9 Things You’ll Need for a Successful Acting Career

There’s no denying that acting is a career path that thousands of hopefuls seek to join each year. Many people aspire to star in leading Hollywood movies, while others might prefer to make a name for themselves in television programs and shows.

You’re likely reading this because you want a career change and want to consider acting, but it’s not something you seriously pursued in your life until now. You also don’t know how to increase your chances of becoming a successful actor or actress.

With that in mind, take a look at these inspirational things you need to help reach your acting career goals:

1. A Smartphone

Are you rocking an old Nokia 7210 or Blackberry Bold? If so, it’s time to ditch your ancient mobile technology and upgrade to the latest smartphone. You might be wondering how a shiny new smartphone will help you become a successful actor or actress.

The truth is, it’s a tool you can use for many reasons to help with your career. For example, it’s a reliable way that casting agencies and other industry-related contacts can get hold of you, either by telephone, SMS, email, or instant messaging programs like WhatsApp.

You can also use your smartphone to download apps that help you memorize lines or watch inspirational movies and TV programs on the go.

2. Books

While most people tend to access information digitally, books are still quintessential items you should have in your arsenal of acting-related tools. Why? You can read books that provide the scripts to key plays and movies.

You can also browse books that teach you about acting techniques, how to memorize lines and an insight into how successful actors and actresses made it big when they first started their careers.

An advantage books have over digital tools is you don’t need batteries or electricity to use them; you simply open up your desired page and start reading.

3. Portfolio Website

If you apply for an audition for a new movie or even a local play, the chances are high that casting directors with more than a passing interest in your resume will want to check out an online portfolio.

What happens if you don’t have a portfolio website? You’ll probably get passed over for another likely candidate. Creating a portfolio site is easier than you think, as many firms offer website builder products that anyone can use – even if they aren’t web designers.

Remember to embed some videos in your portfolio that gives prospective casting directors insight into your acting styles.

4. Perfect Teeth

Have you ever noticed that most actors and actresses on the silver screen have sparkling white teeth that look perfect? That description is what you’ll often hear as the “Hollywood Smile.”

Investing in tools to help you be a better actor or actress is one thing. But, you must also invest in yourself in other ways, and one perfect example is to have a dentist whiten your teeth and repair any that got damaged in some way.

If you’ve taken care of your teeth throughout your life, you won’t need to worry about this step. But, if your teeth are looking a little yellow or worse for wear, schedule an appointment with your dentist to improve them.

5. A Digital Camera

Another piece of technology you should have at your disposal is a digital camera. Why would that be an essential item, you ask yourself? After all, you want to become an actor, not a photographer.

The truth is, today’s digital cameras are adept at recording video and not just taking good-quality photos. Armed with a tripod, you can use your digital camera to help you improve your stage technique.

Digital cameras are also helpful when creating “self-tapes” – virtual auditions for parts that you can send to casting directors. As you can appreciate, self-tapes are prevalent these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Lots of Clothes

Let’s face it: unless you’re looking for roles playing nudists in movies and plays, you’ll need to wear some clothes. Yes, when you get a role in a screen or theatrical performance, you’ll undoubtedly get issued some suitable clothing to wear.

But, when you’re trying to capture the attention of a casting director, you’ll need to “wow” them when they see your portfolio, screen test footage, or during a casting call. One way to achieve that goal is by wearing the right clothes.

During your acting career, you’ll probably play all kinds of different parts. Some roles may require you to wear casual clothing, while others may demand formal clothes or uniforms. Make sure casting directors can picture you wearing different outfits easily in your portfolio.

7. Formal Training and Qualifications

A quick check on many of today’s top actors and actresses will reveal that most of them have one thing in common: they will have spent some of their formative years getting formal training from acting schools.

Some actors and actresses will even have formal qualifications at degree level. While formal training and qualifications aren’t strictly necessary for many acting roles, they help you progress in the industry and for several reasons.

For a start, it shows potential casting directors that you’ve been taught the techniques for acting in different roles. Secondly, you’re more likely to get “spotted” by casting directors and other influential industry figures, especially when attending industry networking events.

Lastly, it shows people that you’re willing to put the work in to forge a successful acting career and that you’re serious about what you want to do.

8. Social Media Profiles

Having a portfolio website is one thing. But, are you using the social networks that other people, especially those of importance to you in the film industry? If the answer’s no, you need to start creating and populating some social media profiles.

LinkedIn is undeniably the best social network for building your professional network and making yourself accessible to the movers and shakers in the acting industry. Instagram is perfect for building up a searchable public photo and video gallery to showcase yourself.

Meanwhile, Facebook and Twitter are good ways to build a fan base, especially if you’ve gained popularity in local or regional casting roles. If you’re unsure how to set up your profiles, there are many online social media guides for actors and actresses you can check.

9. Business Cards

You might think that business cards are the sorts of things that only entrepreneurs should hand out to other people. However, business cards can act as miniature offline portfolios that folks can put in their pockets or wallets with ease.

When you have your business cards designed, you should ensure there’s a good headshot on them along with links (or details) on how to find you across the various social networks online.

Of course, you need to make sure that you’ve got a contact number that anyone can reach you on. As you can imagine, that’s crucially important when you’re handing out your business cards to potential future casting directors at networking events and parties.

Final Thoughts

Getting into the acting industry is by no means a walk in the park for most people. It takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and training to become one of the leading names in the industry.

Thankfully, the above concepts are some examples you can consider if you’re serious about forging an acting career and want to get the best start.