acting career and then never end up making it, because they weren't prepared. Then they end up doing something completely different.

This is my advice, starting at the top, starting with the best-quality advice I can give you and working down from there.

1. Invest in my brand new Acting Career Quick Start Home-Study Course. It's the first of its kind. Never been done. It literally walks you through the steps of starting an acting career with weekly videos. Go watch the presentation.
www.actingcareerquickstart.com

2. My book: Acting Career Start Up: Four Key Factors For Success
www.actingcareerstartup.com/start_acting_career.html

3. Start doing research around starting an acting career. This is free information on my website:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-career-research.html

4. Here is more free information about planning your trip to LA:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_classes_in_the_usa.html

www.actingcarerstartup.com has hundreds of pages of free information, but it's not structured in steps. If you know what information you are looking for, you can look for it and go get it and then leave. If you really want to have a chance at success, you will need something structured like what I listed in point number 1.

Whatever you do, make sure that you have a structured plan before you start. Know this. The harder you work to get started, the less competition you will end up having. Why? Because most people want to take the easy route. They don't want to study, market themselves and do all the things that are necessary. They just want to "get discovered". If you work hard and do the things they are not willing to do, you will eliminate them from your competition. It's that simple.

It's up to you. Thanks again and tell your friends about us!

Good luck!

Wanna get discovered?

Hi this is Tony, creator of ActingCareerStartUp.com.

"I wanna get discovered!" is one of the things I hear most often from young, aspiring actors and even older ones. The problem is that most people try and do that by navigating on the Internet and asking people, "Where can I find auditions?" or "Can somebody introduce me to an agent?" Usually that doesn't get them anywhere. Aside from the experience I have starting an acting career, I also know the acting industry and the acting business. And I know it takes a lot more than that.

That's why I created something that literally takes you by the hand and walks you through the process of starting an acting career and learning how to get discovered step-by-step.



Check it out!

Tony
Fellow Actor
and Creator of
ActingCareerStartUp.com
and
ActingCareerQuickStart.com

Starting an acting career

One of my website visitors to ActingCareerStartUp.com, a 20 year old young man from LA wrote to me to tell me that he read my book, he has read through my site, receive my regular emails and read both my blogs and after that he was hungry for even more help to start his acting career. He said he was hoping that I would come up with something that would take the help I was giving him to the next level. And... I did.






Check it out!

Tony
Fellow Actor and
founder of
ActingCareerStartUp.com
and
ActingCareerQuickStart.com

"I wanna be a famous actor!"

This is the cry of many youngsters who want to start an acting career.
There's nothing wrong with it. This video from ActingCareerStartUp.com
will make you think about it in a different way. Check it out.

For information about what the real first steps are to starting an acting career, visit www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-career-research.html.

I signed up for background work, but they're not calling me

QUESTION: I signed up with an agency in Toronto for background work, but they aren't calling me. Do you know why not?

ANSWER:

If you signed up with that agency for background work, they would know if there is any available. You would have to contact them directly and ask. If they are not calling you, there is a reason. It could be that there is no work for your type, maybe no films are shooting or your headshot and resume are not sufficient or haven't been received. Try and understand why you are not being contacted. BUT, first let some time pass. You should wait at least a few weeks. And then, the question is, "What's your plan for keeping in touch with them?"

http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/marketing-for-actors.html

Good luck to you!

Advice for mothers of child actors

QUESTION: Do have advice for the mothers of child actors?

ANSWER:

The more I do what I'm doing here on ActingCareerStartUp.com, the more I realize that these young kids who come here to visit need the support of their parents. That's one of the reasons why I put together pages like these:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/child-actor.html
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-career-research.html

I am just about finished building a home study program in which I will walk new actors and their parents through the steps I believe are necessary to be successful. It will be ready soon. If you agree, I will put you on the list so you can see what it is like.

Also, you might find these two video interviews helpful that I did with a youth talent agent and a teen acting teacher, both in Hollywood:

http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/youth-talent-agent.html
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/young-actor%27s-studio.html

And finally, have a look at this page:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/how_to_become_an_actor.html

I hope this helps. Would love to know how and if this information is helpful to you and/or what other type of information you would find helpful. Thank you and good luck with your child actor!

What should I be doing to start my acting career?

QUESTION:

What advice can you give me with regard to starting my acting career to make sure of having a good chance of succeeding?

ANSWER:

My best advice is that you do research, so that you really and truly understand what you are getting yourself into. Start here.

http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-career-research.html

I've been answering this question for the last three years and I realized that the best possible answer I could give is what I have just created. It's a home-study course that goes over 24 weeks and that, with videos of me explaining and showing new actors EXACTLY what they need to do and EXACTLY HOW TO DO IT. It is designed to have people already working as actors even before the course is finished. It will be ready in about two weeks. I'll put you on the list so that you know when it's ready.

