Are You Ready to Become an Actor?

Not only can the road to becoming an actor be rough and treacherous, but it is usually quite uncertain. Many start with a dream and end up only discouraged and broken down. Some, like anyone you have ever seen on the

silver screen, end up wealthy and have Oscar as a roommate. Some reasons for this contrast between actors are partly based on talent, but success is mostly based in dedication and passion. Are you ready to become an actor? Can you do it? Here are the top eight qualifications for a great actor.

Number Eight: An actor must be flexible.

This characteristic comes into play often. There are three types of flexibility that an actor must possess. He must be flexible with time, with criticism, and with change. If you ask any director how easy it is to try and fit the rehearsal schedule into every cast member’s busy life, he will most likely tell you it’s like trying to herd cats. Some directors won’t even try to mess with working around your schedule; they might tell you that if you want to be in the show, you’ll be at rehearsal, no matter what time it is or what conflicts you have. Most directors won’t do this. But they might, and that’s something you must be prepared for. That goes along with number seven, being dedicated, but we’ll get there in a minute.

As with any artisan’s craft, constructive criticism is perhaps the most important facet to growth. You won’t ever be a perfect actor, just like you’ll never be a perfect writer, because these crafts require criticism to grow. When the director suggests you try a scene from a different viewpoint or in another way, you say, “Yes, sir.” If you find fault with the director’s suggestion, simply ask for clarity or say, “I can definitely try.” Don’t argue with the director. That makes you a prima donna, and nobody likes those.

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