Larry Garrison

Breaking into acting takes more than catching a lucky break. Take steps to show up prepared for your acting audition, like keeping your clothes measurements with you. Keep accurate records of your acting expenses so you can deduct them from your taxes. Learn to deal with the frustration of acting, and keep your hopes of becoming an actor alive.

When you're called in for an acting audition, the people present at the audition will include you, the casting director, and maybe a handful of other complete strangers. Some of these other people may be the producer, a camera operator (if they're taping the auditions), the casting director's bored friend or relative, a representative from the advertiser (in the case of a commercial audition), or a dance choreographer or musical director (in the case of a musical).

Acting in film and television can require a special set of acting skills. Film and television can show anything from two normal people eating a normal lunch to microscopic people swimming through someone's arteries, and as an actor, you need to be prepared for how different genres of film and television affect how you act out your role.

A casting director may need your clothes measurements for costume fittings at your acting audition. Keep your measurements handy and take them to your audition. Height: _____ Females: Bust: _____ Males: Suit: _____ Weight: _____ Hips: _____ Shirt: _____ Shoe size: _____ Dress: _____ Inseam: _____ Waist: _____

If the thought of spending years studying acting, working in bit roles, and getting paid sporadically (if at all) depresses you, then maybe acting isn't for you. On the other hand, if you truly enjoy acting for the sake of acting, the previously mentioned obstacles will be nothing more than minor nuisances on your way to success — whatever form that success may ultimately take.

There's no business like show business. But show business, like any business, depends on people. And two of the most important types of people that you'll meet in the film and television business are producers and directors. Producers: The champions of every project Show business is full of great ideas, but nothing happens until a producer takes the initiative to turn a good idea into a finished product.

Being prepared for your acting audition can reduce the stress of the experience. These auditioning tips will minimize distractions and help you put together a knockout performance: Prepare and pack plenty of head shots and resumes. Staple your head shot to the back of your resume, so you don’t lose one or the other.

Don’t give up on your dreams of being an actor when you’re feeling frustrated. To relax and revive your acting aspirations, try some of these suggestions: Meditate or practice yoga Treat yourself to a spa, massage, or a hot bath Take a class to overcome your weaknesses as an actor Look for a day job that you may actually like Participate in non-show business activities, such as sports, volunteering at a hospital or charity, or enjoying a hobby Work off some steam — take a karate, boxing, or aerobic workout class Start or join a support group with fellow actors See a movie, go to a play, or read a good book Read a positive-thinking book or listen to motivational tapes Browse through one of the trade publications such as Variety or Hollywood Reporter Pursue an additional show business career (writing, stand-up comedy, filmmaking, and so on) Take a vacation (It can be as simple as a one day trip to the beach or a two week trip to Europe.