I hope this has helped you.

How can I get Disney Channel auditions?

QUESTION: How can I get Disney Channel auditions?
And can I attend them if I am from another country?

ANSWER:

I believe that any nationality can attend auditions,
but you would have to check directly with the Disney people.
In addition, in order to work in the U.S., even as an actor
you need to be 'legal' and have a certain type of visa.
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/usa-visitor-visa.html

If it's Disney you want then have a look at this page. Maybe you already
saw it. This is my arsenal of information around Disney Channel auditions.
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/disney-channel-auditions.html

Also, you might want to think about this. I would advise you to set up a series of things you want to accomplish in LA when you are there and not just go for one Disney audition. Why do I say that? Because not just for you, but for all of us actors the chances of booking a job when there are thousands of people like you who want the same thing is very low. That's just the way it is. So if I were you, I would not put all my eggs in that basket.

You also mentioned that you will have "completed" you acting classes. I'm not sure how many classes you have taken, but studying to perfect your craft is something you are never finished with.

And lastly, think about your look, your accent (if it is different from an American accent) and what the Disney people are looking for right now in the way of casting. In other words, do you look like you would fit into some of the Disney programs you would like to be on? Do you speak like an American? If not, are you able to turn your accent on and off when you want? Have you learned how to do that? And how much do you know about what the Disney people are looking for? What kinds of types, people, kids are they casting for at the moment and for which shows? What kind of roles? What is your type?

Do you have your marketing materials up to date? Do you have a professionally done headshot that is like a headshot that casting directors in LA would be looking for? Is your resume formatted properly according to LA standards?

While you are there, could you take some other classes, try and get an agent? Do you know how to go about doing that? Are you familiar with LA and aware that you will need a car to get around? Do you have enough money set aside to be able to concentrate on your acting career fully for at least a year without having to work? What is your budget breakdown like? In other words, how much have you budgeted for your entire trip?

There are so many questions to ask Peace and so much to prepare. I think I gave you this page link, but here it is again:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_classes_in_the_usa.html

How can I make money to pay for acting classes?

QUESTION:

How can I make money to pay for acting classes? I'm looking for residual income opportunities.

ANSWER:

I can highly recommend your having a look at this video. It could literally change your life. Have a look at this page and then the video:

1. How to make money to pay for acting classes.

2. The system I used to build ActingCareerStartUp.com that is rapidly approaching 100,000 visitors per month now at the beginning of 2011.

Good luck!

How do I know if an acting school is a good school or not?

QUESTION:

How do I know if an acting school is good or not?

ANSWER:

I never heard of the acting school you mentioned. I did visit their website, however. There is basic information, but difficult to tell if they are a good acting school or not. Try contacting them and setting up an appointment together with your parents or one of them. Make sure you have a look at this page first that talks about how you can choose an acting school that's right for you:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-class.html

When you talk to them, ask for some names of some of their students that you can talk to privately together with your parents and let your parents and theirs talk too.

Also, here is an interview I did with actor an acting teacher Jeff Alan Lee who has a Hollywood acting school for teens. It might help you in your decision on choosing the right school and help you to understand what you can expect:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/young-actor's-studio.html

I hope that answers your question.

How do I send mailings to casting directors?

QUESTION:

First of all, great website thanks so much for this info. I would like to sent mailing to casting directors for my two children but now sure what to write in the cover letter. Also is it fine to send to production companies as well or do they get upset. One more question, thanks about the thank you letters never thought of that, but I will get started, is it okay to say something like: Thanks for the great experience it was fantastic meeting you/

Thanks again for all your help!

ANSWER:

First of all, here is a guide that I put together for parents of actors. You might have already seen it, but I'll give it to you again anyway.
Have a look at these two pages:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/child-actor.html

http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/child-actors.html

Secondly, have a look at this page with regard to cover letters:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-cover-letter.html

And absolutely yes on sending mailings to production companies! That is something that many don't think of. You can use my 12-Steps for that too:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/get-a-talent-agent.html

Thirdly, here is a video interview with a Hollywood youth talent agent that you might find interesting:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/youth-talent-agent.html

Lastly and again with regard to the cover letter, I would say that comments and thank you notes from you are good, which lets casting directors know that your children are well looked after. I would also say, however, that once your children are "old enough", which is something you have to decide, you might want to involve them in these things as well and have certain messages and thank-you's come directly from them. Why? For one it helps them begin to understand what they will have to do for their own careers. Secondly, in the eyes of the casting director I would think that it shows them a certain maturity in the child/teen, which could be an extra added bonus. It might influence them even if just a little bit more than the audition performance that they will be professional once the book the job. That will make the casting director look good in the eyes of the director.

