5 Essential Things Actors Do To Become Successful:

Hi guys and welcome to the Acting Classes In Perth blog. In this session “5 Essential Things Actors Do To Become Successful”.

Acting is a diverse art that is constantly changing. In order to become successful in this career, here are some things that successful actors still do to stay on top of their game:

1) Keep attending plays and watching movies
Yes you have my permission to watch as much TV as you want! There is so much that you can learn just by watching others act, whether it is on TV, in films or at the theatre. Watching successful actors do their craft up close and personal is something you should crave. By seeing lots of theatre and film it will give you an idea of what actually is going on in the local industry. Actors need to be in the loop of things so they know what’s happening, who’s doing what and attending performances and local film viewings is the perfect place to network.

2) Read scripts
Reading plays and screenplays (in their entirety, yes all 90 to 180 pages) will give you an added knowledge to see how the actor took the work from page to stage or screen. More often than not, when an actor attends an audition, he or she may be asked by the director what they thought of the overall story, not just the character. A lot of actors say, “it’s an amazing script”, yet they have never read any full-length plays or screenplays. The reality is they don’t know what an amazing script is because they have never read one. Read scripts. The more you read the more you will understand character, story and how best to approach different styles of writing.

3) Work on Your Craft - Everyday
Acting should be part of your daily routine every single day. Just like when you make a fresh pot of coffee when you wake up, acting should be an involuntary action. You have to learn how to incorporate it into your life. While you are making coffee, why not practice some accents you’ve learned in class? Or why don’t you try different face gestures while brushing your teeth? You can also meet up with actor friends for a cup of coffee and just watch people around you. Yes you may look a bit weird, but you need to start observing the world around you more. Yes I give you my permission to watch people, but not in a serial killer kind of way... no heavy breathing!

4) Stop Procrastinating!
The plague to any career is procrastination. Once you’ve made up your mind to do something, you have to put your heart into it. If you thought of attending a workshop today, then do it and stop making excuses. If you’ve always wanted to enrol in acting class then its time to get off the couch and enrol in the class. A good way to work out how to stop procrastinating is to look at the reasons why you do. Are you trying to avoid doing something that will push you out your comfort zone? Or are you procrastinating because you are scared of failing? Work it out so you can combat the procrastination and start doing. This attitude will not only help you become a better actor but will help in every aspect of your life.

5) Never Quit
The road may become bumpy in this journey but what in life isn’t? No matter how many rejections you may get you have to push past it and continue on towards your goal. You might be closer to your dream than you actually realise, quitting now may be the biggest mistake that you make in your career. So when the day seems bleak, smile and know in your heart that good things are coming your way.

I hope these tips help you in your acting career and as always - happy acting!

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