As an acting coach, one question I always get is how to start acting with little or no experience. I’m going to break it down for you in this step-by-step guide on how to become an actor in Austin, Texas. 

Whether you are pursuing acting as a hobby or career, these tips will set you on the right path. By the end of this guide, you will feel confident about diving into acting. 

1. Start Taking Acting Classes

 Acting is a craft that requires study and practice to gain the skills you need. If you don’t have any acting experience, or even if you do, the first thing you need to do is sign up for an acting class. No matter how advanced you are, you should never stop working on your skills in class.

You will learn helpful acting techniques, analyzing a script, working with a scene partner, and more. Register for in-person and online acting classes in Austin, Texas at DuPuy Acting Studio today.

2. Book Background Acting Jobs in Austin

A great way to experience a real film or TV set is to book a job as an extra or background actor. You’ll get to observe the pros, learn how a set works, and you might be on TV! Plus, you’ll be paid for your time. 

To book background acting jobs in Austin and surrounding areas, sign up for the Texas Film Commission job hotline. You can also sign up with Vicky Boone Casting and Beth Sepko Third Coast Casting on Facebook to find out about available roles.

3. Get Headshots Made

When you’re ready to start auditioning, you will need high-quality headshots to submit to casting directors. Trust me, they can tell the difference between a professional headshot and a cheap one that your amateur photographer friend took for you. 

It’s tempting to save money on headshots, but I promise you that paying for a professional photo shoot will pay off. My favorite headshot photographer in Austin is Kathy Whitaker. 

4. Start Auditioning

After you’ve spent time in class building your skills, it’s time to start auditioning. In the beginning, you will go out for roles in student films, community theatre, and non-union projects. No role is too small; the goal right now is to build up your resume and demo reel. 

To find auditions, you can create an account on Backstage and filter your search to Austin. Film students at UT always need actors for their projects, so this is a great place to start.

5. Get Involved in the Austin Acting Community

It’s always a good idea to connect with other people in your craft. The acting community in Austin is growing, and you can find out about tons of opportunities when you get involved. 

Here are some Facebook groups you should join:

• Austin Actor’s Studio
• Austin Actor’s Group
• Texas Castings (USA)
• Texas Actors
• UT RTF Austin

Turn your notifications on for this group so you are the first to find out about new acting opportunities in Austin.

Final Thoughts on How to Start Acting in Austin, Texas

Are you ready to jump in with acting? The road to becoming an actor is not a straight path, but the best thing you can do is just start.

Hopefully, this guide made you feel more confident about how to start acting. For more info on acting classes, contact me today.