So you have always enjoyed being in the limelight and indulging in college plays, but you’re wondering how you actually become an actor. Well here’s a few tips and guidelines to show you precisely what is involved.

Before you even start to contemplate a career in acting you are going to require some training. It’s easy to become a lackluster performer but to become a superb one it needs a bunch of time, commitment and stamina, and for people to treat you with respect you are going to need formal coaching and a chunk of paper to prove it.

Where to Begin
Your primary step thus is to do classes at one of the authorized performing arts schools in the United Kingdom or attend a Varsity where you can do a qualification in drama. A BSc will take 3 years and a Msc will take 1 year. A Varsity course is more educational than practical, and a degree could help if you would like to apply for other drama related jobs like stage boss, television production helper or drama teacher, for example.

Acting school is a good place to start for any expectant actor since they are going to take people of any age. The courses usually last 2 – 3 years. Once you apply for a place at drama school you will be required to attend an audition. At drama schools like the Bristol Old Vic, you'll be asked to perform a solo excerpt from a classical piece, another from a modern play and a simple, unaccompanied song. You'll also get given a short piece to read on the day and this will be followed by a quick and informal chat, in which time you get to ask any questions you might have. If you're successful at this point you'll be recalled for a radical one day audition. From this recall a short list is compiled of successful candidates who will be offered a place. Drama schools are always over subscribed, so you do have to give it your best shot.

Qualities needed

Good communication talents
Articulate speech
Good vocabulary and experience of language
Ability to interact well with others
Good memory and capability to focus
Great timing abilities
High energy levels
Physical capability

The easy way to prepare for acting college

1. Be obsessed and determined, perceptive, and adaptable
2. Get some good black and white photographs taken, professionally if possible. Called ‘headshots ‘ these will form an element of your portfolio
3. Prepare a good CV or resume with a creative and creative bias. You can start by including references to school plays, talent shows or singing competitions which can be replaced as and when you get any further acting roles
4. Practice 2 monologues, one classical and one modern, till you know them inside out
5. Ensure your money affairs are pretty healthy as this career will drain you from the word go. Most actors are jobless for most of the time, particularly after graduation

What to do after graduation
Having worked hard and graduated from performing arts school is only the start. You’ll notice that job offers are not landing on your doormat. You now need to find an agent to represent you and also to aid in building up your Cv so you are prepared for your online job search. The agent will represent you and suggest you for roles, taking a commission of around 10%. But recall it's not a question of sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring, you'll need to get your face out there and get yourself known.

Look after your appearance and keep in fine shape, after all you will need a large amount of stamina for this job. Go to as many auditions as you can and do not be too content to accept any ‘extras ‘ work. Get involved in your local community, budget productions and plays. Subscribe to online versions of trade mags such as Hollywood Report and, if you can, subscribe to the actors union Equity. Watch a spread of flicks, attend film festivals and read all you can about the business. Network among chums and their acquaintances and just often get yourself out there.

Ad-hoc approach
There is nothing to prevent you from making your own content, filming it using whatever resources you have, and posting it on sites like YouTube to let the world know you have arrived.

Eventually, be prepared to take on other work whilst still chasing your acting career. Ensure you are educated and attend as many short courses as you are able to afford, to keep your talents well honed. Good luck!

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