So You Want to Be an Actor? Start Here.

My 99¢ copy of Acting: The First Six Lessons by Richard Boleslavsky

If you're dreaming about being an actor someday—whether on stage, in film, or on TV—there’s no magic age when you’re “ready.” The truth is: you start by starting. And if you’re still in school or imagining an MFA or BFA in your future, the time to build your craft is now. At Acting Coaching Online, we work with actors at all levels, and here’s our best advice for getting started:

1. Train Like It’s a Sport

Think of acting like ballet, piano, or soccer: the more you practice, the better you get. That means being in a constant acting class—not just doing one show a year at school. Acting is a muscle, and the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. You’ll get to try new techniques, meet other actors, and get feedback that helps you grow. Don’t wait. If there’s a local class, audition, or online program (like ours), go for it. Make training your normal. And even better if you can join any training intensives or overnight camps over summer months - my favorite time of year as a kid was attending the Utah Shakespeare Festival Shakespeare camps every July and August. Looking back, it was my first taste of what a rigorous conservatory program like Juilliard asks of you - and I'm so glad I got experiences like that at the beginning of my acting training, as a younger student.

2. Join Community Theatre—Any Kind

Big or small, professional or church basement—community theatre gives you stage time, and that’s priceless. It’s where many great actors learned how to rehearse, work with a director, and perform for an audience. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Being part of a production teaches you more than reading about acting ever could. Personally, I decided I wanted to be an actor at age 11. I did every school production I could. And when I was 13, I finally got the courage to audition for community theatre in Utah - and booked my first audition, as an ensemble member in the Utah premiere of Parade. It changed my life. Just get started. Check out the backstage website for your local community and see what productions are happening.

3. Explore Film… From Home

Want to act for the screen someday? You don’t need a Hollywood set. Grab your phone or camera and start filming yourself. Pick a scene, set up a shot, and try it out. It might feel awkward at first, but getting comfortable on camera is a skill. Practice gives you the chance to watch yourself back and learn what reads well—and what doesn’t.

And while you're watching movies (which you should absolutely do), pause after an actor delivers a line in a specific way. Ask yourself: what are they doing? What’s their intention? You’ll start to see that great acting is about choices—and you can learn to make those too. You can see what happens if you mimic them, what happens if you do something different. Just play around.

4. Read Every Acting Book You Can Find

This is especially useful if you're brand new to acting. Some of the best teachers you’ll ever have wrote down their thoughts in books. Soak up the wisdom of actors, directors, and teachers who’ve lived the life you want. And if you don’t know where to begin, just reach out to us—we’ll happily give you a starter list.

My first book recommendation - Acting: The First Six Lessons by Richard Boleslavsky. This book is an incredible approachable intro to the foundations of focus, work ethic, and playfulness that makes an actor's life so rewarding. I bought a copy for 99 cents when I was 11 (after a Utah Shakespeare actor recommended it to me), and its values still define my artistry today.

5. Watch Everything

See plays. See movies. See student productions. Watch documentaries. Whether it's Broadway or a messy one-act at a community center, everything teaches you. And don’t overlook real people—documentaries are goldmines for studying human behavior. Real people help you develop your actor’s eye in ways that curated performances can't.

6. Start Thinking About Training Programs

When the time comes to apply for BFA or MFA programs, know what you want. Some schools are giant and exciting—but you may not get to act on the mainstage until junior or senior year - I don't recommend those, personally. Others are smaller, more intimate, and will let you be on your feet, acting, from day one. That’s the kind of training we love. And in our coaching sessions, we can help you figure out what fits you best.

7. Figure Out Who You Are

This is the biggest one. Acting isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about bringing yourself to a role. The more you understand your own experiences, feelings, fears, and hopes, the more truthfully you can bring a character to life. Don’t try to be what you think an actor “should” be. Be a human being who acts. That’s who people want to watch. Build your own confidence in how unique, exciting, alive you are every day. Chase your happy. It'll lead to fantastic things.

There’s no perfect path to becoming an actor. But there is a path—and you’re already on it. Stay curious. Stay generous. And most of all, stay working. Acting Coaching Online is here to support you every step of the way.

Want help picking the right books or next step for your training? Reach out to us anytime—we love helping new actors find their footing.