Stranger Things (Image: Netflix)
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the spotlight and bringing characters to life? Whether you want to be on stage, in movies, or just enjoy the thrill of acting, being a teen and wanting to start is the perfect time to begin! This guide will walk you through the steps to begin your acting journey as a teen, with tips, advice, and free scripts to practice.
1. Discover Your Passion for Acting:
Acting is all about passion. Think about what inspires you—maybe it’s a favorite movie, a play you saw, or a character you admire. Understanding what excites you about acting will help you stay motivated and committed.
*Personal Tip:* Keep a journal of your favorite performances and what you love about them. This can be a great source of inspiration!
2. Join Acting Classes:
One of the best ways to start acting is by joining a class. Acting classes offer structured learning, professional guidance, and a chance to meet other aspiring actors. Look for local classes or online courses that fit your schedule.
We offer classes specifically for teens. Our classes are based off of training from The Yale School of Drama. Our curriculum focuses on 4 acting essentials for Film & TV:
scene analysis, character, camera technique, and spontaneity. Check out our Teen Classes here for more info.
3. Practice with Scripts:
Practicing with scripts is crucial. It helps you learn how to interpret different characters, emotions, and scenarios. We’ve got you covered with some free scripts to get started! All scene material we use in our teen acting classes are focused for the camera and are from current Television & Film.
4. Get Involved in School or Community Theater:
Your school or local community likely offers opportunities to participate in theater productions. Auditioning for a school play or a community theater project is a great way to gain experience and build your acting resume.
5. Create Your Own Content:
In today’s digital age, creating your own content is easier than ever. Start a YouTube channel, make short films with friends, or post monologues on social media. This not only gives you practice but also helps you build a portfolio.
*Quick Tips:*
- Use your phone to film.
- Write your own short scripts.
- Share your work on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.
6. Audition for Roles:
Once you feel ready, start auditioning. Look for auditions in your area or online casting calls. Student short films and short films are a great place to start. Remember, every audition is a learning experience, even if you don’t get the part.
We at Graham Shiels Studios understand that starting in acting, especially as a career, is not easy. That's why we offer agent nights to our students where they can perform for theatrical talent agents & managers! Voluntary and free for our acting students upon instructor approval.
*Pro Tip:* Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Keep practicing, learning, and auditioning. Every actor faces rejection—it’s part of the journey.
7. Stay Committed and Have Fun:
Acting is a journey that requires dedication and passion. Keep pushing yourself, learning new skills, and most importantly, have fun with it! Acting should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Starting your acting journey as a teen can be incredibly exciting and rewarding. By following these steps, joining our classes, and practicing with our free scripts, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the actor you’ve always dreamed of being. Remember, every great actor started somewhere—this is your beginning! We hope this guidebook helped you gain some insight on how to become an actor as a teenager.
Ready to take the next step? Sign up for our teen acting classes today and start your adventure in the world of acting. We can’t wait to see you shine!
Sign up here and get in touch with us at info@grahamshielsstudios.com for any questions.
Train with the working!
-Graham Shiels Studios
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