Getting started with Acting?
Here are some steps for starting the work of building relationships, booking auditions, and getting cast in Student Films and independent films in your local area:
Start researching local colleges/universities.
Find the head of the program (phone/email).
Call/email them and let them know you’re a actor and that you’d love the chance to audition for student films at their school and would appreciate any information they can share with you.
Google the name of your city, plus “Community college film program” or “University film studies”. Find 3-10 colleges/universities (Community Colleges are often even better than fancy universities, since they have less actors on campus).
I’d keep the email short and sweet, something like:
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“Hello, (insert their name if you know it)
My name is XYZ and I’m an actor living in XYZ. My Acting Coach suggested I reach out to film programs and ask about upcoming auditions for Student Films. I’d love to learn more about your program and to audition for any projects your students have coming up this semester. I’d appreciate any information you can share with me.
Thank you very much.”
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Feel free to write your own version that feels more authentic to you, and include any details from your experience that feel relevant. (i.e. how many years of lessons/classes you’ve had, any plays/musicals/films you’ve worked on, include a demo reel or website or social media page, etc.)
From there, there are lots of casting sites that will help you find auditions. However, most are paid services, so you’ll have to decide whether each one is worth the subscription fee. Here are some that I recommend:
https://www.nycastings.com/student-film/
One or more of these sites would be a good place to establish a habit of looking once a week for good auditions you can attend, many actually allow submitting self tapes from home for the first round. Some will require you to travel to the location for a live audition.
These would be great opportunities for you as a beginning Actor. This will make it a lot easier for your eventual Agent/Manager to book work for you, since you’ll have a record of successful auditions and projects under your belt.
Good luck!
Want to practice your acting from home?
Acting Resources
Want to read more to improve your Acting?
Recommended Acting Books
Need Monologues for practice/auditions?
Monologues
Want to schedule a one-on-one Acting Lesson with me?
Acting Lessons Page