There are many ways to go about finding a career in acting but first step would be to expose yourself to the real life of actors right from their initial struggling days to after they have become Super Stars. The real life. Not what you see on screen or in media . You can do that using them as a subject and by researching on them, speaking to some of them or people who have worked with them, reading on them, their lives, biographies. etc. This will give you an idea of what it takes to live and exist as an actor.
Next step is to be honest with yourself and ask - Besides talent, creativity, confidence, Do you have all that it takes to survive as an actor in worse days and best days? Yes, there are plenty of other skills and requirements that are needed which you will become aware of once you have done some research on the real life of actors.
If the Answer is yes, then go about training yourself - Acting courses are plenty. Choose wisely. Along with the course or while still doing it, try and participate in theatre plays or modeling jobs or acting in some TVCs, short films, documentaries, etc. Whatever comes your way. Do not divert your attention to start looking for this work actively just yet. This participation in work is only to give you a taste of working as an actor with a professional team and atmosphere outside of your acting school. You are not ready yet to join the profession of acting. Also, start analyzing how audiences are reacting to you as an actor, a face, a personality. Use it to gauge your strong and weak points and work on them. Be it dialogue delivery, posture, voice throw, grooming, gestures, facial expressions, etc.
Once you are finished with your course, get a nice portfolio clicked. Portfolio that gels with your real personality. Do not try to project something you are not. Eventually, people will meet you and realize that your portfolio is not your portfolio but the photographer's portfolio. That should never happen. Be yourself. Honesty is the best calling card. And if you have not done any film work as an actor before or during your acting course, then make a video showreel.
Make contacts with industry people - fellow struggling actors, casting directors, assistant directors, production people, spot boys, make up men, etc. Start collecting information of casting notices and auditions. Go for as many auditions as possible. Be nice and kind and bear absolutely no attitude or grudge. Make friends. Help people when you can. It is a small industry and just like life and karma, every thing that goes around, comes around.
One of those days, you will get a break. Make the most of it, no matter what it is. Smallest of work, smallest of films, smallest of part is not small for you. Work hard, give it your best shot. You may have to do that for the next 3-4 years. Maybe more, maybe less.
Maybe you will get noticed with the very first acting job you ever do. Maybe you will eventually become a superstar and roads will be named after you post your death. Maybe you will never get noticed and despite all your hard work, best efforts and roles in super blockbuster films, you may die an unsung, unrecognized, unwritten about, financially poor actor. In any case, you will be an actor and would have lived your life doing what you love, cherish and respect.
If you are ready for that life, you can read this again and start with the first step.
I wish you the best of luck for any choices you may make in your life.
Regards
Amit Mehra
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Great tips, Laura Hammer! Must-read post for actors, writers, directors, etc.!
Speaking as a writer, I am always thinking of the actor when writing, both the emotional and physical challenges of a scene, and sometimes adding brief contextual notes is helpful in historical drama.