Many youngsters come to NYC every year with dreams of starring in a hot new play or a Broadway musical. They eagerly await the moment when they will be discovered by a casting director or a producer who will fall in love with their looks and ask them to star in their new TV show or movie. Of course, New York provides a lot of opportunities. Nevertheless, it is still a tough place to succeed, with all the competition that exists in the industry. These dreams won’t come true without hard work, a network of the right people, and the following tips!
Don’t Be Too Proud
The initial journey is going to be tough for anyone who wants to make a career in acting in NYC. You will have to take up any acting part that comes your way, no matter how small it might seem.
Turning down small offers, especially during the initial stages, can fill you full of regret, especially when you start struggling to pay for the high rent rates NYC is known for. Things may ease out if you have five roommates, but you will still need to bring in the money.
If you are finding it too difficult to make ends meet, especially while auditioning, try looking out for some side gigs that can help you earn some money. For instance:
- You could be a dog walker or a canine companion if you are an animal lover.
- You can complete a few everyday chores and errands for people who don’t have the time.
- You could even start writing blogs as a freelance writer.
Speaking of Auditions…
It might not be easy to even land on an audition when you’re just starting out. If you do land on one, it will be tough to nail it, unless you really stand out. Here is a checklist you might want to focus on if you want to win every audition that comes your way:
a. Be Confident
Hold your head high, no matter how nervous you are feeling. Focus on your posture and body language. Don’t forget to smile.
b. Ask Questions
Let your curiosity and smartness shine through your words, as you interact. Avoid giving one-word answers. Ask important but relevant questions that will help you collect information.
c. Make the Connection with the Reader
Auditioning is not all about delivering the dialogue; it is also about making a connection with the reader. Familiarize yourself with the script and memorize the material so that you don’t lose eye contact with the reader.
d. Understand the Characters
Go through the entire script and read it a couple of times to make sure you understand the characters in it. Determine the purpose of the role in the particular scene before you start delivering your dialogues. Make sure you adopt the right body language and the tone of voice.
Stay in School
Acting is a continuous learning process with no end to it. Of course, you will evolve as an actor with every role that you take up; but it is also essential that you get trained in the right way. It, therefore, makes sense to join an acting school.
It is not just the beginners; even professional actors find it an excellent investment to join an acting class. Start looking for some of the best acting schools in New York that can help you develop and train. Here is why you should:
- To understand how to read a text
Reading a text is not as easy as it sounds. You need to identify the hidden clues in it if you want to understand the characters. A good acting class can help you develop that skill.
- To get exposure to various styles of acting
Developing as an actor is all about understanding the various theories and practices that can help you prepare for a character. Acting classes will not only help you be aware of these methods; they will also help you come up with your own unique style of acting.
- To achieve performance versatility
Every person comes with his own set of limitations when he is starting a career in acting. You must be aware of such limitations and understand how to overcome them if you want to become a versatile actor. An acting class can make this possible for you.
Don’t Give Up
Acting can be a very tough career, especially if you are starting out in NYC. There will be a lot of obstacles for you to overcome. But if you join a good acting class, you will soon learn the various ways to tackle these and develop as an actor.
