You're an Actor, Right? What Do You Do to Find Work?
As an actor, you've probably heard, "So, what are you working on right now?" If you’re like many, you might answer with a wee shrug, waiting for the next audition or for your agent to call. But to be honest, just sitting around and waiting for work to find you just doesn’t work in today’s competitive industry. Even if you have an agent, it’s far more productive to take charge of your career. Let’s explore how you can find your own work.
Twiddling your thumbs (why waiting doesn’t work)
Many actors fall into the trap of waiting for opportunities to appear magically. You’ve got an agent, so surely they’ll take care of finding you roles, right? While agents do play a vital role, they often represent multiple clients, and the reality is that you’re just one of many. Sitting by the phone and waiting for casting calls is not a strategy. It’s a recipe for frustration and missed opportunities.
Networking
The saying "It’s not what you know, but who you know" rings true in the entertainment industry. Networking is one of the most valuable tools in your career, and yet, many actors overlook it. Instead of waiting for auditions to come to you, get out there and connect with people. Here’s how:
Attend industry events: From film festivals to networking nights, get involved in your local creative scene. These events are goldmines for meeting directors, producers, and fellow actors who could lead to future work. Too good to attend local workshops? Don’t think like that! Every actor needs to keep those creative juices flowing.
Collaborate with filmmakers: Don’t be afraid to reach out to independent filmmakers or those just starting out. Many actors get their break by being part of low-budget or student projects that eventually gain traction.
Join acting communities: Whether it’s local acting groups or online forums, connecting with like-minded individuals can open doors to collaborations and auditions you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
As Ezra in The Arrival of Harvey Di Maria (2015)
Create your own opportunities
Some of the most successful actors aren’t just waiting for scripts to land in their laps as they’re out there creating their own opportunities. Why not be proactive in shaping your own career? Here are a few ways to do it:
Produce your own Work: If you’re not getting cast in the roles you want, then you should absolutely consider creating them yourself. Whether it’s a short film, web series, or even a theater production, taking over the wheel allows you to showcase your talent on your own terms.
Write and develop your own scripts: If you have a knack for writing, develop your own material. You don’t need to wait for Netflix to give you a chance, just start now.
Use social media: In the digital age, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok give you direct access to an audience. Create your own content and put yourself out there. It’s a great way to stay active, build your personal brand, and potentially catch the eye of industry professionals.
Keep learning
Another mistake actors make is assuming they’ve ‘made it’ once they’ve landed an agent or a big role. But even the most accomplished actors keep honing their craft. Take acting classes, learn new skills like stage combat or accents, and stay in shape both physically and mentally. The more you invest in yourself, the more you’ll stand out when those opportunities arise.
Be ready for anything
Versatility is key. Explore voice acting, commercials, or even background work. Expanding your repertoire gives you more chances to work while building your confidence and contacts. Plus, every role you take on, no matter how small, has the potential to lead to something bigger and the more projects you work on the more people you meet and network with.
As Malky in Schemers (2020)
Don’t wait just create
The bottom line is you can’t afford to sit back and wait for work to find you. Whether you have an agent or not, the most successful actors are those who get out there, network, create opportunities, and continually work on their craft. The next time someone asks, “What are you working on right now?” make sure you have something exciting to tell them because you made it happen.
Are you ready to take charge of your acting career? Start networking, create your own opportunities, and never stop learning. Your next big break could be just around the corner.
