For some high school students drama or theatre is just another elective. For others, however, acting is a way of life – and an acting career the ultimate goal. But if you want to be an actor after high school, you’ll need to prepare to take your skills and experience to the next level. However, that doesn’t mean waiting around until you graduate to figure out your next move; by starting to plan for your higher education and eventual career in acting now, while still in high school, you can give yourself a valuable head start on every step of your upcoming journey.
Start Looking at Acting Schools
Finding the right college is a huge – and sometimes tough – decision! That’s why it’s important to get a jump on the process by starting with research early on. It’s going to take time to research the different acting schools you’re interested in, and there are a lot of factors to consider: location, reputation, faculty, accreditation, and curriculum, just to name a few. But finding the right acting school doesn’t have to be overwhelming, if you know what to look for. Look for a list of notable alumni who attended the school, and research the faculty you’ll be learning from. Also, research the opportunities provided by both the school and the city you’ll be living in, as well as the costs and quality of living. Most importantly, look for a school that puts you first!
Take Acting Workshops
You’re in One Act Play, the school’s debate team, and even take English Literature as an elective. These are all great experiences that are helping you become a more well-rounded actor – and teaching you skills that can boost your career. So why do you need to take additional acting programs or workshops? Taking acting classes outside of high school can open you up as an actor by providing you with new viewpoints and experiences. It makes you more flexible and comfortable around different acting groups and audiences. It can help you make friends and networking contacts, as well as allows you to learn from older, more experienced actors. Most importantly, there’s no such thing as “too much” experience. The more skills and experience you have, the more impressive your resume – or acting school application – will be.
Begin Marketing Yourself as an Actor
If you’re trying to build an acting career, it’s never too early to network. Begin marketing yourself as an actor while in high school. You may not land the high-paying acting jobs while you’re still in school, but at least you’ll know what to expect once you’re out of school. You can even begin to make an impressive list of references or referrals. Plus, having the right contacts can help down the road when you’re looking for auditions, or for references on your resume or acting school application.
Still Have More Questions?
KD Conservatory has acting, musical theatre, and film production programs to help prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry. Contact us with any of your questions, or check us out on Facebook for ongoing updates and information!
