How do I set up an acting resume?

Any on-set tips for rookie actors?

• Hello, im a 16 year old aspriring actor, and going to an acting school. Its not a major one but im going there to learn the fundamentals and ins and outs of acting. Also im home schooled so i cant do a drama program at a school so thats probly another reason for the school too. Anyway, i want to be a screen/film actor in life. i understand the tough and cutthroat business im getting into, but im willing to work as hard as i can because acting is what i love to do. So im almost done with my acting classes (20 week program), and im eager to start going for auditions whenever i can after im out of school. Now as i mentioned, im homeschooled, so i dont have the advantage of that experience as most other people do, but i wanted to know how it is when being on-set, for anything. Even as an extra, because thats what im planning to start with while trying to build a resume. I want to know because i want to at least have an idea of how things work. Yes my teachers are teaching me about that, but i also want to know what its like to actually be directed by a real director, on a real set, for a real production. Just so i can kind of know what to expect or at least have a clue. Im sorry if i sound at all like im asking for the wrong reasons, as thats not my intention. Im very curious, and was hoping someone with that on set experience could share that with me. If anyone could help that would be much appreciated. Thanks!

• Answer:

  A short course like that isn't going to be nearly enough to impress agents, I'm afraid. To find genuine auditions you'll need to get an agent, and they are only interested in people who have been taking acting classes (ideally at a major drama school) for several years. A 3-year degree course is ideal. You'll also need to get experience in community theatre or student films first, before you can get any paid work. Being an extra can help give you an idea of what happens on a film or TV set, but it won't help you get into acting. Extras are not actors - just human props - and most of them are doing it as a hobby, or to earn a few extra dollars. The people on set aren't the ones who get to select the cast for future productions, so they aren't looking around for talented extras - they're also too busy concentrating on the project in hand to be concerned about anything else. Casting directors don't even turn up on set - their job is already over by that time. And you can't add work done as an extra onto your resume - no professional would do that. I'd advise trying for a place at a good drama school, and once you've graduated look for some experience in student films. Loads of new actors do that, and it gives you material for a showreel, the possibility of getting noticed if the film does well, and the experience of being directed, as you say. Good luck!