When you’re starting an acting career after a certain age, whether it be theatre or film, you face some different hurdles than people who are starting early in life. There are some things that you are going to want to do differently and some things that will be exactly the same. Starting late in life has me doing a lot of research on some of the best ways to break into the field even when you’re starting late. Today I am going to share the tips I have found to starting an acting career after 30.
Learn
We have talked about the importance of honing your skill before. This is a very important step in both building your resume and building your confidence. When you start deciding which classes are best to take, you want to take classes that fit best with your goals. There are tons of classes out there and you’ll be tempted to take the popular classes or expensive classes with people in the industry and of course, those classes are great! But you don’t want to spend a crazy amount just taking classes in everything because you don’t want to waste your money or your time. Make sure you choose classes that really align with your career goals. Luckily there are lots of online workshops now that you can take advantage of. Research the courses you choose and make them work the best for you.
Headshots
This remains the same for anyone starting out. You need a good headshot. As a photographer who has photographed actors before there are things you want to make sure to avoid. For example, over retouching. You want to look like you and skin has texture, guys! The casting director needs to see what you really look like and you don’t want them thinking you’re trying to hide anything. There are lots of other tips and I will do another post about some best practices for your headshots!
Find local/non-union auditions
This is a great way to get experience to bulk up your resume and get experience. Community auditions and non-union work can help you to get a better understanding of the industry. Extra work and work behind the scenes is all beneficial to your experience as an actor. Don’t shy away from it. It can help you to build not only experience but confidence. Booking local work can show that you can book in order to eventually get an agent.
Create your own work
Write your own projects and/or collaborate with others. Technology makes it possible for us to create and share our own work. This is something that I really look forward to doing. Yes, Youtube has tons of content and people putting out work but it is still a good resource for sharing your own content and talent and building a following. Working on projects with others will also give you insight into how other’s work and you can learn a lot!
Get Online
Don’t have a website? Get one! Build your social media for networking and marketing. So much is done online now and it gives us yet another way to make connections. Make sure wherever you are online, you add your links so people know where to find you. If you have IMDB or Backstage profiles, add them!! …and make sure you put where you’re located too. Not only is this a great way to make connections but also to make friends in the industry as you grow together!
Don’t let your age hold you back from doing the things you need to do to find success. There is definitely a place for people over 30 and the competition is very different. You likely have less people than someone in there 20’s all going for the same part so use your advantages and do the work to start a successful acting career!
Check out my video here