The single most asked question at any personal appearance I
made when acting on a soap opera was "How can I become an
actor?" If there was an easy answer and I had it, I would
have been happy to share, but all I knew was based on my
own experience and Star Search wasn't even on the air
anymore.
"Making it" as an actor is no doubt a long-shot bet,
certainly not for the faint of heart. As a matter of fact,
I routinely try to talk to anyone, young or old, male or
female, out of even trying. My theory is that if they can
be talked out of it, they would never have made it and I
will have saved them from having it (desire for acting)
beaten out of them at a later date.
Statistically speaking, I believe you have a better chance
of being hit my lightning than becoming a TV or film star,
but the latter is more rewarding if not less painful.
However, having said all that, there are things one can do
to tip the odds in one's favor. The following "tips" are
my own opinion and are not intended to be relied upon as a
guarantee (it should go without saying, but I'll say it
anyway).
1. Start your training as young as possible. Utilize your
school years, and yes, absolutely go to and finish college
to prepare, prepare, prepare. Be a student, not of acting,
but of living, being, doing everything and anything you
have the opportunity to experience. Study music - learn to
play instruments, take voice lessons (even if you can't
sing, at least they can teach you how to breathe). Take
dance lessons - any style, every style you can. Study
martial arts - learn to master your body and your mind at
every opportunity. The list of things I would suggest
learning is as long as you can imagine if it is not done
carelessly or recklessly. Try, learn, and become a master
if you can.
There will be many things that not everyone is physically
able to do, and acting is not all about physicality, but
many times it is and anything you can do that "the other
guy" can't gives you the edge. The main point is that
everything you experience adds to the depth of who you are
as a student of life and human nature. Observation is a
key element of acting and you have to be out there living
life and learning new things to become a keen observer.
Remember, people would always rather watch an interesting
person than an actor pretending to be an interesting
person. There is definitely a craft to acting and one that
should be cultivated and practiced to be effective but
having that depth of experience will always benefit the
study and execution of acting.
2. Study the art of acting from the best and most qualified
people you can find and afford. My caveat here is not to
get too ingrained in one and only one technique; try as
many as you can. Pick and choose from each what works best
for you. By "what works best" I mean whatever feels most
natural to you and leads to the most natural performance.
A technique that works for you is key because when you get
that opportunity, that audition, that "big break", you want
to be able to turn it on like a switch and be able to turn
do it take after take after take.
Here is a list of authors that I recommend for Acting
technique: Konstantin Stanislavsky, Stanford Meisner,
Stella Adler, Richard Boleslavky, Uta Hagen, Robert Lewis.
Also, study the classics (there is a reason they are
classics). A few of my favorite Playwrights: Arthur Miller,
Anton Chekov, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neill, William
Inge, Clifford Odets, Joe Orton, Harold Pinter
3. If you don't currently reside in L.A. or N.Y., move
there when you can. The good news is that both L.A. and
N.Y. are exciting places to live with more opportunities
for actors to succeed than anywhere in the world. The bad
news is that these are two of the most expensive cities to
live in. To get a sense of just how expensive to rent a
room or apartment is, I suggest going on www.craigslist.com
to research what's out there. Craig's list is also a
terrific resource for employment opportunities.
Most of you will not have the advantage of winning a
$100,000 prize to tide you over while you're waiting for
your big break. The usual waiter/bartender jobs are always
out there, but they are not what I would suggest as your
best bets. The entertainment industry is a tight community
where everyone knows everyone's business and, like all
tight groups, it is tough to break into. As an aspiring
actor, you will be like one of a billion sperm hoping to
penetrate an egg (exaggeration, sort of). To increase your
odds of "penetrating" I suggest looking for work at a
network, studio, agency or casting office. Pretend you're
adamantly opposed to becoming an actor, succumb only to
persistent pressure.
You may be spotted at the Starbucks on Melrose and become
the next Hollywood hot property the day you arrive in L.A.,
but don't count on that and don't gamble with your future.
Be smart and commit to the long haul. That's your best
chance for success.
Finally, remember that, as an actor, what you have to offer
is - YOU. Love, nurture, develop and protect YOU. Find what
works for you, find people to align yourself with who
believe in you and are dedicated to protecting that essence.
I truly love the craft of acting and have incredible
respect for those who are willing to put themselves out
there in pursuit of their dream. I wish you all the best
and will assist you more helpful hints to come - headshot
advice, finding an agent, etc.
"Break a leg!"
Scott Thompson Baker
----------------------------------------------------
Scott Thompson Baker began his career in 1986 after winning
the Acting category of Star Search. Television credits
include roles on: General Hospital, All My Children, and
Bold & the Beautiful, spanning 11 years. Credits found at
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048913/ Today, Scott resides in
his Midwest hometown and continues to realize his dreams
through his gratifying home business.
http://www.CaptureDestiny.com
stbaker@mail.com
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