Acting is first and foremost a craft. The best of us actors understand this and no matter how far I go in my career, I am constantly looking to improve upon my skills. I take classes, work with acting and dialogue coaches, and also study life experiences, etc. yet I do realize and know full well that even after a lifetime of work and study, I may never reach absolute perfection. The most important thing is to keep working at it every single day.
So it's imperative that you take a wide variety of acting classes. You want to also Work in a wide variety of styles with a as many different groups of people that you can find. Try it all. From Shakespeare to comedy, from improv to cinema verite -- the more one knows, the more well rounded you'll be and ultimately, the better prepared you'll be for whatever roles come you way.
First things first though - yes get professional head shots done. Do NOT get them done at a photography studio. Those types of professional photographers do not specialize in actors head shots!
Agents: Yes, you need to get an agent but realize that you may yourself get more work on your own, sad but true! Below I will give you reputable agents in our Philadelphia area.
QUICK NOTE ON AGENTS: If any agent makes you pay for their services up front than don't walk, RUN away from these guys. Legitimate talent agents only get paid when they get jobs for their clients. After all, what incentive do they have to find you a job if you've already given them their share in advance?
No matter what they try to tell you, or however they try to validate charging you up front (e.g.,
personalized service, guaranteed jobs, head shots, etc.), do not under any circumstances pay these individuals a cent.
Understand that you will be doing a lot of unpaid work - think of it as training and resume builders. A very good resource is mandy.com as well as film.org to find roles. My advice is to not do any extra work, where you would be like the background talent and especially do not include any extra work on your resume as well. You want to become known as an actor not a background person!
That's my opinion and others may disagree on this. Call local community colleges also Universities as well.I have done many films for students and had some really cool roles. Simply call and ask for the film department. Then you can ask if there are any auditions coming up for student films you may be casted in!
So, to re-cap, first get classes and head shots and yes, sign up with an agent. Good luck my friends, and please - keep in touch always glad to help out! That's what we all need to do to survive in the this industry.
