Character actors are the unsung heroes of film. They are the ones that bring a film to life by bringing the background characters to life. They may not be in the limelight like the stars, but they are a vital part of the filmmaking process.
If you have ever wondered how to get started as a character actor, or if you are already a character actor and want to get better jobs, then this article is for you. We will outline some of the most important tips we have learned on how to get work as a character actor. If you want to make it in this business then you need to know what producers and directors look for in their actors.
Top 10 Tips for Finding Work as a Character Actor
1. Be Patient: It takes time to find work as an actor. You need to be patient and persistent in your search for work. Don’t give up if you don’t find work right away; keep trying!
2. Practice Your Craft: To get hired as an actor, you need to practice your craft constantly. It is important that you learn all aspects of acting, including voice acting and improvisation. The more skills you can demonstrate, the easier it will be for you to find work!
3. Networking: Networking
Finding work as a character actor is not just about being talented. Although, your talent is the most important thing you can have, it is only half of what you need to be successful. Remember, there are thousands of actors in Los Angeles alone that are as talented as you. That’s why you always hear about how people are working in restaurants and bars because they’re waiting for their “big break.”
If you’re one of these people that have been waiting for your “big break,” then maybe it’s time to change your strategy. Getting work as a character actor takes more than talent; it takes some self-marketing skills. I know it sounds scary, but believe me, when you get down to it, self-marketing isn’t so bad. Here are my top 10 tips for finding work as a character actor:
1. Get to know yourself:
Who are you? What’s your personality? What kind of role would you be best suited for?
You’re not going to get cast as a character actor if you can’t even define the character inside of you.
And, unfortunately, there are people out there who will try to put you in a box and make you fit into it, whether it suits you or not.
2. Promote yourself:
If nobody knows who you are, how can they hire you for their project? That’s why it’s so important to market yourself!
There are many ways that you can do this: getting listed in casting directories, creating a website and promoting it online, getting an agent . . .
3. Network:
This is another way that people are going to find out who YOU are! Go to industry events and mingle with the other professionals there. Use social media to connect with people in the business. Become friends with casting directors on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. The more people who know about you and your work, the better your chances of being called in for an audition!
4. Have a good attitude:
Nobody wants to work with someone who
1. Understand that you will not be cast in every role for which you audition
2. Be persistent. Don’t give up
3. Build relationships with directors, producers, casting directors and other actors
4. Take risks in your auditions
5. Have fun! (Laugh at yourself)
6. Develop your “look” and “type” as a character actor
7. Understand the difference between a lead role and a supporting role (and character roles)
8. Learn how to self-submit for auditions
9. Get an IMDb account and create an online resume
10. Know your brand
1. Don’t wait for the phone to ring!
2. Promote your self-tapes
3. Pay it forward
4. Get out there
5. Keep in touch with casting directors and fellow actors
6. Learn a skill (like, something you don’t know how to do)
7. Do a play or a short film
8. Have a website (and keep it updated)
9. Network (online and off)
10. Come up with a fun way to let people know you’re an actor
10. Advertise yourself.
9. Prepare yourself.
8. Make the right contacts.
7. Be available at all times to take on new work.
6. Treat every job as a potential stepping stone to your next role.
5. Never expect too much from any one job and you won’t be disappointed if things go wrong, or you fail to land the part you want most of all.
4. Don’t be afraid to try something new, unless it’s clearly against your interests or values!
3. Appear in as many plays and films as possible, even if they are not very good; the more experience you have the better your chances of success will be in the long run!
2…Don’t smoke cigarettes because it could affect your ability to perform well when acting on stage or screen – especially if there are other people with whom you need interact during scenes! And finally…
1. Create a demo reel
