Becoming an actor is a challenge that requires not only the skill to pretend, but also determination and patience. Acting is a competitive field. You will be challenged both physically and emotionally.
The Ability to Pretend
Acting is pretending to be someone else. An actor is a professional pretender. You need to be able to pretend so well that the audience buys the character you're pretending to be. Put your own personality on the back burner while you are in character. Think like the character you're portraying. An actor might play a serial killer. How does the serial killer think or feel?
A Good Memory
Memorizing is an important aspect of the acting field. Actors are given scripts and told to memorize their parts. You need to memorize all of your speaking lines and have a good idea what the other characters in the scene with you are saying. If you want to act, practice reading scripts and memorizing them. The more you exercise the mind, the better you get with it.
A Natural Curiosity
Learn as much as you can. A natural curiosity comes in handy for an actor. Learn different dialects, learn about other cultures, consider learning to play an instrument, dance or sing. You never know what sort of role you'll play and how this knowledge and these talents will help your next audition. Knowledge is an actor's friend.
A Good Agent
An agent is essential. Agents open doors for you. An agent gets you into auditions you might not be able to get in on your own. An agent might have contacts that could give you the edge in an audition. The percentage of money you give an agent for the work he gets you is worth it.
Willingness to Relocate
You might be able to pursue an acting career in local theater in Arkansas or whatever state you are living in, but your odds are better if you are willing to go where the work is. This means Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and Chicago.
