New York City is a global center for theatrical and screen acting, where careers are forged amidst intense competition. The path to becoming a working actor in this metropolis is a marathon, not a sprint, demanding talent, strategy, and resilience. For aspiring performers, understanding the concrete steps involved transforms an aspiration into an actionable plan.
Get Your Essential Marketing Materials
Before an actor can effectively seek work, they must assemble a toolkit of professional marketing materials. These assets are the first impression a casting director or agent will have, making their quality and adherence to industry standards paramount. They are your introduction, communicating your brand and professionalism.
The headshot is the single most important marketing tool. In the NYC market, it’s common to have at least two distinct looks: a theatrical headshot and a commercial one. Theatrical shots are more serious and character-driven, suggesting roles you would play in film or theater. Commercial headshots are brighter and warmer, often featuring a smile to appeal to advertisers. Investing in a professional photographer who specializes in actor headshots is a necessary step, as an unprofessional photo can signal a lack of seriousness.
Your acting resume serves as a concise summary of your experience and training. It follows a specific format, different from a standard corporate resume, that is easily scannable. Credits are listed in columns under headings like Film, Television, and Theatre, with the project title, your role, and the production company. Your training is also listed, along with special skills like languages, accents, or musical abilities. For beginners with few credits, it is acceptable to lead with your training section to showcase your commitment.
A demo reel is a short video compilation of your best on-camera work. For a beginner, this doesn’t require a long list of professional credits; you can use well-produced scenes from student films or film high-quality, self-taped scenes. The goal is to create a reel that is one to two minutes long and showcases your range and type. The production quality should be high, as poor sound or visuals can be distracting. This initial reel is a starting point that will be updated as you gain more professional credits.
Find Quality NYC-Based Training
Continuous training is a fundamental aspect of a successful acting career in New York. The city is a hub for respected acting studios and coaches, offering a wide array of methodologies. Engaging in consistent training sharpens your skills and demonstrates a professional commitment to your craft in a highly competitive environment.
The types of classes available are diverse, catering to different aspects of performance.
- Scene study classes allow actors to break down and perform scenes from plays and films, receiving direct feedback.
- On-camera technique classes are designed to help actors translate their skills to the screen.
- Improv training develops spontaneity and creativity.
- Voice and speech classes help with projection, articulation, and accent work.
Vetting a school or coach is an important process. Many reputable studios, such as The Barrow Group, T. Schreiber Studio, and HB Studio, have a long history and notable alumni. It is often possible to audit a class, which involves observing a session to understand the teacher’s style. Researching a studio’s philosophy and reading reviews from fellow actors can also provide valuable insight into the quality of instruction.
Choosing the right training path depends on your individual needs and career goals. An actor focused on theater might prioritize scene study and voice work, while someone aiming for television might focus on on-camera and audition technique classes. Many actors in NYC find that a combination of different training types provides a well-rounded skill set. The goal is to find a supportive environment that fosters growth.
Start Auditioning
Once you have your marketing materials and are engaged in training, the next step is to actively seek out auditions. For actors without representation, this means taking the initiative to find and submit for roles independently. New York has a robust infrastructure of online casting platforms that connect actors with casting directors for various projects.
The most prominent online platforms in NYC are Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks. Actors create a profile on these sites, uploading their headshots, resume, and demo reel. Casting directors post breakdown notices detailing available roles, and actors can submit their materials for consideration. These platforms list a wide variety of projects, providing opportunities to build credits and experience.
Beyond online submissions, non-union actors can be seen at auditions for union productions. Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union for stage actors, holds Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs) and Equity Chorus Calls (ECCs). While union members have priority, non-union actors can sign up on an unofficial list at the audition location. If time permits after all Equity members have been seen, casting directors may see non-union performers.
Successfully navigating the audition process requires diligence and professionalism. It’s important to read casting breakdowns carefully to ensure you are a good fit for the role before submitting. When you secure an audition, preparation is key. This proactive approach to self-submission is the foundation of building a career and gaining experience.
