Even though Andy Warhol never said it, his notion that “in the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” is very prescient. In any case, the road to celebrity is now more accessible—and competitive—than ever owing to the growth of social media and reality TV. Fostering your skill can help you achieve your acting career goals; it’s not just about freebies, quick money, or having your picture all over the internet. However, whether you are a triple threat—an actor, model, or influencer—choosing a beginning point might seem overwhelming.
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Though there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for becoming noticed, going viral once can be a temporary fix. There are many degrees of celebrity as well, ranging from being acknowledged by Broadway enthusiasts on the B train to becoming as famous as Beyoncé. Here are some pointers for getting out there while maintaining your groundedness, regardless of how well-known you hope to become.
Recognize your brand
Polonius gives some wise counsel in “Hamlet,” saying, “To thine own self be true.” It is applicable to a wide range of situations, including performing careers. Taking on several personalities is a necessary part of the work, but knowing your type and forging a strong public image will provide you a foundation from which to develop. To start a fandom, for instance, you must first identify the audience you wish to attract. Naturally, this does not exclude you from developing as an actor or from trying new things, much like Toni Collette does when she switches between A24 thrillers and character-driven comedies. Multihyphenates such as Kelly Clarkson and Drew Barrymore have also developed a distinct persona and amassed a fan base on many media. Being genuine without completely disclosing who you are is crucial.
Put in a lot of effort
How is Carnegie Hall accessible? Practice, naturally. The professional path of “Maestro,” the actor-director, took him through classes at the Actors Studio, TV parts in “Sex and the City” and “Alias,” a career in comedic films, and ultimately a venture into directing.
Although each person’s path is unique, never undervalue the importance of putting in a lot of effort. No part is too tiny to start with; use student films, shorts, and background work to get your foot in the door. It’s a misconception that someone can become successful suddenly; even people who appear successful on the surface have worked hard to get there. Long-term success will come from committing to your job and honing your skills rather than just keeping an eye on your follower count. Going viral may seem like the easiest method to get your name out there.
Retain your survival job (for the time being).
While putting all your eggs in one basket may demonstrate your commitment, pursuing the goal requires both financial stability and health insurance. Consider Bridget Everett, star of “Somebody Somewhere,” who performed in cabaret shows, booked TV shows, and waited tables. You may follow your aspirations without having to worry about whether they will come true or not thanks to flexible survival jobs like side gigs and shift employment. Moreover, in entertainment centers such as Los Angeles, New York, or London, you never know who could open a door later on when you build a network of colleagues. In relation to…
A network within a network
To locate prospective partners, look around among the many other artists who aspire to be the next great thing. Collaboration is an additional strategy to reach a larger audience and stimulate the creative process; not everyone should be seen as rivals. Take Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, for example, who attended UCB together and went on to create the beloved and highly praised show “Broad City.”
There are a lot of ways to network with your peers: you may reach out to them politely on the internet, perform in groups, or go to film festivals. You’ll be presented with more opportunities the more individuals in the business you know. You obtain a network of support, if nothing else. “It’s about finding those people and those avenues where you feel safe and you feel like you can break down and cry and celebrate—and there are people who can celebrate with you,” Oscar winner Emma Stone said. She responds, “Your people are going to save your life.”
Keep updating your materials.
You’ll need to be prepared with the appropriate tools when the doors do eventually start to open for you. Your demo reel, résumé, and professional headshots will serve as your calling cards and portfolio. Agents will be more interested in you if you keep them updated to reflect your expanding experience. A professional actor and audition teacher Philip Hernández cautions, “Many agents won’t see you without [a reel].” The next level of networking is basically finding and keeping a fantastic agent who is dedicated to your business and personal growth.
Be Professional.
Acting like a diva isn’t cute; it’s a surefire way to get a negative reputation, and it may be difficult to get over, particularly when one is just starting out in their job. In every field, professionalism is really beneficial.
In a similar vein, when you put yourself out there, be prepared for feedback—not all of it good. Though reading the criticism might make you feel less confident, it can also make you feel more cocky. Recognize the drawbacks of this venture.
Director Patricia Riggen (“Law & Order: SVU,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) offers advice. “Be kind and amiable to everyone, as they are all constantly under a lot of stress.” She continues, “Learn everything you can, pay attention, and you’ll be called again.” You should constantly bear in mind that others will remember and appreciate you for being giving with your time and readiness to help.
Remain persistent.
Rejection and disappointments are commonplace on the path to celebrity. The secret is to keep going even if you don’t get the job. Taking bold chances without becoming stuck in a creative rut can keep you happy. Even if not every endeavor you put your all into will succeed right away, you will still gain knowledge from the experience. Recall that losing out on a position is not a reflection of your character.
Martin Short adds, “I would tell [my] younger self—and therefore any younger actor—to not take [rejection] personally.” The extent to which it was linked to statements like “He’s too tall,” “He’s too short,” or “I don’t buy him as a cop” only became apparent to me when I took a seat across from the audition table. There are just so many more reasons why you weren’t hired, even though you most likely performed far better than you realized.
A lengthy and prosperous career has its share of highs and lows. It will only be more satisfying to pursue the objective of creating something fresh and creative rather than aiming for fame in the end.
