Everything about Acting in New Zealand

n this article of about breaking into acting for dummies we don’t assume you are a dummy but that you want to be involved in an old and popular form of performing arts but are concerned that it is too difficult!

Acting is a skill we all use in our lives, in one way or another. Yes, there are highly successful professional actors but one of the best things about launching an acting career is that you are never too old!

Here are our tips for breaking into acting for dummies: READ TIPS FOR BREAKING INTO ACTING

Acting exercises are an important part becoming a successful New Zealand actor is keeping up your craft and doing acting exercises can help keep your acting strong.

Acting classes will help you learn how to portray characters and how to memorize your dialogue. Your voice, body and emotions will serve as the acting tools to perform your scenes.

Acting warm-ups are essential to help you stay focused with what you are going to do.

READ MORE ABOUT ACTING EXERCISES

As a theatre actor, you may be required to spend your own money on theatre costumes if you are in a smaller production.

Here are some tips about theatre costumes:

1.If you are skinny, and you have multiple roles with multiple costumes, (i.e. Egyptian dancer) you can wear full circle skirts, you can tuck in extra veils around your belt to appear fatter. You can also put sparkles and coins in your bra to make it seem fuller. Don’t shove a bunch of gym socks or shoulder pads since these won’t give the right shape.

READ MORE THEATRE COSTUMES TIPS

f you are an actor who is looking for acting work, you will need an acting agent, and that acting agent will expect you to sign an acting contract. In this article, we look at how to get the most from your acting contract.

• Make sure you meet the acting agencies requirements with regards to any acting unions or the actors guild. Make sure you also get a copy of the agreement from the union

READ MORE ABOUT ACTING CONTRACTS

Wasn’t it just so much fun to watch epic movies such as Lord of the Rings or even smaller New Zealand films such at The Bridge to Terabithia and see the number of New Zealander’s involved? And yes, many of them were extras.

Films and TV shows and television commercials will often use extras to show up as crowds, protesters, and more!

Being an acting extra gives you the chance to get up close to some of your most favourite New Zealand and international actors…AND you’ll even get paid a bit for it!

READ ABOUT BECOMING AN ACTING EXTRA

As an actor, you have to be constantly up and running, constantly learning and constantly getting experience. You can use all of these in your craft.

Therefore, we suggest that you look for an acting camp or drama camp. There are a lot of aspiring actors and actresses out there. The thing you have to be concerned with when making a sound decision is choosing the acting camp you will invest your talents in.

A dreamer such as yourself can have a one-of-a-kind experience at an acting camp. If you’ve seen Lindsay Lohan in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, there were times she seemed like she was a loner because she was so different. Well at acting camp or drama camp, you will be spending your days with those who share your interests as well as your dreams of making it big in Hollywood.

READ ABOUT ACTING CAMPS

hey say it’s impracticable but it was possible for Keisha Castle-Hughes, Lucy Lawless and Martin Henderson. Once upon a time, the biggest stars of today were aspirants just like you. They effected for small roles on TV or commercials that hardly showed their face just to make ends meet. But look at where they are now.

In order to kick start your acting career, you’ll need lots of:  Motivation, Confidence and Passion. These three will serve as your driving force to handle rejection after rejection. We’re telling you right here right now, there will be a LOT of rejection!

If you want to live your acting dream, you can start it off by:

READ TIPS FOR STARTING YOUR ACTING CAREER

If you are looking at taking your acting career from a hobby to a profession then it is essential that you have an acting headshot. An acting headshot can make your acting prospect much easier.

Before you run to the nearest photographer asking for an acting headshot, read these tips for a successful acting headshot:

READ ABOUT ACTING HEADSHOTS

Acting for kids is a popular concept these days as acting continues to rise in celebrity status and as a choice of a prestigious career: it brings fame and fortune and your kids know about it!

Because of this acting for kids is very apealing. They may want to be an actor, and as a parent you’ll be wanting to give your support but not sure about how to go about it.

Here are our tips for parents about acting for kids:

READ ABOUT ACTING FOR KIDS

Acting Agent

Finding An Acting Agent

One of the first things that people think about when deciding to become an actor – whether for stage, television or film is getting an agent.

Here’s the deal: you can’t just one day decide to roll up to a studio for an audition. FACT: you will need to get a reputable acting agent – he or she will be the one that will help you get the acting jobs you want.

“Open Auditions” are when a studio or casting agency calls for anyone to audition. This has been done in New Zealand a few times, such as when the Lord of the Rings was being filmed. This method of getting acting work means that a) you probably won’t get paid very much and b) you’ll have a minor role. If all you want to achieve is getting the opportunity to work as an ‘extra’ then this is perfect. If you’re more serious about acting…read on!

Most production companies now have a list of agencies that they view as the best in the industry. They will call on them at any time and ask for a person/s with specific talents and/or a look.

The problem for many actors is the catch 22 – to get acting work you need an agent, to get an agent you need acting work!

There are some things that you can do to ensure that your chances of securing one of New Zealand’s lead acting agents are interested in YOU:

READ MORE: How to Find an Acting Agent in New Zealand