Here are a few notes for you on establishing a good acting career:

- If you are new to show business and do not know where to go to for professional help, try to look around for reputable casting firms who could provide you with expert advice on how to evaluate your acting skill and what good roles may be suited for you.

- Make the most out of audition calls, since this is where you may be able to test yourself for roles that are available in the market.

- Sometimes it helps to work freelance, however, having an agent gives you more opportunities in landing opportunities for audition and casting calls. Take note that agents are the first ones to know of any available roles that are being cast for movies or shows.

- Choosing a good casting or agent is important, especially for amateur actors who still do not have much idea about how to scout for good acting roles. An agent can help you find the most suitable roles for you.
- There is always the risk of devoting too much time to balance between work and the demands of an acting career, especially when juggling a professional career and an acting venture.

- Always be sure to keep your word and always maintain a decent and professional demeanor. It does not matter whther you are an artist or not, you are still expected to maintain a professional air.

- Always make sure to prepare materials that you may need to promote yourself like audition tapes, resumes, headshots, portfolios, etc. Keep it handy all the time, you’ll never know when a good opportunity comes up.

- Always keep yourself updated and headstrong by joining acting workshops and advanced acting programs or projects that will help you continue to polish your acting skills, preparing you for better chances of landing good roles in the future.

- Make it a point to always put your best foot forward and always make sure that you are always ready to take on a variety of roles and characters, which is a good sign of your acting versatility and dynamic personality.

- Not everybody can make it successfully in an acting career, regardless of how hard one should try. Be ready to take on criticism and even skepticism, but taking it more of a constructive feedback rather than a disappointing twist.

- Always focus on things that you think that will always let you propel your acting career.

Part 2 under….

BSM: When an actor gets in the audition room, what qualities make you take notice?
MG: I immediately notice if an actor is prepared. That means doing the research before hand to know about the project, to research all the players (ie: director, writer, producer, casting) and to have a good sense of the character and material. It is always apparent if an actor is asking a well thoughtout question or if they are just asking a question to fill time and to stay in the room longer. I always tell actors, if you do all the necessary leg work, come in prepared, make a choice, and show your stuff. You can leave and feel good about what you’ve shown us. Of course, there is that certain ’something’ that is apparent immediately in some actors. Very few have it, but those that are blessed with that “IT” factor, can usually get away with more in the audition room because they are special enough for a CD to work with. There has to be a likability in any actor. I always say, ‘how can i watch this person the whole movie, how am I suppose to care about this person on screen .’ Most of the actors that have made the best impression on me have not been cast for that particular project. It is always 2 or 3 or 4 projects down the road and that first impression lasted enough for me to continue to bring them in and to find the right part for them.

You can read the rest of this fantastic interview here.

The most important thing you need to know about your acting career is you have to start somewhere. Most celebrities started playing small roles on television and in the movies before they got their big break. So if you plan to start your acting career, chances are you will have to endure the same thing until a director or executive producer sees that you are ready for a major role.

Getting Started

The first thing you have to ask yourself is whether or not you want to be a professional actor. This simply means that you have to be committed to it. This may mean sacrificing a bit and doing some things along the way just to move a step ahead. You might feel bad about doing it but it is a reality that happens.

Pack Those Bags

Once you have psyched yourself up, it is time to pack up your bags and move to a major city. You can either travel to New York or Los Angeles since most of the shows and box office hits are planned there.

Enroll in Acting Classes

Before a show or movie is made, hundreds of people come out for an audition. You might get lucky the moment you arrive but given that you don’t have any credentials yet, don’t count your eggs till they hatch. The best way to harness your acting skills will be to enroll in an acting class.

There are many places that host acting classes both in New York and Los Angeles. So you don’t waste your time, don’t be afraid to ask around or ask questions when you go around looking for one by talking to the speakers and most especially the students.

Tell the World Who You Are

When you are ready, it is time to tell the world who you are by sending out resumes and pictures of yourself.

Since there are so many producers and directors, it pays to read trade papers regularly like Variety or Backstage so you will know what movies are being made and where the casting is taking place. Since you are already there, try to request for an audition even if it is just a small part. Again, this is part of building your resume.

If there are special events in the industry or parties, make it a point to accept the invitation. This will also give you the opportunity to meet directors, producers and even the actors themselves.

Be Careful of Scam Artists

It is not easy to jumpstart your acting career especially when you are just starting out in the business. One thing you should be cautious about are scam artists that will tell you they can make you famous when all they will really do is steal your money or exploit you.

Some of these individuals may pretend to be talent agents and if they tell you to pay a certain amount upfront, run because they only get paid when they land you a job and not before.

Don’t Give Up

Being cast part of a show is like applying for a job. Sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t. If someone else is chosen, don’t feel bad because there will be other opportunities in the future.

