5 Tips to Finding Acting Opportunities
For a beginner, one of the scariest facts to learn about the acting business is that roles don’t come to actors. Instead, actors must go to roles. That’s why so many people opt to sign up with an agent who will do the heavy lifting for them.
But getting an agent isn’t such an easy prospect, is it? Instead of putting your whole career in limbo as you wait to be signed, you have to be proactive about finding acting opportunities for yourself.
So how do aspiring actors land great roles that could turn them into stars? And how do they find out when new auditions are posted, even without representation?
These 5 tips will help you know where to look for new acting opportunities:
- Check Out Free Casting Resources
You won’t find the big budget jobs on free, public casting call boards. However, these job boards are excellent resources for people who are just starting out in the acting world.
Believe it or not, Facebook has become a great host for these boards. You will find groups for every major city that post calls to fill roles, post notices, and hire crew members. These forums are usually moderated by reliable industry professionals, so they are quite trustworthy. But there are some outliers, so be careful and do your research to find the right group.
You can also find some hidden gems on Craigslist. Here, auditions are usually posted in the “Gigs” tab under the “Talent” section and “TV/Film/Video” under “Jobs”. You can keep this as a last resort option. However, you also have to be cautious of scams and calls for “Adult” content.
However, the best way to find the most current open auditions is by using AuditionsHQ.com. This site lets you access great acting opportunities that are near your current location. That way, you get to choose the best auditions to apply for and go to.
- Pay to Play Options
There are also other websites that post auditions for all kinds of entertainment professionals. You get the chance to see nationwide casting calls for anything from studio productions to indie web series.
However, you have to pay a subscription fee to access these auditions. Granted, this ensures that you get real and trustworthy contacts. But it also means that the pay to play options have a more rigorous screening process. That’s why they are a better option for actors who are more established.
- Reach Out to the Right Industry Leaders
It is always important to keep in mind that the acting business is all about relationships. If you enjoy the work of a certain director, producer, or casting director, then it might be a good idea to reach out to them.
A sincere, thoughtful, and personalized note to the right mover and shaker can make a lasting impression. The point here isn’t to hound them with hundreds of notes or emails. It’s to show that you are talented, hardworking, and prepared.
If you do it right, then asking for an audition in this way can help you get your foot in the door. You won’t hear back from all of them, but you’ll certainly get a response from some.
- Don’t Forget the Students
There are many student filmmakers and theater directors that are making wakes in the movie industry. Some of these pioneers are making very accomplished work that goes on to win the Student Academy Awards. So, if you’re looking for work, it might be a good idea to contact these students and let them know that you are available to work with them.
- Create your own Content
Whenever possible, work on creating your own content. You can do this by finding some talented collaborators to create a short film, put on a play, or even do a web series. Today, many new actors are going this route because it is a great way to get exposure. If your own work does well with the masses, it is likely to get the attention of other industry professionals.
