Welcome to "So You Want to Be an Actor"

Hello! I'll do my best to help new and working actors avoid some of the problems I faced when I started professionally acting over a decade ago. And the problems I'm currently going through! This is by no means a comprehensive list, but I'll try to share tips I found helpful, and traps I fell face-first into. If you have a question or topic you'd like answered, please reach out to me through my Contact page. 

Here are a few thoughts if you’re thinking about taking the plunge into acting.

You don’t have to be a professional actor to act! If you love acting but don’t have a burning desire to be underpaid and emotionally toyed with, there are other outlets with a much higher fun-to-work ratio. Look for student and indie films to act in, visit your local community theatre, or simply start filming yourself reading monologues and performing characters.

Sign up for a class. Find a fun class that fits your budget. There isn’t a class or school that can guarantee you work, or even that you become a better actor. Classes are a great way to get involved in the community, hone your skills, and have a place to express yourself. Don’t start with a class on video auditioning or monologies. Instead, opt for something that lets you have fun in a group. Look into general theatre classes, improv workshops, and scene work.

Get your basics. Everyone needs a decent headshot, resume, and groundwork of understanding of the craft. You can get great deals on headshots, and some new photographers are even willing to TFP (Time for Prints) where you trade your time being a test model for shots. PLEASE look into any photographer you work with, and if you get any sense they are looking for you to take off clothing or need you to be alone with them, run. 

Take care, stay safe, and have fun!