Acting is an extremely competitive business and the amount of work available is limited. There are many more actors who want to work than there are jobs. In this article, I will share with you 10 mistakes that actors make in order to help you avoid them.
The following is a list of the Top 10 Mistakes Actors Make.
1. Not being prepared.
This might be the most important and also the most prevalent mistake actors make. There are many ways to not be prepared. Here are a few:
– being late or not showing up at all
– forgetting lines
– not having a plan or ideas for your scene/audition
– not having headshots and resumes with you at all times
– winging it in an audition or on set
– getting sick because you don’t take care of yourself physically or mentally (addiction, stress, anxiety)
2. Being unprofessional.
The following are examples of being unprofessional: – acting like a diva – complaining about anything (e.g., “I can’t believe I have to do this”, “I wish I were doing something else”, “Why am I here?”) – being self-centered – being superficial (e.g., only talking about how hot you look) – talking badly about other people’s work – not taking direction well (e.g., “No one talks like that”, “That would never happen”) – making excuses for things that are your own fault (e.g., ”
If you have been trying to get an agent without success, you may be making some of these ten common mistakes.
1. Not being prepared for your audition.
2. Not being able to take direction.
3. Not memorizing your lines or reading them poorly.
4. Trying to do too much in a short period of time.
5. Thinking you can’t learn from other actors – or anyone else, for that matter!
6. Speaking or moving too quickly or in monotone; not projecting your voice; speaking unclearly; and/or mumbling.
7. Not doing your homework on the industry, materials, and people involved in the project for which you are seeking representation and/or employment (including the role, character, story line, etc.).
8. Being a “difficult” person to work with and/or not being professional with others on the set/in the studio/agency/etc..
9. Being inconsistent in your work (sometimes you are really good; sometimes not).
10. Giving up and quitting before success is achieved.
(1) A Lack of Preparation.
(2) Being Late.
(3) Not Being Professional on Set.
(4) Taking Yourself too Seriously.
(5) Assuming That You’re Entitled to a Specific Role.
(6) Not Having a Good Resume or Headshot.
(7) Constantly Complaining or Arguing with the Director.
(8) Being Unprepared for an Audition.
(9) Acting Like a Diva.
(10) Giving Up if You Don’t Get the Part
1. Not Being Prepared
You should be an expert on your character, the story, the script and the other cast members. You should know your lines backwards and forwards. The director will appreciate it and you will feel confident.
2. Rehearsing with a Script in Hand
There is no excuse for this! In fact, it’s just plain lazy! If you’re still holding onto that script after day one of rehearsal, then you’re not doing your job. I heard this from an actor once: “I’m not going to waste my time memorizing lines because I might have to change them anyway.” WRONG! You don’t just memorize lines, you learn them. There is a difference. You learn them so they become part of you, so they are at your fingertips when you need them and there is no delay time while you try to remember what comes next in the scene.
3. Not Listening to the Other Actors
If you are not listening to what the other actors are saying, then your scenes won’t be believable and will lack depth. Don’t think about what is going to happen next in the scene or what line comes next for you. Just listen and react truthfully to what is being said by everyone
1. Not Committing 100% to the Moment
An actor who cannot fully commit to the moment will not be able to create a character that is believable. The audience can recognize when an actor is unsure and they will become less interested in what is happening on stage. If you are going to play a character, fully commit to them and their actions.
2. Speaking Too Fast
If you speak too fast, the audience will not be able to understand everything that you say and they may miss important information about the story that is being told. Be sure to speak at a normal speed, which allows the audience time to digest what you are saying and respond accordingly.
3. Not Having Enough Energy
One of the most common mistakes that actors make is not having enough energy while they perform. It is important to find ways to work with your nerves and use that energy in positive ways during your performance instead of holding it in and becoming stiff. Find ways to channel your nerves into your character so you can keep them engaged with what you are doing on stage.
4. Not Making Eye Contact
When an actor does not make eye contact with their fellow cast mates or the audience, then it can appear as if they are being dishonest or standoffish; both of which can
Actor: “Don’t worry, I’ll do an improv.”
Director: “Great. Please include the following information … I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
I was recently approached by a well-known talent scout who said he had “the perfect script” for me. After reading it and going through the exercise of putting myself in the character’s shoes, I realized that it wasn’t for me at all. It’s important to read scripts and make sure you understand the characters you are playing. If you don’t know who your character is, how can anyone else?
Actor: “All I have to do is act like a human being.”
Director: “And why would we hire you, then?”
It’s important to remember that your character is not you. They may have the same facial features and hair, but they are still a different person with different experiences, different emotions, and different problems than you. It’s up to you as the actor to figure out how to bring these unique individuals to life onscreen.
Actors often make the mistake of not taking enough care with their personal appearance and hygiene. What you look like matters just as much as what kind of performance you give. If your clothes are dirty, stained or
