newtothis

Hi everyone. As you probably guessed, I am new to this. I have always had an interest in acting, but have never really taken it that seriously before. I've now decided that that's going to change. I live in a small area, as show buisness goes and nothing much EVER happens here, and besides that I am still young and no like, nothing.

I was just wondering if anyone ever had any sugggestions on how to get started? THanks for the help!

Logophile

Hi! I'm fairly new to acting as well, but I can give you some advice.

Look for acting classes either in your town or in surrounding areas. Always be on the lookout for casting calls or auditions in the biggest cities nearest you. If no acting classes, then start by reading all you can about acting. I suggest "On Acting" by Sanford Meisner. It's not a "how to" guide, but it opens you up to different ideas. You're still fairly young, so when you are older and able to you might look into moving to California or New York. There are tons of acting possibilities out there.

Good luck!

newtothis

Thanks for your reply. I was just wondering if you know anywhere I can get the book, and if anyone can recomend any particular acting classes. And one more question, I was looking on some sites that said that dance lessons can help with your acting. Is that true? Thanks again!

SWK78

Dance lessons can and will enhance your acting if you allow it to flow through you at the right moments. Life IS a dance, and so acting is a representation of the same dance. Learning to dance certain dances will help free your body and allow it and you to be more comfortable with moving about. Your confidence will be boosted, you'll know what you're body is capable of.

I also suggest the book "Acting for the Camera" You can find this on Amazon.com, as probably the book that Logophile mentioned. While on Amazon, look for other titles that look interesting. Since you're new to this, I suggest lots of research before comitting to any HUGE role, you may end up not knowing what to do, or how to get the best performance if you get a big role right now, but if you do and you have talent, dont turn any opportunity down. Experience will help you more than books. Experience is hands-on learing. But books and research will help you understand the fundamentals of acting and how you should be paid, and all the legal matters, and everything else you'll need to acquiant yourself with.

And personally, I have never suggested any acting classes, as I most likely never will. Acting classes cannot teach you all the characters that you will have in the future, acting classes cannot teach you how to play them. Acting classes teach how to play emotions, like "Play the scene as if you are angry" or "how would you feel if your boyfriend left? play the scene that way." That will most likely be your class sessions. Teaching you to play certain emotions and to act of stimuli. But they cannot show you the characters that you will have in the future, they cannot show you WHO or HOW to be for your future, You will learn TECHNIQUES, techniques that usually should be tossed out, in my opinion. When approaching your characters, learn as much as you can about them from the sources available to you, [i.e. the script, the director, the screenwriter - I grant you, if ever you have a question about your characters go straight to the screenwriter, or whoever came up with that character - they should have the answers, or ask you questions that by your answers you will learn the truths and lies of your role]. So - I do not recommend acting classes. I personally think they are a waste of time. They DO add to a resume, though. But training is nothing compared to talent. Even if you go to classes, you MUST have talent. Your job as an actor is to find that power within you to captivate an audience, to take their minds off their stresses.


My Blessings to You,
SWK78

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Edder

Welcome to the Actors Forum. I hope you enjoy yourself here as well as learn more about acting.