How can you get into acting?

How can I get into acting?

• This question has been asked many, many times, but I can't find a clear answer. Here's a little about myself: I'm 14 (almost 15), and I act and sing. I REALLY want to break into the industry. I know it's hard, believe me, but acting makes me happy. So even if it's not movie/TV or just extra work, it's fine. It's what I love to do, so I'll take that little bit. I live on Long Island, New York. However, my mom doesn't want me to take classes in the city. So one question is where can I take acting classes? Another is where can I get head shots? Are there any "legit" open casting calls? ANYTHING to help me act/sing. Thanks in advance, because I know this is a tough question, but it's what I want to do with my life, and I don't think I'll ever be completely happy unless I try this.

• Answer:

  Okay, since you live in New York, where a LOT of acting and singing agencies are, you have so many opportunities! For your singing, you should take singing lessons or just practice at home. In order to get into professional auditions, you have to have an agent. And in order to find an agent, you have to have a well-built resume. And in order to get a well-built resume, you have to have experience, which means you'll need to audition in plays. Like audition for school plays, or audition for small parts in your local theater. First try out for small parts so you get used to it and learn more about the industry. Then start trying out for bigger parts and just keep building up your resume. Once you have been in several plays, gone to several auditions, and gotten some experience, (you don't need a whole lot, just a bit. And you might already have experience, I don't know.) you should start searching for a legitimate agency. How you do this is look up www.SAG.com. Once you're at the site, go to 'Guild Info'. Under 'Guild Info', go to 'Agency Relations'. On the left there should be a side-bar. Go to 'Find an Agent'. Go to the bottom of the page, keep it on Franchised Agents, and put in the state that you live in. All of the agencies that are shown are real, legitimate agencies. Since you live in New York, there should be a lot of agencies that you can sign up for. Pick one that represents singers and actors. Then send in your resume, photos, etc. And how you get head shots, is to find a photography studio to take pictures of you. I'm pretty sure it costs some money to get some professional photos taken by a photography studio, but I don't think it's a lot. Look it up online. So take singing classes to sharpen your singing abilities (you don't have to), get some experience (you might already have some, I don't know), and then start looking for an agency to represent you. Agencies get you into professional auditions and get you jobs, and help you with those jobs. Good luck!!! :)