How to Get an Acting Job with No Experience

Last Updated: March 27, 2019

Becoming a famous actor or actress is not easy, especially when you have no experience. But setting your intentions on succeeding through sheer talent and honing your acting chops can help set the stage for your big debut.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Getting Prepared

1
Practice reading and memorizing scripts. Becoming familiar with script formats will give you fluency during the audition process. You should be able to memorize a script selection rather quickly and with a high level of accuracy. This skill forms the foundation for your craft.
2
Break down your characters. In order to embody your character, you must have experience connecting with different human qualities and flaws. Do exercises where you read for roles outside your comfort zone or type. This will help to expand your range and provide variety to your repertoire.

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3
Take acting classes. Performing in front of others is a skill in itself. Stay sharp and loose with your skills by taking acting classes in your community. Practicing scenes with other people will help you out tremendously.
4
Practice in front of your family or friends. Find people who are able to give you honest feedback and ask them questions to help you improve.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Branching Out

1
Begin looking for local auditions and go to them. Check your local newspaper or online resources to see what is out there. Any sort of audition is excellent practice, in just the same way that career seekers attend many interviews to perfect their interviewing skills. It's a learning process, owning your skills of not only acting well on demand but also interacting positively with those auditioning so as to leave them with a favorable impression.
2
Ask for feedback often. Ask acting coaches, friends, casting directors for advice, though remember not to take it too personally. Realize what is true about the things they tell you and improve your skills as a result.
3
Find a play that interests you, audition and do your best. It is not about getting the part (though that would be great). It's about gaining the real time experience of the actor's life. The more experiences you have the better you'll be. Take a risk and audition for a show.
- Do not be surprised if offered a lesser role. Take it. Every role is valuable and begins to build up your acting resume.
4
Start taking meetings. Once you've gotten experience auditioning and being in shows, this is the next step. Reach out to anyone you know in the entertainment industry for a meeting. The goal of this meeting is to get your face in front of someone who could help your professional development. The more people who know you and click with you, the more people there are who can help you.
- Consider working with an agent. Agents can be great to get you in to auditions. But they are not absolutely necessary to being an actor.
5
Don't give up, be persistent. Don't give up acting just because you don't make it onto your favorite show and/or play. The right part is waiting for you, all you have to do is keep going.

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Community Q&A

Question

Where can I get an acting job in Johannesburg if I can't find an audition?

Community Answer

You have to wait for nearby theaters to open up auditions for upcoming productions. You'll also have to look further out to get cast in a play/musical in general, because auditions are brutal for even the most experienced, and 9/10 times you'll get rejected. Overall, know what is expected of you in both the audition and the rehearsals/show nights. Acting isn't just about going on stage and saying your lines. If you're inexperienced, I suggest acting classes.
Question

Can I get a Nickelodeon audition in Kenya?

Community Answer

Doubtful. You could probably audition to certain jobs with a pre-recorded video online, but most auditions will be held in person and in the United States.
Question

Where can I get an audition in Gloucester, England?

Some Person

Community Answer

You probably will not be able to get many auditions in Gloucester, as it is not a big city like London, LA or New York. However, there will be many community plays to participate in, or you can send video auditions.
Question

Do Broadway plays offer open auditions for people with no experience?

Community Answer

They usually do not. Broadway is the upper echelon of stage performing.

Warnings

Never do anything unless your parent/guardian allow it.

Thanks!
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1

If an agent or an acting gig wants too much money for something that may or may not work, it might be a scam. Be careful and know who you are dealing with.

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