What does it take to become an actor? Talent alone won’t cut it. A successful acting career demands formal training, discipline, and the ability to handle rejection. Most actors spend years in acting classes, community theater, and student films before landing professional productions.
Casting directors and talent agents look for actors with strong acting skills and real experience. Whether you’re drawn to film acting, television shows, or theater, acting programs, workshops, and independent productions can set you apart. Even famous actors who seem like overnight successes have spent years, even decades, building their craft and adding to their resumes.
This guide covers everything from training and audition prep to casting calls, networking, and crafting an acting resume. Learn what it really takes to turn acting into a career.
Key Takeaways
Acting is an illumination of the human condition. It is a craft that demands training, hard work, and an ability to consistently create organic, vivid, fully realized human behavior.
The best actors treat their craft like a profession, mastering their instrument and constantly refining their skills.
If you are serious about acting, invest in professional training, embrace the work, and commit fully to the process.
The Truth About Becoming an Actor: Passion vs. Reality
In my opinion, the majority of actors are lazy. They do not work on themselves the way other serious artists in other mediums do. Most aspiring actors are lulled into this business by the pop culture superficiality of fame, celebrity, and money.
But a serious actor is an acrobat of the human heart and is committed to the craft and artistry of creating behavior. A successful acting career is built through training, persistence, and years of struggle and hard work.
Living a professional, creative life is very challenging. There is no security, no steady source of income, years, most often a decade or more of struggle and rejection, and continual financial insecurity. Most people who “give acting a shot” quit within five years.
If you want to elevate yourself out of the morass of wannabe actors, the first thing you need to do is seek out professional acting training. Whether it is one of the many acting studios NYC offers, or an advanced BFA or MFA degree, training is essential.
An actor’s life will require a commitment to intellectual curiosity, a deep well of empathy for the human condition, and the continual reliance on grit and resilience. No one will take you seriously if you do not take yourself seriously first, and when that starts to happen your career will move forward.
The Core of Acting: The Craft
Acting is about revealing truth through human behavior. The best actors do not perform; they illuminate the human condition in an experiential way. They live and breathe the part. Without proper training, even the most naturally gifted aspiring actors struggle to consistently create authentic and compelling work.
A strong performance comes from skill, not luck. Great actors spend years sharpening their craft in acting classes, working with an acting coach, and studying techniques that help them control their voice, body, and emotional fluidity. Film, television, and theater each require different skills, but all demand a deep understanding of human behavior and psychopathology.
Most successful actors have spent countless hours breaking down scripts, rehearsing scenes, and refining their craft. Even experienced screen actors continue training to stay sharp for casting calls and professional productions. The work never stops. That is what separates a great actor from the hacks that pollute this art form.
The essential skills every actor must develop
Emotional depth & vulnerability: A great performance comes from an actor’s ability to be fully present and responsive in the moment.
The best actors do not force, push, or indicate emotion. Instead, they focus on truly listening, connecting to the other actors in the scene, and trusting their instincts, responding with spontaneity.
This is the roadmap for creating authentic, vivid performances that feel real and alive. Add to these fundamental skills the ability to craft, to break down a scene, implant meaning, justify text, create impulses, and do actions, lead to consistently good work.
Voice & movement training: Acting is a full-body craft. Actors must train their voices for clarity, projection, and emotional expression while also mastering their physical movement. This is the training that can help an actor be truly transformational.
Script analysis & scene study: Memorizing lines has nothing to do with acting. Professional actors know how to break down a script, understand subtext, and create dynamic performances that illuminate the human condition.
Improvisation & adaptability: Not everything in an audition room or professional production goes as planned. Actors must think on their feet, adjust to direction, and bring spontaneity to their work.
Discipline & work ethic: Acting is demanding. Many actors work long hours, face constant rejection, and must balance auditions and other life obligations. Those who succeed are the ones who stay committed, train consistently, and take every opportunity to improve their craft.
Realities of the Acting Journey: Training, Experience & Growth
Building an acting career takes time, patience, and dedication. Many actors spend years training and then auditioning before landing professional roles.
Some study at an acting school or take acting workshops, while others gain experience through community theater, student films, or independent productions. No matter the path, acting requires continuous growth.
Choosing the right acting training
Not all training is equal. Some actors earn an acting degree through college classes, while others take independent acting classes or study with an acting coach.
Conservatory programs like Meisner-based training focus on hands-on, immersive work that develops discipline and fundamental skills. Structured, long-term training helps actors stand out in auditions and professional productions.
Gaining real-world experience
Actors need experience on stage and in front of a camera. Performing in school plays, community theater, or local productions builds confidence. Student films and independent projects help actors develop on-camera skills and provide content to create a demo reel for casting directors and agents.
Small roles often lead to bigger opportunities. Many successful actors started with background work or independent productions before booking major roles. Every project, no matter how small, is a chance to sharpen acting skills and build industry connections.
The slow burn of career growth
Overnight success is rare. Many famous actors spent years working before their big break. Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, Pedro Pascal, and Mark Ruffalo faced years of rejection before landing major roles. A successful actor is one who stays committed, continues training, and takes every opportunity to improve.
Most actors go through slow periods and hear “no” more than “yes.” The difference between those who make it and those who quit is persistence. Actors who keep training, refine their techniques, and remain open to learning have the best shot at a lasting career.