While waiting, try to improve your skills some more by enrolling again in another class or looking for better opportunities elsewhere. You have to remember that people do not watch actors or actresses only on television or the big screen when there is also Broadway.

Proper training, persistence and patience are some of the virtues that you need in order for you to have a successful acting career.

Hundreds or even thousands of people audition just to play a part in a movie or show. Look at the interview with Sterling Knight who revealed he auditioned for a part in New Moon and High School Musical 4. He didn’t get the part in New Moon and doesn’t think he will get the part in HSM4, but he’s not giving up! And we know another role will come along for him because he has talent and experience. He is a good example of someone who kept and continues to get turned down for roles, but again…he doesn’t give up.

Another good example is American Idol that went across the country just to choose 24 finalists that will begin their season’s show. Talent and experience played a part for those who made it and this is the same for those who decide to pursue an acting career.

The Audition

Everyone knows that your big break in the entertainment industry begins with the audition. There are many held in different parts of the country and if you are a beginner with no training, you won’t do that well and chances are, you will just make a big fool of yourself. No offense. We are just trying to give it straight to you here and save you some heartache and disappointment.

Just think, how many times did you laugh when someone who tried to be the next American Idol wore a hideous costume or sang out of tune?  It may not be funny if you were the one in front of the camera but then again, that is what happens when you go in unprepared.

More under….

Get Some Experience

This is why people who want to become aspiring actors and actresses should think about enrolling in acting classes. Does everyone need acting classes? No, but it can give you confidence, experience and one leg up on your competition. And believe me, the competition out there if fierce!

You also want to get  involved in school plays or small productions because the experience you get there will be very useful when you decide to break out and let the world know who YOU are.

Your Portfolio

After attending a few classes and workshops, this is the time you need to take a few headshots and prepare your portfolio. When you go to an audition, this is what the casting director will be looking at as well as judging your performance.

You Don’t Get the Job, Now What?

If you don’t get the part, try to find work as an extra as this will give you a better understanding of how shows and movies are made. You may even get the chance to talk to the actors and actresses present so they can give you a few tips and pointers which you can use.

When you are ready, find out when there is an audition or casting call taking place. You can also get this through the web. Some of these charge people a fee just to look at the listings so before you pay a dime, find out if this site is really worth value for your money.

Part of being an actor is joining the union. This depends of course on which media you are specializing in so you could sign up with the Screen Actor’s Guild or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.Being a member will help you land a job whenever there is an opening and make sure you are paid correctly for the skills that you have provided.

Talent alone will not always guarantee that you get the part when you go for an audition. This is because most casting directors also look at your work experience.

Be Patient

If you want to a successful acting career, don’t jump in with your head first and expect to be a star overnight. You have to be patient just like an infant learning to walk for the first time. Be open minded and be willing to learn because being successful in this craft never ends.

You may not get this from reading books but by playing different roles and talking to those in the business.

What matters here is the hard work you are willing to put in and the fact that you will overcome whatever obstacles are thrown your way. And there will be obstacles! It’s all part of the business.

Here are some tips for pursuing an acting career:

1. Be prepare for everything. Prepare yourself physically. You have to look your best at your every audition. To achieve this, you have to take care of yourself. Improve both on your physical and mental capacity. It will also help if you will practice rehearsing dialogues or plainly, speaking in front of many people.

Your physical appearance is an investment and even though you may not like it, it does matter. It’s not beauty that matters, it’s the fact that you look like you take care of yourself and that you have self-confidence. We don’t all need to look like Angelina Jolie to have a successful acting career.

You must also be ready emotionally. You cannot get everything you want in an instant. You might experience a lot of rejections first even before you get your first callback. It will be best if while on the process of going through auditions, you have a part time job that can suffice your every day needs. You can also treat this phase as something fun and enjoyable. This way, you will not take the rejections too hard or too personal.

2. Learn the ropes. If you want to be taken seriously as an actor, present yourself as one. It will help if you will meet the right people, especially an agent who will represent you and find you audition schedules. You have to know where that action is taking place. You don’t necessarily have to live there. But it will be less expensive if you do. If you can find small gigs on the locations where the auditions are usually going on, then that will be much better.

Establish friendships with the people that you will meet along your audition rounds. You never know who will bring you luck and fortune in the future.

3. Be the master of the craft. Watch a lot of movies and learn how the actors attack their roles. Read aloud dialogues from scripts. Read books and references that can help you improve and where you can learn a lot from.

4. Be careful in hiring an agent. Do not believe those who will make you pay even if they still haven’t found you a job. That’s when they are supposed to get money from you. They get certain percentage as commission for the work that they helped you find. They are your allies. They must know your strong points so that they will instantly think of you for roles that fit you right.

Take all of these tips seriously and realize that the road may be rough, but if you keep pursuing your dream and you have a positive attitude, it can happen!