A Career In Acting:
Advice From A Musical Theatre Performer

6 Tips For Starting A Career In Acting

If you are looking to start a career in acting, it’s always good to talk to people who are already doing what you want to do. Coming off part 1 of the interview with musical theatre actress Anastasia Bain, an American woman who has been performing on German stage for some twenty years now, part 2 here below, focuses on what she feels are the ‘essentials’ needed to start an acting career.

Tony: What would you tell someone who approaches you and says, “I want to start a career in acting. What should I do first?”

Anastasia: 1. First I would ask them what other skills do they have? What other marketable skills do they have as a human being? That comes first.

Tony: I know where you are going with this. Many people who want to start a career in acting don't think about this very basic thing. Pleeeeeease tell why you think this is so important.

Anastasia: You’re going to have to make a living while pursuing your craft. You will need to make money using your marketable skills. It's that simple.

Tony: I’d like to go deeper into next time. It’s so important, not only what skills you have, but how you use them so that they will help you the most. So what’s next?

Anastasia: 2. Then I would ask them how much time they are willing to commit to their acting career? I would tell them that they should give themselves at least a year to find out if this is really what they would like to do.

Tony: And then they ask you, “What kinds of things should I do that will help me to figure out if a career in acting is what I want to do?”

Anastasia: 3. Take a variety of acting classes. While you are looking for them and trying to decide which ones to take, remember that you also have the option to audit classes. You don’t always have to pay to get in and take a look. Whatever your decision may be, get some training.

4. Another point to take into consideration is that you must do whateever makes your heart sing! I remember the first time I attended a dance concert! I couldn't sit still! I loved it! I knew it was something I had to do!

For example, if someone tells you that you have a fabulous voice and that you should consider pursuing voice-over work, I would say that if it doesn't make your heart sing, then don't do it, because you must be passionate about it. Without passion, you will not be motivated to continue through the ups and downs of the journey.

Tony: Anything else?

5. You also have to position yourself in the arena where you want to play. For example if you are interested in doing commercials, you must seek out commercial acting classes, commercial agents, and casting directors for commercials, etc.

Tony: So it’s about positioning yourself for success. Right?

Anastasia: Yes! 6. Next, consider how much time you are willing to invest in your acting career. When you are trying to do this business in New York, you will need a major source of income, whether it be a survival job or money from your savings to invest in classes, head shots, résumés, networking seminars, etc. All of that takes money! Any business needs start up capital and an actor's business is no different!

Tony: So as a new person, I ask you, “How much money do I need to start my acting career?”

Anastasia: Wow! That’s difficult to say, because everybody’s different. I have friends for example who worked in Germany and decided to go to New York to pursue an acting career. It took them at least a year to get in the groove. So that meant for them a year of living expenses in New York, taking classes, travelling back and forth to Germany, etc. This is why it is crucial that you have other marketable skills, because you must rely on them for survival.

Tony: So to sum it all up, here are the 6 points:

1. Marketable Skills
2. Time
3. Training/Classes
4. Passion
5. Position Yourself For Success
6. A Solid Financial Base At The Outset Of Your Career

Have a look at the other part of this interview with the musical theatre actress, Anastasia Bain in which she talks about what you need to start a career in acting.

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Hi Tony
I would like to thank you for helping me with the monologue question I asked in October 2007. I went to the auditions for a Drama course and I am happy to say that I have been accepted as a first-year student at the Tshwane University of Technology. Please keep on sending me those newsletters and let me know where I can find books that will help me in my acting career. Thank you once more. Have a blessed day.
Sincerely
Edward Thaba -South Africa

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Hi,
I was wondering if there is anything established like actingstartup.com in the U.K. because you are amazing and I have learned loads...
Thank You.
Nadine., Newcastle, UK

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Dear Anthony,
Just wanted to thank you for bringing me in to [audition for the video], meet you and chat this Saturday. I was really excited to hear about your working on actingcareerstartup.com and even took a look at it today - it's awesome! You are very well-spoken, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and it shows through the work that you do! I hope our paths in the industry will cross again and really enjoyed meeting you. Thanks, again and best wishes with your very important work!
Warmly,
Gretchen, NY, NY

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Hey Tony, thanks for the info, yours by far is the most useful, I am 30 years old, and I myself always (secretly) wanted to be an actress, but I never knew where to begin, so thank you. You have given me hope!
Ana C., Tampa, FL

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Hi, I’m John.
You answered a question for me about two weeks ago about how to write my cover letters…I want you to know your advice was helpful. I got called in for a part as an extra in my first movie! It’s not big, but it’s my first one! Thanks for your help!
John, San Diego, CA