How to Be a Theatre Actor

“The center of the stage is where I am.” ~  Martha Graham

He stands on the stage relaxed, yet rigid. This posture is his makeup. The words that come out of his mouth seem to flow out naturally as if he were born to play this particular role. The audience is silently captivated, mesmerized by his stage prowess. He owns the stage; he knows it, and the audience knows it. He is a theater actor; welcome to his world.

1. Get training. It is one thing to be naturally talented -- that is good -- it is another thing to add to that talent with training and education. Look into local theater halls and ask if they offer acting classes for beginners. For the thespian who has more time to invest in her craft, she might want to look into her local community college or university to pursue a degree in theater arts. 


2. Practice as much as possible. Do monologues in front of the mirror; instead of reading to yourself, read aloud using different tones and styles of voice. Memorize lines while cooking, and say them over and over until you know them by heart.


3. Look for local theater halls and acting networks. Go to plays and take mental notes of what you see. See if you can incorporate some things that you see into your own method. When a local theater is having a play, ask if you can volunteer. If you are able to volunteer at a more prestigious play with a big time star onstage, try not to seem too aggressive when asking for advice. The idea is to be able to be invited back and not be put on a 'special list.'


4. Audition as much as possible. Sit in on some auditions before taking the big plunge of your first audition. Again, take mental notes, or write them down, if possible. Mentally prepare yourself for rejection and realize it is not the end of the world. If and when rejected, ask why were you rejected and ask for any quick tips that might help you out next time.


5. Create your profile. Get headshots before you get anything else. Headshots are for agents to see you and to send your picture to potential gigs. Craft a resume. If you have no acting experience, put together a resume of intent of what you want to do and incorporate any experience that you may deem relevant toward your career. If your only experience is playing a tree in the school play, put it down. 


6. Get an agent. NEVER PAY ANYONE TO REPRESENT YOU. If someone asks for money upfront, run. Agents get paid to find you work and that is only after you have completed the job. An agent's fee starts at 10 percent. If you have other experience in the entertainment field such as dancing, singing or modeling, let the agent know. While you and he are waiting for that next big acting break on Broadway (or off Broadway), you can be making money doing other gigs. 


7. Avoid the 'acting couch.' If anyone says that the only way to get a part in anything is to sleep with them, run and call the police. That is sexual harassment and it is against the law. Pound the pavement like everyone else, and you will be a success.