How to Break into Acting While in College Without Any Experience?
Entertainment is a glamorous world, but it does not always require a long and impressive resume. Many aspiring actors, including famous names like Mary Kate and Ashley Osbourne, started their careers without extensive experience. Bill Mumy and Ron Howard were no exception, honing their skills and taking their first acting steps long before they made it to your Lost in Space and Happy Days.
For most child actors, their paths are often influenced by the involvement of their parents who leverage their social and professional connections to secure roles for their children. While being a part of this equation is beneficial, the professional world of acting is more about tapping into your natural aptitude and readiness to learn.
However, for those of you who are entering college, you are at an optimal stage to begin building a foundation for your acting career. Here are some steps and tips to help you break into the acting world with a fresh and eager perspective.
Gain Experience: What You Can Do
The first and foremost step in gaining the experience you need is to get involved. The best way to do this is by taking all the acting classes that your college offers. Many universities provide opportunities for students to participate in community theatre productions, student films, and other theatrical endeavors, which can serve as a stepping stone to more professional opportunities.
Additionally, don't shy away from auditions. Even if you feel unprepared, taking on minor roles in short films or community plays can provide you with invaluable experience. These opportunities might be limited to community theaters or university film programs, but they are often a crucial first step towards more significant roles. Each audition you participate in is a chance to showcase your talent, build your confidence, and grow as an actor.
Broaden Your Skill Set
Improvisational performance (improv) can be an incredible way to hone your improvisational and comedic skills. You can join an improv or sketch comedy troupe, or take a class in improv to build your natural ability to think on your feet and be spontaneous.
Furthermore, it is essential to read and understand different acting methodologies. Stanislavski's An Actor Prepares is a highly regarded and historically critical text, although it can be challenging to digest. Similarly, any work by Lee Strasberg (Meisner's "On Acting") or Stella Adler is crucial. Engaging with these resources can help you develop a deeper understanding of the craft and improve your acting skills.
Read, Reflect, and Act
Another crucial step is reading scripts. Scripts are the blueprint of any story, and understanding them can greatly enhance your ability to portray characters convincingly. You can find scripts online, at the public library, or purchase them like you would any book.
Lastly, don't be afraid to take the initiative and create your own stage or on-screen productions. Starting a YouTube channel or putting on a locally produced play can get you exposure and experience that would otherwise be unavailable to you. Guiding your efforts with the help of an acting teacher or coach can be incredibly beneficial but remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.
Conclusion
Breaking into the acting world while in college is a challenging but rewarding journey. With the right mindset, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you can build a solid foundation. Start by taking acting classes and auditioning for roles. Build your skills through improv, reading, and self-produced projects. Most importantly, have fun, and enjoy the journey of becoming an actor.