There are many ways to become an actor, from a well laid out plan to sheer luck to complete accident. I planned my way into acting and I thought I would share the steps I took.
Step 01: Acting Classes
I signed up for two acting classes even before I got to Atlanta and started my first class on January 12th. Along with improving your skills as an actor, it’s a great way to start building your resume and show casting directors that you are serious about your craft.
Step 02: Networking
I started networking my second week in Atlanta. I started by going to Film Bar Mondays and then went to every networking event I could find that had anything to do with the film industry. Networking, by far, was the best investment I made in my acting career.
Step 03: Headshots
After realizing that acting was something I wanted to pursue, I found the headshot photographer that I wanted to use and made an appointment for a consultation.
Step 04: Submitting to Casting Calls
With a thin resume and professional headshots, I started submitting to casting calls.
Step 05: Found Representation
I actually did this way sooner than I should have. Luckily, there were a few agencies that lacked talent on their roster that looked like me. So, with acting classes, skills and no credits, I signed with an agency. But everything I did my first year, I could have done without an agent and many actors do.
Step 06: Booking Roles
This is the hardest step. It took my about 12 auditions before booking my first role, but many actors can go for months or even years without booking. The secret is to constantly improve your craft and auditioning with practice and classes. I also take my auditions very seriously, taking lots of time to prepare for an audition.
Now that I have 19 credits on my resume, have a decent IMDb, and a decent reel, I can focus on bigger projects, SAG projects, and mainstream projects.
Simon Shih 