Being an artist—whether a singer, actor, dancer, poet or any other type—offers unique experiences, such as stepping into someone else’s shoes and performing for people in various emotional states. To excel in this, you need to put yourself on hold and fully embody the character assigned to you. Master all that is expected from you by the crew and the audience.
It’s crucial to thoroughly understand your character so you can bring it to life for the audience. Prepare for your role by researching your lines and being ready to take direction. Be flexible, willing to take risks, try new things, and adapt to changes in the script or production.
Many people don’t develop their craft, but as an actor, you must continuously work on your skills, such as improvisation, character development, and emotional expression. Keep your body fit, especially if you’re involved in physical theatre. Take care of your physical and mental health, as acting can be demanding.
Network and market yourself by attending auditions, workshops, and industry events to meet other actors, directors, and casting agents. Be professional, stay humble, show up on time, be respectful to colleagues, and maintain a positive attitude on set. Offer unique perspectives, share your insights and ideas, and be open to collaboration.
Embrace auditions and rejection, as not every audition will lead to a role. Learn from each experience and move forward. Stay curious and seek new experiences, roles, and challenges to grow as an actor. Love what you do, remember why you started acting, and enjoy the process of bringing characters to life. Acting is a journey, and with dedication, passion, and hard work, you can succeed in this exciting and rewarding field.
Always trust your talents, instincts, and impulses in the moment. Act naturally and get better at behaving privately in public. [20 May 2024]