Q&A for How to Become a Broadway Actor

The most important step is moving to New York so you can be close to the production and theater scene. You might also consider getting an MFA from a really good school but it's not necessary. Finally, get acting experience by performing in regional theater productions.

It really depends. If you are auditioning for a role in your age group, then yes. If you are auditioning for an adult role, it is less likely, yet not impossible. If you look older than you are, then maybe.

Talk to your parents about getting involved. Do research on good agencies and try to contact them and set up a meeting.

No, you do not need to major in theater to become a Broadway actor. Experience can help you land a job on Broadway.

No. It is never too late to get started. Although it may be more challenging for you, as many actors have been working since they were children, if you are talented and willing to put in the effort, it is certainly possible.

Choose whichever one you know will make you the happiest. It's often a matter of which career will make you happy or which will make you wealthy; those who take the path of wealth often regret their decision, whereas those who are doing what they love, regardless of their income, are often far more satisfied with life overall. Life's too short to spend a third of your time doing something about which you're not passionate.

Yes, but it is helpful to have experience. People are more likely to include you if you have various skills that could be helpful.

Look for new auditions in theatres near you. The more experience, the better!

No, different roles often require actors of different ages! Children and older folks often get parts playing people of their respective age groups.

Nowadays a lot of Broadway shows have a pretty diverse cast, as long as you can act/sing/dance, going on Broadway would be the same if you were or weren't from the U.S. Your first step will still probably have be moving to New York City, though.

It really depends. Some people have years of experience, whereas others (usually younger) have less experience, but still make their way to the Broadway stage. You will feel a lot more comfortable with more experience, but experience is not the only requirement.

Years and years of practicing, maybe a decade. Broadway is first class and very demanding.

The average salary of a Broadway actor is $33.82 per hour. Although the bottom 10% of actors can earn under $8.79 per hour, the upper tier can make over $90 per hour.

Yes, as long as you can make it to rehearsals and work hard.

Show them your talents. Put on a one person play or include your siblings. Then they can see what they are investing in. Make sure to explain to them why you want this career and that you will take it seriously.

It depends. It's definitely less likely than say, if you had been doing shows in multiple theaters, but it's not impossible.

It depends on the director and what they're looking for in the role. Peter Pan is quite frequently played by a woman.

No. However, it is not a bad thing, and there are plenty of shows out there who will take rather amateur actors. But, keep in mind that this is Broadway, and if you try to audition for one of the big shows out there lacking in experience, the chances of you getting the role are slim.

While gaining support from your family is definitely important, as most people view them as being your biggest supporters, it is not required. If you feel in the bottom of your heart acting is your calling, and you really want to act with all your might, go for it, and don't let them dictate what you want to do with your spare time.

Try your best to find acting, singing, or dancing classes near you so you can become better. And earn money slowly so you can go to New York and put yourself out there. Do well in school so you can apply to colleges in New York. The NYU Tisch School of Arts is a good school, but it's not easy to get into.

You will likely need an equity card, as most shows require one for auditions. There are multiple ways to acquire a card, but if you don't have one, you could consider going to an open call audition. This is how many non-equity child actors are discovered. If you work really, really, hard and don't give up, you can make your dreams come true.

You do, in fact, need an equity card to perform on Broadway. There are two ways to get it: either get hired at an open call (a call where you don't have to be an equity member), or complete a certain number of things listed on their website.

You're going to have to send them your promotional materials from a distance. If they really think you stand out from anyone in the US itself or if you're very well suited for a certain role, then they'll clear some obstacles for you, such as transport and work permits. But if you want to audition on your own initiative, you'll have to get money to fly to and live in the US, as well as obtain a US work permit.

The how is not too difficult. You'll need to be 18, buy a plane ticket and fly to the USA. However, you'll also need at least some money, let's say $10,000, to cover your initial expenses until you get a job. You'll need it for renting an apartment, getting around, buying food, and creating promotional materials for yourself to hand out to casting agencies. Of course, you'll need to obtain a US work permit, too. You may not get a job immediately, so plan to work in the service industry, for example, or to teach acting classes, or any other skill really that you have to earn some money until you make it.

Yes! A very good program is called Werk With Broadway. It has week long intensive workshops in New York for young actors where you can work with actors from many musicals currently running on Broadway. It is quite expensive but it will benefit you a lot.

Start small, and maybe do some online auditions. Maybe wait a couple of years and see if you are doing financially better.

Build up your credits wherever you are, so that when you move to New York you will have experience that will be important to landing a role on Broadway.

Be kind. Don't try to make yourself memorable by being too loud, too cocky or too assertive. Be patient and listen for what the director wants. Be versatile and ready to read for a part that you haven't prepared if they ask you to. You can also wear something loosely related to what you're auditioning for (for example, if you are auditioning for Grease, you could wear something pastel or loosely 50s/60s inspired). Do not, however, wear a costume.

There most definitely are ways to keep improving your acting skills regardless of money or location. Remember that practice makes perfect. There are tons of free monologues and songs you can find on the internet that you can use to help you practice. Take the time to find material to read and sing that covers skill sets you haven't learned yet. There are songs and monologues that can help you develop emotion as an actor. Another option would be to find free online classes, there are many available.

1. Take acting classes. 2. Learn to dance. 3. Find a voice coach. 4. Perform at your local theatres before moving to New York. 5. Take direction well.