The art of theatre
This week, we’re delighted to share with you Answers user and resident theatre expert, AmyJane. In the first of two blog posts, we’d like to introduce her to you and showcase her amazing tips on making it in acting.
A resident of
She has been acting for over ten years in various high school, community, college and professional productions as well as working as an entry level theatre technician (light & sound board operation, stage management and backstage crew). In the last couple years she diversified her theatre resume to include working as a director, a film extra, a producer, a voiceover actor and a teacher.
She has diplomas in Theatre Performance and continues to attend workshops to learn and to improve her craft. “I find that many people don’t realize how much work goes into the job of being an actor, they just want to be famous - but being famous is not a job,” she insists.
So enough of us, over to AmyJane. Here’s her low down on taking to the stage…
How do I get into acting?
“If you are looking to start an acting career, than there are a few harsh realities that you will have to accept right off the bat. Acting may be fun, but it is not easy. Don’t do this because you think it’s an easy ticket to fame or fortune. It isn’t.”
“Not many people can make a living off of just acting work, because for every 20 auditions you get you may get one callback, and for every ten callbacks you may get one job. It is an industry with cutthroat competition! You’ll need dedication, talent, a tough skin, passion, luck and industry connections to get the work - with no guarantees of financial success.”
“Now if all these facts are fine with you, than good - you’re on the right track. But you’ll still need a lot more than just headshots and an address to a studio for casting calls. It’s best to start an acting career, the same way you’d start a career as a doctor or lawyer, or anything else - with an education.”
Do I need qualifications?
“Most post-secondary schools have scholarships or grants (money you don’t have to pay back); you’ll have to contact the individual school you’re interested in for more information. Ask for the financial aid department and somebody there should be able to help you. You can also look into scholarships and grants given by your high school or community.”
“The government may also have money for schooling available to you (but I don’t suggest getting a student loan for acting, as you’ll most likely have a very hard time paying it back). You should start saving your money ASAP and begin looking into free money as soon as possible, so that you make sure you have enough time to work on all the requirements (essays, references, etc).”
How important is experience?
“While you’re taking the weekend workshops, six-week intensives, or eight semesters of school, you’ll also want to get experience. Take anything and everything that comes your way. In the beginning no role is too small. Try acting in different mediums - stage and film - even if you’re passionate about one in particular. You’ll learn more from being in productions than classes (at least that was my experience), but this is only true if you have a solid foundation of the skills and techniques that you get with good training.”
In part two, read AmyJane on…
How do I audition?
How long does it take to ‘make it?’
How do I pay the bills?
Why should I try to become an actor?
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[…] week, we were proud to share with you amazing Answers user and resident theatre expert, AmyJane. In the second of two blog posts, we’d […]