To "act" is the performance of a character in a theatre play, on television or in films and movies. Acting can also be an improvisation, whereby an actor creates a character off the top of his or her head, and performs that character by making up lines, situations and confrontations.

The process of acting originated in Greece, hundreds of years ago. The first actor is believed to be Thespis of Icaria.

Acting is the process by which an actor creates a character or reads on from a script, transforms himself or herself into that character and attempts to convince an audience that he or she is that character in real life. Acting performances are considered successful when the actor is successful at making the character appear to be a real-life person, with all the emotions, complexities and dimensions of a real human being.

How Do I Break Into Acting?

Breaking into acting is different for each actor. There is no uniform way to jumpstart an acting career. However, there are a few basic items that every actor needs to get started in show business, including experience, training, a headshot and acting resume, and representation (for professional actors).

Experience

Perhaps the best way to begin your acting career is to get involved in local community theatres. Look in the phone book for community theatres in your area and ask them how you can get involved. Community theatres in your area are a great way to gain experience as an actor. You can get exposed to plays from Shakespeare and others. You can learn how to learn lines and perform characters before live audiences. And you can interact with other actors who can guide you and share information about the industry.

Training

If you live in or near a large city, there should be some acting classes in the area. Find a good acting coach or teacher you can train with. Training is essential to any actor, the same way training would be important to an airline pilot. Without training, an airline pilot will crash and burn. Without proper training, an actor will, metaphorically, do the same. The more training you have, the better you will be able to perform and the wider your range of performances will be.

Headshot/Resume

Your headshot is an 8 x 10, usually black and white representation of you. On the back of the photo, you will place your resume, detailing all the work you've done, training you've received, and special skills you have. Your headshot is like a business card. It is the essential to get a great headshot that (1) looks like you, (2) represents your career path, (3) and details all your skills, training and experience.

Talent Agency

A talent agency is a company that helps an actor find work, negotiate contracts and manage their careers. A talent agency is not always essential, depending on where you live. But it can always be helpful because talent agencies understand the industry, understand the work available in your area, and understand what is needed to become a successful actor in your area.

By Charles Todd, Acting Magazine Staff