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Ready means that you're in a position where you're able to compete with other professional actors and be hired immediately, even in entry-level gigs. How do you know if you're ready? You need to take a good long objective look at yourself. Being the best in high school doesn't always translate into competitive, since most people entering the business were the best wherever they came from, be it college or high school or community theatre. Youth is a virtue in this business these days, especially in LA, but as always, looks are vital. If there was an equation for success for people from 18-25 in the business it might be: 2X Looks + 2X connections + talent + 1/2 training +1/2 drive = Possibility of success This really is the SAT, God help us. If you look at the scale and don't feel you're ready to rock and roll, well, you're like most people then. Think about a college degree in acting (a BFA, not a BA), or think about beginning in a smaller, less competitive market like Chicago or San Francisco. It should go without saying (but my ex-assistant Flora insists I say it anyway) that if you're moving to any big city, especially LA or NYC, you need to be sure you have a safe place to live, can support yourself and are on your guard. Let's say you come out aces on the equation; do you choose LA or NYC? If you want to do theatre or musicals, NYC is the only choice. LA is the land of TV and film, so if that's what you want, go West young lady. Both are very tough markets to break into, of course.
So now your actual question, what should your first step be? It's the same everywhere. GET AN AGENT (or in LA get a manager or an agent). It's difficult to achieve anything of substance without someone in the know trying to get you auditions. If you can't get an agent or manager, well, you're probably not ready to be there. Check the Ross Reports, as well as The Screen Actors Guild Agent List for a list of franchised (licensed) agencies. Have a question for Andy? Drop him an Email! |
