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So, you’ve made the decision, you want to be an actor. Now what? Here are some fundamental tips and sage counsel to start you on your journey.
1) You can’t become a star without training!!
First and foremost, seek out and take legitimate acting classes in order to build a foundation. Acting is a craft, and you can definitely learn how to approach a script, how to make choices and find specific images which Chicago Casting Director, Mickie Pascal talks about. “It‘s critical for young actors to do their homework if they want to compete. Comprehensive classes and workshops like those offered at Acting Studio ChicagoTeen in Chicago can give you the edge,” says Mickie.
A serious school will not only educate you but also guide you, but can also guide you when you are ready to find the agent that will send you on your first audition. Once you have found an agent “…the amount of effort that the teen puts into his own career will dictate how hard the agent will work for them. Training is part of that effort. I refer many of my young talent to Acting Studio ChicagoTeen” says Sam Samuelson of the Stewart Agency.
2) Mother always said, “be prepared”!
When you get a call from your agent you should be prepared. Chicago casting director, Jane Alderman suggests that you keep a pad of paper and a checklist by the phone. You should get the following information: where and when the audition will take place, callback and shoot dates. Understanding who and what you are auditioning for will help you do your homework. If its’ a film, find out who’s directing it, if its’ a commercial understand the product and the target customer. If you have an audition for a television film or an episodic, knowing the network, can also help. The WB tends to be hip and trendy where as Nickelodeon presents more wholesome images. Knowledge is power.
3) Turn off the TV and read, read, read
If you have a film audition, ask your agent if there is a full script available at the casting director's office that you can go read. Reading the full script is especially helpful if you are auditioning for a functionary role, such as a pizza delivery boy, or the president of the High School; it aids your preparation to know if you are working in a hip café in Greenwich Village at the McDonalds outside Peoria. Preparation is key, if you are auditioning for Cheerleader #1, make sure you are believable as a cheerleader, in addition to making interesting choice. For a commercial audition, have your agent fax the copy to you and read it enough times so that you are very familiar with the script. This show of professionalism sets the pros apart from the beginners.
4) Hey kid, you need an attitude adjustment
Now that you have your script, or commercial copy and have done your homework its time to TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS, prepare your scene and make choices. It's vital that "you don't worry about camera rules that don't exist," says Alderman. The primary difference between stage and screen is an adjustment of focus. On camera you no longer have an obligation to an audience. You now have only one eyeball looking at you, (the camera) not an audience of 700. A good on camera actor is one who is always thinking (inner monologue) and processing what they are receiving. This adjustment, however, doesn't mean that you cannot move. Phrases such as "less is more" or "bring it down" or "you're too big for the camera." tend to paralyze actors. You must have a physical life and "fill the frame”. We find that in coaching teen actors for auditions and in working with young theater trained actors that a lack of importance and personalization are the most consistent acting problems.
Acting Studio ChicagoTeen is committed to training the professionally minded young actors. Sam Samuelson of Stewart Talent says that “Carole Dibo and Rachael Patterson’s Teen Workshops and Seminars provide their students with professional skills and smart business information in a safe and creative environment. I recommend Acting Studio Chicagofor any teen, who is serious in pursuing a professional acting career.”
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