Top tips for acting career success

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There are many working and wealthy actors who really cannot act. You need to deal with that fact now and move on. And there are many brilliant actors who never get any work. Statistically, the odds are stacked against you from the start. Although it’s a cliché, like many clichés, it’s become so because it’s true – acting is a calling, a passion, something you must do. Even if you never get that phone call from Spielberg, accept that the joy of acting should be payment enough. Granted, it’s hard to make that one swing when the bailiffs come knocking.

Get an agent.

This is key. Unless you have one, you can pretty much forget about getting regular work, and instead look forward to a lifetime toiling in the service industry and providing the entertainment at children’s parties. Agents are connected up to the Matrix. A bit like Neo. You, on the other hand, are one of the sheep milling about aimlessly. Spotlight (www.spotlight.com) is the best place to start. Be prepared for knock-backs Acting is 10% work, 90% auditions, and this can be dispiriting if you don’t have rhino-levels of skin thickness. After a few ‘cattle call’ auditions featuring dozens of actors, you’ll need some serious self-belief to keep smiling. Never forget that casting directors have a specific idea in mind, so your monologue, no matter how impassioned, will cut no mustard if your face doesn’t fit.

Acquire the basics.

You need a headshot, CV, business card, photo cards and a demo reel. Again, without these, you’re just another wannabe who fancies being famous.

Network.

Always be networking. Keep your ear to the ground, talk to people in the business and try to meet people who can help you. Local theatre groups or film organisations can guide you to like-minded souls, or try volunteering at regional film festivals or applying for work experience at casting agencies. If you find people backing away from you at parties, you’re probably being a bit too enthusiastic.

Move to where the work is.

Yes, yes, we know, London is dirty, smelly and you have to live in conditions which Guantanamo Bay prisoners would call ‘a bit barren’ but personal sacrifice is a big part of chasing success. Move within striking distance as soon as you can.

Training.

Britain has a tradition of turning out fine actors and many of them have trained at one of the following establishments. The Central School of Speech and Drama (cssd.ac.uk) alumni include Judi Dench, James Nesbitt, Stephen Tompkinson Dawn French, and Christopher Ecclestone. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (www.rada.org) alumni include Michael Caine, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes and Jane Horrocks. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (www.lamda.org.uk) alumni include Jim Broadbent, Natasha McElhone, Kim Cattrall and Donald Sutherland.