Q&A for How to Become an Actress With No Experience

One of the first things you should do is create an acting portfolio. You'll want to gain experience and tapes of yourself performing, as well as a headshot and a quality resume.

Research different agents in your area and find out what they do. At first, don't try to go for the big agents. Start with a smaller agent since they'll have more time to dedicate to you.

There are a lot of films and TV shows that are filming all over, not just in Hollywood. If you can find out where they are filming, you can audition, even if it's just to be an extra, which you get paid for. Once you're on set, you can network with people and learn more about the industry.

It can be tricky. You probably need to either orient or reorient the way you're thinking about acting for TV and film. Focus on developing your acting skills first. If you're still having trouble getting representation, you might have to start creating content.

When you're acting, pretend like it isn't you speaking. It may not make sense, but whichever role you're given, think that you ARE them, as if their life is yours. I always use this trick, and it really helps me to not feel so shy.

Of course! Be confident in yourself and practice your skills. Acting isn't always about being the prettiest person.

Search auditions and just try your hardest. Even if it is a minor role it will be good experience.

Don't give up. Show them how brilliant at acting you are and they will eventually begin to support you. Don't change your dreams based on what your parents want you to do; after all, it's your life, not theirs.

Well if it's something that you love and enjoy, they won't stop you from being happy. Just have an open and honest conversation with them about it.

You don't have to go to acting school. There are many actors who became actors from just experience.

Generally, there should be a theater/drama class. If there is a Drama Club, you should sign up for that as well. Do stage crew if you're not in a production, you can learn about lighting, sets, etc. English classes are always good for reading plays as well. Beyond that, try talking to a guidance counselor and see what they recommend.

Like anything else, you need to practice and put in the hard work. Read about acting and start auditioning to gain experience.

You should focus at what you want first. Then, start building the confidence you need to get the roles that get your attention. Afterwards try to to do small exercises depending what you're trying to work with.

Tell your parents that you want to be a actor, and ask to be in acting classes or participate in something like village theater.

You can't really "apply" like at other jobs; you have to go to auditions. Get any experience you can, like in school plays or community theaters. If they are available where you are, take acting classes. When you finish high school, go to a college that has a good theater program to ensure that you get the best quality education for an actor.

Yes, you can be discovered as an actor at any age.

Try to become an actress in your home country. There are movies made anywhere. If that's not possible, email videos of you acting to talent agencies in the country of your choice. If you're good enough, they may pay for you to come.

Like everyone said, do to lots and lots of auditions. Go to acting camp and do school plays. Maybe a famous actor will see one of your plays and point you out. Make acting your passion. Work your way up, and someday you could be starring alongside the famous actors in films!

Talk to your parents about it, tell them that you want to try it out and make sure they know that you're serious about this. Start auditioning for school plays and community theater performances (most have a youth branch). Volunteer as much as possible and gain experience. Try making a YouTube channel; not only can you critique your own performance, but people will notice you and you will get comfortable with being in front of the cameras.

Do research. Find pros and cons. Does it benefit them? What will happen if they never let you? This is a good line you may want to bring to the debate: "I'll only live once, I may as well try!"

You won't have to show the real you when acting. You have to act like the character. That's actually one reason many people find acting appealing.

Go on some websites! There are tons of websites that will tell you all about auditions and agents.

No. Acting is a very competitive industry. As long as you have the experience, determination, positive attitude, and you don't give up easily, though, you will be able to work your way up.

Just be you when you do it. Tell them however you would ordinarily tell them something that is important to you. Keep it natural.

Yes. LA and NYC are absolutely filled with unemployed actors. Don't try it unless you are 100% passionate and can accept failure.

There is no limit, but if you get tired of it and you can't move around the stage as well as you like, maybe it's time to retire. It is up to the individual person.

You should consider taking acting classes or workshops to learn specific form and technique for acting. Continue acting in plays in middle or high school, join drama club or any club that you are comfortable in that will help you on your road to becoming an actress. Searching or considering auditioning for a large TV role off the spot is risky and you would need an agent and headshots. Gain some experience with small roles and build your way up until you are comfortable taking on larger roles.

Research your way into contacting an actor. Look for their information, and if you're absolutely sure about acting, take your chance and call or email them.

No, as it is a very competitive industry. It can be done with lots of effort, determination, and a positive attitude. Remember that in the majority of auditions you will be turned down. This is not a reason to give up, but it can be stressful. Maintain a positive attitude.

Assuming you're under 18, you can't. You'll need to sign a contract in order to work for Nickelodeon, and you cannot sign a contract if you're under 18 without a parent signing it as well. Try to talk about your acting dream with your parents. They might be more supportive than you think!