How to go about becoming an actor?

How exactly does one go about becoming an actor?

• I would really love for professional actors and agents to answer this question. Thanks I am 22 and I am dyslexic, this is causing me to fail badly in college so I am just gonna take a break from college. The only class I actually liked in college was theater, I had a blast in that class and I enjoyed all the projects we did. I have no problem with reading and remembering lines, my dyslexia only bothers me when it comes to math, biology, chemistry, earth science....etc. And of course those classes are mandatory at my University so thats why I am failing I have some money saved up and I was thinking about moving to CA to get some acting classes and reside there. I am from Memphis and there are NO jobs or entertainment here, so I was eventually going to move anyhow. I wanna move to CA, get an apartment, find a job and start concentrating on theater in my down time. I dont care if I never make it on the big screen, I just love performing and being around the theater. Just working behind the scene gives me an adrenaline rush, I think this is my calling. So here is what I want to know from you all (if you are a hater or going to down my spirit then dont bother answering. Anything is possible so dont tell me I wont make it). Anyways these are my questions 1)Should I move to NY or CA?/I already know NY by heart since I lived there but never been to CA, so whats the best city in CA to move to, and whats the cost of living there? (whats the unemployment rate) 2) What is the best agency to take classes and what are the costs) 3) How do I find small gigs in theaters 4) Do I need to be a member of SAG to get an agent or a gig? Or would they work with me if I am not a member? 5) Is it wise to become amber of SAG ASAP? (some people say that being a member gets you less gigs, so I should wait til I am a professional when i really need it) 6) what kinds of jobs do aspiring actors take up to support themselves? If you have anymore info then please let me know. Thanks for reading

• Answer:

  1: No. It is terribly hard to become an actor in those places. Dallas or Atlanta are better. 2. Agencies who teach classes are frowned upon. Costs for acting classes average between thirty and fifty dollars per class meeting. 3. There are no small gigs. Every gig is important. But you need to become part of the theatre scene where ever you wind up. 4.. No and no they don't help you, but you can be in a SAG film without being a member 5. some people don't know what they are talking about 6. waitstaff, bar tending, anything with shifts that you can swap with other workers so you can attend auditions and gigs also home based businesses are good because you set your hours