Many people aspire to perform on Broadway. The steps to get there may seem long and difficult, but if you are willing to push yourself, you may see your name in lights. Rehearse hard, work hard, and make your name known at auditions and on stage in New York City.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Rehearsing to be a Broadway Actor
Step 1. Take acting classes
Even if you think you were born with the natural talent to be an actor, you will need legitimate essays to fill out on your resume and help you find jobs. Look for classes in your area to increase and practice your skills. This is also a great way to meet other professionals and aspiring actors.
- Consider a theater degree from your local college or seek classes at your local theater.
- Universities with highly respected acting programs in New York include Juilliard, Columbia, and NYU.
- Essay programs are also available throughout New York City. Some respected companies are HB Studio and Atlantic Theater Company School.
Step 2. Learn to dance
Most of the shows on Broadway are musicals. This means that you must not only be a good actor, but you will need skills in singing and dancing. Look for a dance school that offers rehearsal in all the different dance styles shown on Broadway, including ballet, tap, and jazz.
- The more rounded your dance skills are, the better you can adapt to the dance style of any show.
- Keep practicing the dance. You can start to lose strength and flexibility if you don't dance and stretch regularly.
Step 3. Find a voice coach
Once you can sing, dance and act, the world of theater will consider you a "triple threat." You will be able to provide everything that is required in a Broadway actor. The best way to train your voice is the personal attention of a voice coach, who can find your range and hone your skills.
- Look for coaches at your local colleges.
- Consider asking a music director to work with you personally.
Step 4. Show up at local theaters before moving to New York
This will help you gain experience and add to your resume. Gaining experience on stage is important to growing as an artist, as well as making your name known. If you are available for a role, take it and push yourself to the best of your ability regardless of the significance of the play.
Step 5. Take the direction well
The director is there to help both you and the other actors work together to tell the story. Listen to what the director says and do your part. Learn from every experience no matter how small the paper.
If the director doesn't give you a lot of feedback on your presentation, ask him or her for specific input. Explore your role and ask questions about your character and performance
Part 2 of 3: Promote Yourself as an Actor
Step 1. Get professional face photos
Professional face photos are head and shoulder photos. Actors should have one of these photos and a resume when applying for a role. Photos of face and shoulders used to be in black and white but the current expectation is that they are in full color.
- Make sure the image is current and looks like you. If you get old or change your hairstyle, you will have to get new photographs.
- Bring various clothing options to the photo shoot and have multiple photos taken of you wearing different shirts. Don't use distracting patterns or colors. Keep your outfit simple so the focus is on your face.
Step 2. Create an acting resume
An acting resume includes contact information, body specifications, experience, training, and special skills. Include your most recent papers first and put your oldest ones later.
- Your name should be at the top of the resume and in the largest font.
- If you are a member of an actors union, include the union abbreviation after your name.
- If you have an agent, they will give you a stamp to add to your resume to replace your personal contact information.
- Include your weight, height, hair and eye color, and make sure it's accurate.
- Never lie on your resume. Only include jobs that you actually completed.
Step 3. Show up for auditions
Look for auditions in your area and introduce yourself to anyone who offers a role that is a good fit for you. Simply auditioning is a good way to continue working on your skills. It's an opportunity to introduce yourself to casting and art directors who have influence in the world of acting. You can find auditions by posting on backstage.com, on the “call board” at the AEA office, or your agent can find and submit your resume on your behalf.
- Be prepared to deal with a lot of rejection. There are a number of reasons why you may not be the best fit for a particular role, and there are many other actors trying to make it to Broadway. The competition is plentiful and you will audition multiple times without landing a role.
- Treat every audition seriously. Even if you aren't the perfect fit for that role you're auditioning for, you can still impress the casting agent or art director who might then call you up for another role in the future.
Step 4. Introduce yourself in plays and musicals
The best way for Broadway producers to see what you're capable of is to see you in action. Take to the off-Broadway stage to make your way to Broadway. Start making a name for yourself as an artist to get closer to Broadway.
Step 5. Write a biography for the plays programs
A bio or bio should consist of approximately 4-5 sentences and highlight your previous acting work. It is a small comment that allows the public to know more about you and your career. If you have a lot of acting credits, choose 4 or 5 of the best performances or roles and mention that the ones you listed are some of your favorite roles to date.
- While you will be writing the bio on your own, you should use the third person, such as "he" or "she."
- List your achievements, credits, and performance history using complete sentences rather than a literal list.
- You can include your training, and some personal information to make yourself liked by readers.
- You can also include movie and TV show credits in a theatrical biography.
Part 3 of 3: Becoming a Pro
Step 1. Move to New York City
You may be able to audition for a Broadway show if you live in a major auditioning city, but if you really want to get to Broadway, you must live in New York. You will be more available to your agent and have more auditions available to attend.
- New York can be quite expensive. Make sure you have savings to live for several months once you arrive. The average monthly rent for a 270-square-meter (900-square-foot) space in New York City is $ 2,815. Add in the utilities and high cost of food, and you will roughly need at least 3,500 each month.
- Many people live on the outskirts of the city of Queens or Brooklyn, and some even live across the river in New Jersey. These can be cheaper options than living in Manhattan, and the public transportation system makes travel quicker, cheaper, and easier.
Step 2. Join the AEA (Actors Equity Association)
The AEA is a union of actors in America. Its purpose is to provide protection to professional actors and to enforce guidelines regarding wages, breaks, insurance, and other professional needs. On the other hand, many professional theater companies only use AEA actors, especially in lead roles, as a way to filter out less experienced actors.
- In order to join you must first be eligible. You may be able to join if you are cast in a production under an equity contract.
- You may be able to join AEA if you are a member of one of its sister unions, such as SAG-AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA, or GIAA. You must have been a member for at least one year, remain in good standing, and have played a significant role under its jurisdiction.
- You can sign up as a candidate for AEA or EMC membership to earn credits and be closer to membership by working in the AEA theater. The registration fee is $ 100 and you must work at least 50 weeks in an AEA home to be eligible to apply for membership.
Step 3. Get a talent agent
Broadway stages generally only work with talent agencies when casting for major roles in a Broadway show. Using a talent agent helps streamline the process as the agent knows his actors and can suggest to people he knows might fit the role. Having a talent agent will be necessary to walk in the door of a Broadway audition if you want a lead role.
- Send your face and shoulder photo with your resume to agents in New York along with a cover letter.
- Ask the other actors which agents handle them and if you can use them as a reference in your cover letter.
- Invite the agents to watch you perform when you perform at a show.
Step 4. Work hard and get along with fellow directors and actors
Your presentation on stage is quite important, but your behavior off stage is just as (if not more) important. Broadway professionals and casting agents work in the same circles. Chances are, someone who hasn't worked with you will ask someone else to tell you about their experience working with you before they offer you a role.
- Protect your reputation by being on time, following direction, and being respectful to everyone in the cast and group.
- Emotions are an important part of theater work. Do your best to keep your emotions up during the performance and to maintain your composure when dealing with other people offstage.
Advice
- Dress professionally when you show up for auditions or rehearsals.
- If you have any Broadway connection, let's say your aunt's sister-in-law is a producer on Broadway, keep in touch with her by all means! It may help you along the way.
- Many people say that you will make it in time. The truth is this: many people will not make it. No matter how hard you try, you may be one of the people who doesn't make it. However, you should never miss every opportunity you get, and Broadway is no exception! Start small: school productions, roles in the community and make your way.
- When in doubt, always prepare a song and monologue for an audition.