If you don’t have time during the school year to take acting classes, a summer drama camp may be a good alternative. If you want personalized acting instruction, you might talk to your parents about hiring an acting coach who can work with you one-on-one to improve your skills.

Try to play a large variety of types of roles. Doing so will it give you an opportunity to stretch your acting skills and will also showcase your impressive acting range to casting directors. Don’t think that you need to go to L. A. or New York in order to jumpstart your acting career. There are many other markets and opportunities out there that you can take advantage of. Although, L. A. , New York and Chicago will likely give you more free range of roles, auditions and classes. [3] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.

Don’t tell your parents that you want to become an actor just because you want to be famous or rich. Have some good reasons ready, such as you love telling stories or have fun creating characters, so they’ll take you seriously.

It’s important to choose the right photographer for your headshots. Ask for recommendations if you have friends or acquaintances in the acting field. Otherwise, visit websites for photographers in your area, and study their online portfolios to get an idea of the quality of their work. Especially early in your acting career, a headshot that pops is important because it’s a huge part of your acting portfolio. [7] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.

To find an agent, research the top talent agencies in your area. You want to make sure that you’re working with a reputable agent, who doesn’t ask for any money upfront. Many talent agencies allow you to apply online. However, it’s a good idea to meet with a potential agent in person before you and your parents commit to working with them. If you live in a rural area where it’s difficult to find an agent, that doesn’t mean you can’t act. It just means that you need to look for work through trade publications, such as Backstage, and online casting sites, so you can identify local acting opportunities. In some cases, agents won’t take you on as a client until you have some professional acting credits to your name. You may want to find a few jobs on your own (or with your parents’ help) before trying to land an agent.

In most cases, a form is required to get a work permit. You’ll need to provide parental consent, as well as other information depending on the state. Your health and school records are usually required.

These sites usually charge a fee, so you’ll need to discuss joining them with your parents.

Videos of school play and regional theater performances are ideal content for your YouTube channel. Local commercials or TV appearances are also a good idea because agents or casting directors outside your area probably haven’t seen them. If you’re feeling creative, you can also post original short films that help showcase your acting ability.

If you’re not sure what monologue(s) to prepare, consider some of your favorite movies – there’s bound to be a piece in one of them that will work. It’s usually best to choose an age-appropriate monologue. If possible, find one that’s delivered by character who’s as close to you in age as possible. Try to master at least two monologues that tonally contrast with each other and also aren’t too well-known or frequently performed. That way, you can showcase your acting range without automatically being compared to others. [12] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.

Many casting directors won’t mind if you hold your script or sides during your audition. However, it’s best if you don’t read directly from it. Instead, just glance at it occasionally to remind yourself of the lines.

Make sure to project confidence during your audition. If you don’t believe that you’re good enough for the part, the casting director probably won’t either.

If you realize at some point that you’re no longer having fun pursuing an acting career, talk to your parents. You shouldn’t keep at it if it only makes you feel bad about yourself. And maybe if you cant do these things at school then maybe start a little drama club for you and your friends!