Charisma, excellent memory and concentration, patience and tremendous efficiency - check if you have the necessary qualities to succeed in one of the most complex film professions.
The actor must have the charm, well-defined voice, the ability to transform into a variety of images and improvise on the move. It takes a really good memory to learn by heart the long roles, excellent health, to withstand many hours of filming, and the ability to concentrate on the work, leaving abroad all their family concerns and personal troubles. Always need to be prepared for failure and irregular working hours, periods of lack of money and annoying attention of fans (if successful, of course).
1. Get rid of stereotypes
If you want to become a professional actor, here are three unpleasant facts you should know:
- This is a very competitive industry
The number of theatres and the volume of filmed films is very small, but there are many people who want to try themselves in this field. Every minute of your career you will feel the pressure from competitors, "young and talented" will literally step on your heels.
- The stars are only a few
Often luck does not depend on the efforts made, but on a simple coincidence of circumstances. You may never be as famous as you want to be. Or it will not happen at all when you expect it.
- This is a very unstable profession
You will definitely have periods (especially at the beginning of your career) when there will be no new roles and you will have to go into austerity mode. Think in advance about how you will support yourself while you are idle - maybe it makes sense to get a second profession with a more predictable income.
2. Get a sober look at your data
Decide whether or not you are willing to work on yourself to eliminate the shortcomings.
Appearance, contrary to popular misconception, is not the main thing in the profession of an actor. Different roles require different types of roles, it is not necessary to have an ideal face and figure to become a world star. After all, the theatre and cinema are just a reflection of the surrounding reality, and in reality the streets are far from being modeled by photo models.
Charisma is much more important than appearance. Not everyone is naturally able to attract the attention of the viewer, but this quality can be developed over time.
Dedication - you must be able to set goals and consistently achieve them. Failure, downtime, lack of money and frustration are inevitable companions to the unstable acting profession. It is necessary to have a strong character and resist all stresses because the black stripes will be replaced by white and wins only the one who can not lose heart and "shoot" at the right time.
Adequacy of perception of criticism is an important factor. You will be criticized, scolded, sometimes rudely enough. Remember that the actor is a tool in the hands of the director, his point of view should become yours on demand. Any criticism should be turned in its favor and carefully learn from their own and others' mistakes. High self-esteem and fragile self-esteem are the most harmful things for a creative person.
Patience is one of the most important qualities required in the profession. Grooming, costume, rehearsals, dozens of similar takes - this is a harsh reality of acting. You should be ready to spend the whole day at work, without losing concentration.
Lability. Good artists are people who read, are interested in, have a mobile psyche, are constantly trying to get out of the comfort zone and are always ready to discover something new.
3. Develop talent
The acting profession requires at least some rudiments of talent. But even talent can be developed if you get ready for work and forget about laziness.
- Courses of acting and theater studios. Any practical training brings tangible benefits. Short-term courses with you will be engaged in acting, stage speech, vocals, dancing. These skills will be useful even if you give up your chosen acting career.
- Practice. Even the simplest amateur performances, staged for friends and family, will teach you not to be afraid of the stage and feel more confident on more serious projects. Courses or individual lessons with a teacher will help you prepare for admission to the theater university and get rid of "disqualifying" disadvantages that may hinder your future career.
- Special literature. Keep books on acting theory, psychology manuals, biographies and the experience of famous actors at hand. Everywhere you can get something useful for the work.
- Performances and movies. Observe other actors, their speech, facial expressions, and behavior in the frame and on stage. Try to replicate the best examples, learn from others' experiences, learn from others' successes and notice others' mistakes - this is a very important way to acquire acting skills.
- Develop your strengths. Experienced speakers will come to understand what you do best. Strengthen your best qualities to differentiate yourself from your competitors. But do not forget about the weaknesses - you need to gradually improve all their skills.
To be continued...
Part 2 read here.