How to become an actor
(3 minutes read)
Introduction
We see and hear actors almost on a daily basis, portraying characters in films, TV, advertisements, radio and theatre productions. This is one of the professions which our society has very diverse opinion about. Some think of it as a successful career, and are fascinated by the glam and status of being an actor while some see it as one good for entertainment purposes but wouldn’t be interested to indulge in it or be associated with it. And still there is another group of people that disapprove of it as a profession and have a negative opinion about it.
Basically, being an actor is donning a persona, being or showing someone you are not, and the kind of work you do and your choices of character you play eventually is what gives you you’re status in society and what people will associate you with.
Actors are artists, but this art is made up of many smaller skills and bits of art that you must learn and practice. Despite this, an actor must possess some innate qualities and have the basic skill of acting in his/her nature as hard work in this field only works with hand in hand with talent.
Education and training for becoming an actor
Although no formal education is required to become an actor, aspiring actors or even established actors do undergo some sort of formal education or training to polish their skills.
Internationally there is a huge market dedicated to actors and performers as compared to Pakistan but it is an emerging field in Pakistan and still has a long way to go. Students can take filmmaking and drama or media studies as a major in universities like NCA, Lahore and KIET, Karachi or could opt for courses and certifications provided by different academies as well as universities. This year, around 7 institutes offered different program in film/TV and many more in various programs of media studies which you may have a look at under https://www.eduvision.edu.pk/programs-offered-in-media-studies-at-bachelor-level-in-pakistan .
Training
- Although a degree might help you in your acting career, training and skills play the main role in landing you a successful career
- Start auditioning and playing roles in local plays and college drama clubs
- Study characters that you hope to portray
- Try to train in skills that may give you additional points like singing, dancing and martial arts for example
- Audition with and start out with minor roles and work up to lead roles as you become more trained and seasoned
- Associate with an agent of acting agency to help you land good roles and opportunities
Skills of an actor
Actors have distinct personalities. They usually are artistic individuals having a creative, sensitive, confident and expressive personality. Some key skills that you must have and develop include
- Memorization and reading
- Active listening
- Persistence
- Physical stamina to work long or unique hours
- Good verbal communication and confidence
- Ability to improvise and think on spot
Acting is a career requiring a lot of patience and adaptability during the initial years. Many big household names had to go through a struggling period before they achieved fame in this profession. You must be persistent with your effort and passion to follow it.
Views: 13463