Mastering the Business of Acting
Talent and training are essential, but an acting career is also a business.
Many actors focus solely on their craft and overlook the industry side. Knowing how to market yourself, find acting opportunities, and connect with industry professionals is just as important as developing strong acting skills.
The industry as a business
Acting is an art, but success depends on treating it like a profession. A successful actor approaches their career strategically and builds relationships with casting directors, fellow actors, and talent agents.
Industry events, casting calls, and a strong social media presence help keep you visible in the acting world.
Marketing yourself as an actor
A strong first impression can determine whether you get an audition. Professional headshots, a polished acting resume, and a compelling demo reel are essential.
Even without professional credits, actors can build a reel by working on student films, independent productions, and local theater. Casting websites and social media platforms allow actors to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. Understanding your type helps you target the right roles.
Finding & nailing auditions
Auditions are where actors prove themselves. Knowing where to find legitimate casting notices helps avoid scams and wasted time. Many actors find opportunities through acting school networks, word of mouth, and online casting websites.
Preparation is key. Breaking down the writer’s script, choosing the right wardrobe, and walking into the audition room with confidence make all the difference. Screen actors must also master self-taped auditions, which have become a standard practice in the acting industry since the pandemic.
The role of agents & managers
Actors do not need an agent right away, but representation will eventually open doors to bigger productions. Agents and managers help actors find auditions, negotiate contracts, and build relationships with casting directors.
Agents look for actors with professional headshots, a strong demo reel, and proven acting experience. Networking at industry events and building relationships with industry professionals can help actors get noticed. Even with an agent, actors must continue to market themselves and seek out opportunities.
The Psychological & Emotional Challenges of Acting
Success in acting requires mental strength as much as talent. Rejection, uncertainty, and industry pressure can take a toll. Actors who build resilience, confidence, and artistic integrity have the best chance of long-term success.
Handling rejection & uncertainty
Rejection is part of the job. Casting directors make decisions based on many factors, most of which have nothing to do with an actor’s talent. Even the most successful actors have faced countless setbacks.
Waiting for callbacks and dealing with unpredictable work can be mentally exhausting. Some actors go months and even years without booking a role but stay engaged in their craft by attending acting classes, training their instrument, and creating and developing their own work.
Collaborating with other talented and passionate artists can lead to content that people are interested in.
Building resilience & confidence
Confidence comes from preparation and persistence. Many actors turn to therapy, meditation, or personal growth to manage self-doubt. Taking care of mental health is just as important as refining acting skills.
Long-term success requires patience. The best actors find joy in training, rehearsing, and collaborating with fellow actors rather than fixating on results. Focusing on growth instead of approval from potential casting directors leads to a more fulfilling career.
Maintaining artistic integrity in a competitive industry
Actors must balance paying jobs with meaningful work. Commercial success provides stability, but true fulfillment comes from taking on diverse roles that challenge and inspire.
The industry is competitive, but a professional actor should not compromise artistic integrity for quick success. A successful actor is not just someone who books roles but someone who remains dedicated to mastering their craft and telling compelling stories.
Train Smarter, Act Better with Maggie Flanigan Studio
Many aspiring actors waste years bouncing between NYC acting classes, trying to piece together their training without real progress. They invest in headshots, build resumes, and attend casting calls, yet still struggle to perform with depth, consistency, and confidence.
Real growth as an actor requires structured training with expert guidance. The Maggie Flanigan Studio’s Meisner-based program transforms raw talent into real craft. Our conservatory training in Acting, Voice, Movement, and Script Analysis builds the technique, discipline, and emotional depth needed for a successful career.
If you are serious about acting, our programs provide the foundation you need. With flexible scheduling, students can train full-time or over two to three years. Whether your goal is theater, television, or film, our expert faculty will challenge and prepare you. Call to schedule an interview and start your professional training today.
Conclusion
Many dream of becoming an actor, but few commit to the work it demands. The ones who make it are not just talented—they are relentless. They train even when no one is watching, improve their craft with every audition, and refuse to let rejection define them.
If acting is more than just a dream for you, then prove it. Train like a professional, push yourself beyond what feels comfortable, and commit fully to the process. The acting world does not wait for anyone. It rewards those who show up, do the work, and never stop growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do to become an actor?
To become an actor, you need proper training, real experience, and persistence. Taking acting classes at a top acting school like Maggie Flanigan Studio helps develop technique while working with an acting coach refines your craft.
Build a strong demo reel, attend industry events, and seek acting opportunities in theater, student films, and independent productions. Success does not happen overnight, but with commitment and hard work, you can build a real career in the acting industry.
Is becoming an actor hard?
Yes, becoming an actor is challenging, but the hardest part is staying committed when things get tough.
Casting directors see hundreds of actors for every role, and rejection is constant. A working actor must train consistently, develop special skills, and create marketing materials that stand out. Those who keep learning, networking, and showing up for auditions have the best shot at making it.
What are the 10 rules of acting?
Train consistently with expert teachers.
Study acting techniques to develop your craft.
Always listen and respond truthfully in a scene.
Take risks and embrace discomfort.
Be professional, punctual, and prepared.
Learn how to market yourself with headshots, a demo reel, and an acting resume.
Build relationships with other actors and industry professionals.
Stay open to feedback and never stop improving.
Develop resilience—rejection is part of the process.
Commit fully because success in the acting world takes years of dedication.
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