General Information for New Actors
While there are those that have a natural talent, talent alone does not make someone an actor. Beginning actors need focus on foundational skills and concepts to build their craft effectively and the professional business side to being an actor. The list below provides a general breakdown what beginning actors should be aware of and some of the most important areas to understand, whether it is for on the screen for commercials, tv or film, or on stage:
1. Acting Fundamentals:
Objective and Motivation: Every character has a goal (objective) and reasons behind their actions (motivation). Learn to identify and play these convincingly.
Subtext: Understand what your character is feeling or thinking beneath the lines of dialogue.
Authenticity: Strive to make performances believable and grounded in truth, even in fantastical settings.
2. Character Development
Research: Dive into the script, the character’s background, relationships, and circumstances.
Empathy: Develop the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective.
Physicality: Learn how to embody a character through posture, gestures, and movement.
3. Voice and Diction
Projection: Speak clearly and loudly enough for the audience to hear you.
Articulation: Work on pronunciation and clarity of speech.
Expressiveness: Use tone, pitch, and pacing to convey emotion and intention.
4. Improvisation
Improvisation helps develop quick thinking, adaptability, and creativity—key skills for any actor.
5. Listening and Reacting
Acting is about responding naturally to others in the scene. Practice active listening and genuine reactions.
6. Stage vs. Screen
Stage Acting: Requires exaggerated movements and projection for the audience to see and hear you.
Screen Acting: Requires subtle expressions and gestures, as the camera captures every detail.
7. Discipline and Professionalism
Punctuality: Always be on time for rehearsals, auditions, and performances.
Preparation: Know your lines, cues, and blocking thoroughly.
Collaboration: Be respectful and cooperative with directors, cast, and crew.
8. Auditioning Skills
Learn to present yourself confidently, deliver a polished monologue, and take direction during auditions.
9. Continuous Learning
Take acting classes, study other performers, and seek constructive feedback to refine your craft.
10. Resilience
Acting involves rejection and criticism. Develop a thick skin and a positive attitude to keep improving.
To expand on this further, beginning actors need a mix of physical materials and resources to support their training, auditions, and performances. Here's a list of basic essential materials:
1. Training Tools
Scripts and Monologues: A variety of scripts for practice, including comedic, dramatic, and contemporary pieces.
A great source: http://www.whysanity.net/monos/
Acting Books: Classic texts like An Actor Prepares by Stanislavski, The Actor’s Art and Craft by Hagen, or Audition by Michael Shurtleff. There are loads of phenomal text books that provide valuable information.
Acting Classes or Workshops: In-person or online courses to develop foundational skills. Do ensure that you are studying from a reputable coach. Classes go on your acting resume. Workshops sometimes do and sometimes do not.
2. Audition Materials
Headshots: High-quality, professional photos that showcase your look and personality.
Acting Résumé: A concise document listing your training, experience, special skills, and contact information.
Acting Reel: A short video compilation of your best work (ideal for more experienced beginners).
Audition Outfits: Neutral, well-fitting clothing that highlights your features and doesn’t distract from your performance.
Portfolio Folder (optional): While we now are in a digital age and most audition request are video submissions from your home, there still may be a need for hard copies of your headshots with your résumé stapled to the back.
3. Performance Tools
Rehearsal Journal: To take notes on character development, blocking, and feedback.
Recording Device: For self-taping auditions or reviewing rehearsals. Your cellphone is ok to use!
Props: Basic items (e.g., plain clothing or small props) for practicing or self-taped auditions. Do not use costumes for auditions but clothing that provides an idea of what your character is.
Mirror or Camera: To practice facial expressions, gestures, and blocking.
4. Voice and Body Essentials
Vocal Warm-Up Tools: Apps, tutorials, or guides for practicing diction, breath control, and projection.
Movement Clothing: Comfortable attire like yoga pants or sweatpants for physical exercises.
Shoes: Neutral, non-distracting footwear for rehearsals and auditions.
5. Networking and Self-Promotion
Subscription to Casting Sites: Platforms like Actors Access, Casting Networks or Backstage to find auditions.
Business Cards: Simple, professional cards with your contact details and links to online profiles.
Website or Online Portfolio: A personal site with your headshots, résumé, reel, and contact info.
Social Media Profiles: Platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals.
6. Personal Development Materials
Notepad/Planner: To track auditions, class schedules, and call times.
Self-Care Supplies: Hydration (water bottle), snacks, and stress-relief items (e.g., yoga mat, mindfulness apps).
Exercise Tools: Resistance bands or weights for building physical endurance.
Optional but Useful
Scene Partners: A reliable friend or classmate for practicing lines and scenes.
An Actor’s Résumé
An actor’s résumé is a concise document tailored to highlight your acting experience, training, and skills. It should fit on one page and be attached to the back of your headshot.
1. Contact Information
Name: Your name/stage name, prominently displayed at the top.
Contact Info: Phone number, email, and your agent or manager’s contact (if applicable).
Website/Portfolio: Include a professional site or link to a reel, if available.
Union Affiliations: Indicate if you’re a member of SAG-AFTRA, Equity, SAG-E, etc.
2. Professional Experience
List roles in a three-column format, with your most recent projects at the top:
Role | Production Title | Director/Production CompanyCategories:
Theater: Include plays, roles, and theaters.
Film/TV: List projects, role types (e.g., lead, supporting), and production companies.
Commercials: Use “Available upon request” unless specifically asked for commercial credits.
Voiceover/Other: Include voice acting, web series, or other projects.
Extra work does NOT go on your resume. While background work is great on set experience, it is not acting work, and does not go onto your acting resume.
3. Training
List classes and instructors or schools. Include the focus, such as scene study, voice, movement, or improv, etc.
4. Special Skills
Highlight unique abilities relevant to acting, such as:
Languages and accents.
Athletic skills (e.g., martial arts, dance, sports).
Musical talents (e.g., singing range, instruments).
Technical skills (e.g., stunt work, stage combat, driving).
Be honest—only list skills you can perform on demand!!
One more piece of advice, be sure to utilize the website Backstage.com for aditional invaluable information. (I am not affiliated with them in any way, execept that I use them for my own acting needs). There are years of information from industry professionals including casting directors, agents and managers who offered their time to provide actors information for a better chance of success.