I hope that answers your question.
Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

What is the audition process like for actors?

QUESTION:

What is the audition process for actors like from start to finish.

I like the way you think! That's a very intelligent question. I asked this very same question about the audition process five years ago in a question and answer session with a noted casting director in New York.

Last year I went to LA and interiewed a casting director and I asked her the same question. Here is the entire interview for you!
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/casting-director-gabrielle-evans.html

I hope that answers your question.

Good luck!

How can you get auditions without having proper acting training?

QUESTION: Hi I was just wondering, can you get auditions without having proper training as an actor? thanks for your help:)

ANSWER:

You can get auditions without proper training, but there are some things for you to take into consideration. One thing is that in order to be able to do a good job auditioning, you will have to know HOW to audition. Another thing is that unless you are just a natural talent, the casting director will be able to see that you are not trained and if so, there is a good chance you will not be chosen for the job. The third thing to know is that before you get called in for an audition, the casting director will want to see on your resume either that you have experience and/or that you have been training as an actor. If they don't see either, there is a good chance that you won't even be called in for the audition UNLESS it is for an extra job.

Here are more than 20 reasons why you should consider taking acting classes:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/taking_acting_classes.html

I hope I have answered your question.

Good luck!

How can I start acting?

Question:

How can I start acting? My mom supports me and I know I have what it takes. My friends tell me that I should be an actor, because I make people laugh and because I can change my body language easily. Please help me.

ANSWER:

The best advice I can give you is about to come. I'm putting together a home-study program. It will allow you to have me as your personal coach with video instruction and in which I tell you exactly what you need to do. The reason I have put this program together is because so many visitors to ActingCareerStartUp.com have asked that very same question.
Within the next few weeks I will be launching it.
Until then, have a look at this page:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-career-research.html.
There's a lot of great information on that page that will give you some good ideas as to what you can do first.

Also, you might want to have a look at this page:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/how_to_become_an_actor.html

Stay in touch with ActingCareerStartUp.com and I will have more things for you.

Good luck John!

Tony

How can I convince my parents to let me be an actress?

Question:

First of all, i love your website! its given me so much insight about acting. i couldn't stop reading! I visit this website everyday. I want to know how to have my parents support me in my interest in acting. Having them realize how important this is to me and how i want to give it my all to become an actress. I have little or no support. I'm 16 going on 17 and they don't take my passion for acting seriously. Every time i suggest having me take acting classes and seminars, they look the other way or just don't care about it. I feel like its going to be too late since I wanted to start early and young age. I know how beneficial that may be. I have all this opportunity to go out and gain the experience, but they won't help me in doing so. Please help me get my parents to understand. I really need their support to help me become the passionate, aspiring actress that i know i can be. thanks.

ANSWER:

Thank you for your kind words about my site. I'm glad you find it helpful.
I can suggest to you two things.
1. I put together two pages on the site about how to increase your chances of convincing your parents.
www.actingcareerstartup.com/convince_my_parents.html
and
www.actingcareerstartup.com/to_convince_my_parents.html

Read them both! It's not that you will necessarily be able to convince them 100%, but you will have a much better possibility if you do what I say in those pages.

2. Another thing you could do is to take them to this page and look at it together:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/child-actor.html. Maybe if you involve them in a way other than just saying, "I want to be an actress.", it might have a better chance of working for you.

The last thing I will tell you is that if you actually show them that you are serious about what you say you want, that will be stronger than any words you could possibly say.

I hope this helps. By the way, I am creating a product that will be available online soon about how to convince people of things. Keep checking ActingCareerStartUp.com for updates on that.

Good luck!

Tony

How can I audition for Disney if I live in South Africa?

The Question:

I would like to know if I can audition for Disney even if I'm a South African?

Hello,

first of all, thank you for visiting my site www.actingcareerstartup.com and for having faith that I can answer your questions.
Now to your question.

If you want to be on Disney, it will be a lot easier to have a chance if you are in Los Angeles. All the information I have about Disney Channel and where to find auditions, I have on this page:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/disney-channel-auditions.html.

If I were you, I would just try to start getting some acting experience where you are now. There are bound to be some acting schools where you can start out. Because even if you would contact someone from Disney and send them a picture, they have lots of girls already right there in LA, so you should at least know how to act and have some acting experience. Check out these acting schools in South Africa:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting-schools-in-south-africa.html

One more page you might find interesting is this one about how to make the money you need to be able to get to LA one day.
www.actingcareerstartup.com/how-to-start-acting.html

And this one about how to plan your trip and VISA information for the United States:
www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_classes_in_the_usa.html

Good luck and stay in touch with ActingCareerStartUp.com. Some of the information I send out, just might help you to reach your dream!

Tony