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If you’ve been pursuing acting for more than a few months, you’re probably beginning to realize that a career as an actor can be more expensive to get into than most people initially think. There are headshots, acting classes, online casting sites, business cards, post cards, additional wardrobe, union dues when you get that far, and now self tape gear. The costs can add up! Will you need to make a financial investment in your acting career at some point? Yes. But just because you’re low on funds doesn’t mean you should be discouraged. There are a lot of free and low cost things you could be doing to move your acting career forward.
Here are 5 ideas of things you could do today to give your acting career a boost, even on a tight budget.
1. Get On Mailing Lists of People Who are Sharing Amazing Content for Free
My Actor Guide is an excellent resource for new actors just starting out, and intermediate actors looking to further their career. We currently have more than 100 articles on the site covering auditions, acting technique, industry information and career building tips plus valuable resources and lists. We also have downloadable products and templates specifically for actors that you won’t find anywhere else. Start going through the content, learn what you can, take what you need right now and begin implementing – it’s really that simple!
2. Join Facebook Groups for Actors
Whether you’re a fan of the big blue thumb or not, Facebook is really an amazing resource for actors. There are literally dozens of Facebook groups where you can engage with other actors as well as agents, managers and casting directors. Get tips and advice, learn from them make valuable connections to move your career forward.
To help you with this, you can find a list of some of the top Facebook groups for actors here.
3. Record Scenes or Monologues and Post Them Online
At some point you are going to need to have video clips of yourself online so potential employers and industry professionals, (directors, producers, agents, managers and casting directors) can see where you’re at with your acting abilities and skill set at this time. Recording scenes and/or monologues is an excellent way to practice your acting and self tape skills as well as giving you material to get your YouTube channel going (yes, you’re going to need this!) and even post to social media.
4. Be A Reader for Other Actors for Auditions
Want to practice your acting skills with professional actors and maybe even get paid? Consider becoming an online reader for other actors who are recording auditions. You can do this by jumping into the Facebook group Rehearsal & Self-Tape Partners For Actors (completely free!) or joining WeAudition.com . WeAudition is $10 /month but you can get 25% off with the discount code MAG 25, and chances are you’ll make that money back within the first few days!
5. Read a Book on Acting
There are a lot of really amazing, and almost essential books on acting for new actors to read. You can buy most books for under $20, and even less on Kindle. Or if your budget is really tight, check your local library. If you’re totally new to the business, on of my favorite books to start with is Secrets of Screen Acting, by Patrick Tucker. It’s written a way that is simple and clear to understand and will open your eyes to a lot of tricks of the trade.
For more essential books on acting check out 14 of the Best Books on Acting that Every Actor Needs to Read.
If you really want to be a working actor, the things listed above will help you practice your acting skills, connect with industry people and learn more about the business. It doesn’t matter so much where you are at in your career or what you have to work with as long as you start now and just keep going!
Was this tip on free and low cost thing you can do for your acting career helpful to you? What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to being an actor? Tell me about it in the comments below… I answer every one!
Like this post or love it? Tweet it. Post it. Pin it. Share it with actor friends! It’s a tough business and we could all use a little help!
* Please Note: I am not an agent, manager, or casting director. I do not procure work for actors. All information, workshops and coaching are for educational purposes only and are not a guarantee or promise of employment. Thank you for being here!
I love this thank you so much for your insight. I have always dreamed of acting but have so many limiting beliefs. Once I’ve realized that these beliefs just stem from fear and not knowing where to start I came across this site. The information on here is making me feel a lot more confident in pursuing my acting career. Thank you so much.
Hi Mariel,
I’m so glad that you found the site and it’s helping you! We often get stuck in “analysis paralysis” when we don’t know the next steps or have a clear path forward. I love that you’re here, and yes, you CAN do this! xo Hunter