How to Become a Successful Teen Actress
- 1). Attend acting school and gain experience on stage. Teenagers can usually acquire work in small plays, commercials and indie films. Most teenagers have been in the industry since they were children, but a few do breakout after the age of 13. Teenager actors, like any age individual, does not have to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Most independent films do not require a union actor, but studio projects will. Performers are eligible to join SAG after working on a SAG film in a principal role, gaining "Taft Hartley" status (United States federal employment law) 15 days after the first day of work, or meeting background entry requirements such as proof of employment.
- 2). Maintain professionalism. No matter how small the gig appears, every job in the industry is important. Make sure you always display professionalism and show gratitude for everything you do. A lot of teenagers are forced to deal with personal issues while trying to mature quickly in a grown-up world. A common perception around Hollywood is that actors are selfish, egotistical and "stuck up." You can go a long ways by offering to help clean up after the shoot is over. Small, independent films especially need the cooperation and help of actors because the crew is tiny and budget even smaller. Offer to bring food or cook something if the project did not budget for a catering service. It's amazing to see how much talent and crew will appreciate you after you feed them a proper meal while working 12 to 14 hours a day.
- 3). Build up your network. The film and television industries are all about contacts. They always say you never land a job in this industry without a contact or reference. Think about it this way: the more contacts you have, the more people you can reach when trying to find your next role. Actors, especially teenagers and young adults, may build up their network by attending several different acting workshops or seminars. If you attended film school, your fellow classmates are a perfect network you can expand upon. Offer to volunteer at a local film festival. The behind the scenes duties will put you up and close with famous filmmakers and actors who may be interested in your work. Film festivals are the primary place to meet people and expand your network.
- 4). Find an agent who will do anything for you and is a tireless worker. "The Hollywood Reporter" puts out a directory twice a year titled, "The Hollywood Representation Directory." Although the newest version of the directory is well over $100, it's more than worth if you are searching for an agent. Use the contacts inside the book to send a query letter requesting representation and a portfolio of prior work (if applicable). As in any other profession, there are good agents and poor agents. Almost anyone will represent anyone else, but it doesn't necessarily mean he is doing a good job. Strive to find work on your own, but make sure your agent is doing his part. Never sign with an agent who expects money up front. Legitimate agents only receive compensation after you land a gig.
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