Getting an acting job is not an easy process. It takes a lot of preparation, dedication, and grit. There are so many websites, blogs and social media influencers that take on this topic and sometimes you just need a simple explanation.
Booking a Gig in 4 Steps
Step 1 - Submit to a Casting Call
Casting calls can be found on various platforms on the internet like Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Calls America just to name a few. They can also be found on local audition and theater FaceBook pages. The Casting Director generally wants you to submit a headshot, a resume, and an acting reel to make sure you are a close fit for their project before they even ask you to audition. If your age, ethnicity, hair, eyes, build, experience, and location are in the ballpark of what they are looking for you will make it to Step 2.
Step 2 - The Self Tape
If the Casting Director liked your submission they will provide you with part of a scene (called sides) and instructions to film a self tape. A self tape is just that, a video of you acting out the scene the CD provided you. Self tapes have become much more the norm since COVID and actually save all parties involved extensive time and money. Actors no longer have to drive to an office or studio, wait in line, be called in to a room to perform 2 lines and then drive home. However, self tapes have also taken auditions to a new level since you can now prefect your performance prior to submission.
Step 3 - The Live Audition
When the CD reviews your tape and they like what they see, Congrats! You have moved to Step 3, a live video or in person audition. At this point it is Production's call on what you will perform for the audition. In come cases you can go straight to booking from Step 2 and in others you may have to repeat this step for additional production staff or producers etc....
Step 4 - You Are Booked!
It is not too often that you actually find out that you didn't get the gig, you generally just don't hear either way from the CD. But on occasion you will get an email or a phone call that says you've been cast! Congrats! All of your hard work had paid off. Now, payment? That is a different article all together.
For a much more detailed guide to getting an acting job I suggest you check out my acting coach, Jonna Volz's, at home acting workshop. How To Get A Gig. It's a great place to get started in the business.
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