Secure an Agent or Manager
After gaining some training and initial credits, an actor may be ready to seek representation. An agent or manager can elevate an actor’s career by providing access to higher-level auditions and offering strategic guidance. This step comes after you have built a foundation and have professional materials to present.
It is helpful to understand the different roles of an agent and a manager. A talent agent is licensed by the state and is focused on soliciting employment and negotiating contracts, typically taking a 10% commission. A manager is more involved in career development and guidance. They might advise on marketing materials, connect you with industry contacts, and help shape your long-term career trajectory for a commission of 15-20%. An actor can have multiple agents but typically has only one manager.
The process of seeking representation requires a targeted and professional approach. Start by researching agencies and management companies in NYC to identify those that represent actors of your type and are open to submissions. Follow the submission guidelines on their websites precisely. A standard submission package includes a personalized cover letter, your headshot, resume, and a link to your demo reel.
A personal referral from a trusted source, such as an acting coach or fellow actor, can be a powerful way to get an agent’s attention. Another effective strategy is to invite potential agents or managers to see your work in a play, a film screening, or an industry showcase. Industry showcases are events where actors perform for a curated audience of agents and casting directors. Securing representation is a significant step that can expand your access to opportunities.
Join the Actors’ Unions
Joining the professional actors’ unions is a major career milestone that provides access to union-protected jobs, better pay scales, and benefits like health insurance. The two primary unions for actors in New York are Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) for stage actors and SAG-AFTRA for film, television, and radio performers.
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) covers work in theater, from Broadway to regional theaters. Historically, joining required an Equity contract or accumulating points through the Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) program. AEA has since introduced an “Open Access” policy, which allows any actor who has worked professionally in a U.S. theater to join. To join, you must submit an application with proof of this work and pay an initiation fee.
SAG-AFTRA is the union for screen and broadcast artists. The primary way to become eligible is by working on a SAG-AFTRA production. This can happen if a non-union actor is hired for a principal role on a union film or television show, making them eligible after one day of work. Another pathway is to work three days as a background actor on a union production. Performers who are members of a sister union, like AEA, for at least one year may also be eligible.
Build Your Network
In a relationship-driven industry, building a professional network is a continuous part of the job. In New York, networking is less about transactional encounters and more about fostering genuine, long-term connections. A strong network is built on mutual support and a positive professional reputation.
Authentic networking happens organically in the places where actors gather and work. Acting classes and workshops are natural places to meet peers and future collaborators. Participating in staged readings, independent theater, or student films allows you to build relationships with writers and directors. These connections can lead to referrals and opportunities that are not publicly posted.
Attending industry events can also be a valuable way to connect, such as film festival screenings or workshops offered by the unions. Approach these situations with a focus on connection rather than simply trying to get something from someone. Supporting the work of your peers by attending their shows is a powerful way to build community and goodwill. A reputation for being professional, prepared, and easy to work with will travel far in New York’s entertainment industry.
Manage the NYC Actor Lifestyle
Sustaining a life as an actor in New York requires a practical approach to the city’s unique demands. The high cost of living and the unpredictable nature of audition schedules necessitate careful financial planning and a resilient mindset. Managing these lifestyle factors is as much a part of the journey as honing your craft.
Most actors starting out in NYC need a “survival job” to cover expenses. The ideal survival job offers flexibility, allowing you to attend auditions on short notice. The goal is to find work that pays the bills without draining the time and energy needed to pursue your acting career. Common choices include:
- Working in restaurants or bars
- Catering
- Temping for office work
- Babysitting
- Working at a gym
The financial realities of living in New York are significant, and budgeting is a necessary skill. Beyond the job, developing mental and emotional resilience is important. The career path of an actor is filled with rejection and uncertainty. Having a strong support system and healthy coping mechanisms can help you navigate the inevitable ups and downs with persistence.