How to start a acting career

3. Prepare a headshot, résumé, and demo reel You’ll need a headshot, acting résumé, and demo reel, since casting directors often require you to submit these materials before they will consider you for roles. The experience you build in smaller roles early in your career will be crucial to building up your acting résumé and helping you create a demo reel. As you audition and land more roles, you’ll acquire better footage for your reel and more parts to list on your résumé. Consider these materials to be documents that live and grow alongside your career.

4. Audition for acting roles Respond to casting calls and attend auditions. Building professional experience is essential for an early-career actor, even if you just land gigs as an extra, act in commercials, or participate in smaller local theater productions at the beginning of your journey. Early in your career, you’ll find these through word of mouth and online casting platforms.

May 25, 2025 | 7:55 am