For actors, it can sometimes feel like your career path is dictated for you by the industry. The uncertainty that 2020 has brought definitely hasn’t helped, but despite the rollercoaster this year has been, there are many reasons to be hopeful. Screen entertainment has provided so much comfort to people, and whilst areas of the industry have been shut down, there are new opportunities cropping up for performers. Acting can be a difficult career to navigate and one that often has no clear linear progression. Despite this, there are several ways you can take back control and get ahead in the industry.
1. Invest in your marketing.
Your headshots and showreel are the most valuable thing you have as an actor. If your agent is submitting you for work, or if you’re submitting yourself, then casting directors will come into contact with them daily. Remember that all they know about you is the marketing you have to offer them. So show off your edge (what makes you, you) and know your casting. Having a professional showreel which shows a range of emotions and characters is so important. It needs to be recent, show what you look like today and highlight your ability to perform with nuance and subtlety. Your headshots should make an immediate impact since they hold the key to you getting in the room. Make sure your headshots and showreel work hand in hand and give casting directors a really good sense of who will walk in the door.
2. Training, training, training.
Whether you’re a working actor, returning to the game, or you’re just starting out, 2021 is the perfect time to invest in training because it will pay off when normal life kicks back in. Actor’s Studio has a great range of face-to-face and online courses available so you can make it work for your budget. Training with industry leading tutors teaches you lifelong skills, it makes you ‘set-ready’ and it gets your name out there amongst top directors. Word of mouth is everything in this industry so perhaps it’s no surprise that I can trace back several paid jobs to my training at Actor’s Studio. Keeping your skills sharp in areas like script analysis and vocal technique will help you book the work instead of just auditioning for it. Preparation for the job IS the job, and training can help you build that confidence you need to make great choices and own your craft!
3. Get creative. Make the work you want to be in.
In an industry heavily focused on looks, creating your own work helps you take charge of the characters you want to play. Be proactive and start making projects that excites you. Gone are the days of actors waiting for their agent to call. Just look at the film industry, some of the most successful actors get involved in the production and writing of scripts they are passionate about. It’s a great way to develop contacts without always approaching people as an out-of-work actor looking for their next role. Now, you might just be the person casting an actor to work alongside you and develop a relationship with industry professionals in a more organic way.
4. Use your time to upskill.
In the down time between jobs, look at where the industry is moving and make smart choices. Ever considered getting into voiceover work but you don’t have a reel yet? Many theatre projects have been cancelled this year but the voiceover market seems to be growing. Having a professional voice reel has helped me book jobs and made lockdown more bearable because I can work from home.
5. Build your network.
Screen casting has gradually picked up pace again and every day actors I know are booking work. Industry leaders have had more time on their hands this year which has made contacting more accessible. Use this time to meet casting directors and directors via workshops or even via video call. Develop these relationships like you would in any other industry and you will see the pay off further down the line.
So be good to yourself, look after your physical and mental health and explore the things you can control right now. Luckily, training and filming can continue through lockdown and when the industry jumps back into full action…it’s going to need all of us to bring our A-Game!
