How To Become An Actress

Have you dreamed of becoming an actress and walking red carpets to movie openings, award shows, or festivals? Actresses are artists who give life to a script writer's words. Talented and inspiring actresses are some of the most admired people in the world. Actresses portray characters and ideas in films, theatre plays, television shows, and other mediums of performing arts. Despite the excitement of a Hollywood star's life, breaking into the profession is tough and the road to success is paved with challenges. According to the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were more than 66,000 actors (both actors and actresses) in 2010. The BLS predicts a 4 percent slower than average growth in the profession from 2010 to 2020. If you have decided to become an actress, the statistics should not worry you; acting is one of those rare professions where you do not need specific academic qualifications to excel. However, you may still be wondering what it takes to be successful and land roles in big budget films.

How to Become an Actress
Whether it is Hollywood, Broadway, television, or another medium of entertainment, actresses with high school diplomas to advanced college degrees, have all succeeded. It is the long-term on the job training that may make a difference and determine your success. College-level courses or a degree in acting, drama, or filmmaking, may help to increase the chances of an actress looking to become a big star. Similarly, classes in music and dance may further enhance an actress's chance of success. These classes and degree programs are offered by various community colleges, universities, private film schools, and acting conservatories. Those who would not like to attend traditional on-campus programs have an option to enroll in online acting classes.

Online Courses and Degree Programs
Online courses in acting provide an actress with introduction to acting, acting theory, and acting tips. Furthermore, private online acting schools may provide one-on-one coaching lessons through video conferences. This form of distance-learning would be ideal for those actresses who need one-on-one lessons for:

• Communication skills
• Public speaking
• Self-expression

Online acting courses may also suit the following category of students:

• Students with full-time jobs who do not have the time to attend a traditional acting school
• Older students who may prefer not to study with students half their age
• Students who cannot commute to the school
• Students looking for cost-effective acting lessons

Qualities of an Actress
Many have been inspired by the likes of Rita Hayward, Elizabeth Taylor, Michelle Pfeiffer, Marilyn Monroe, Meryl Streep, Katherine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Julia Roberts, and many others. These actresses are gifted with the following qualities:

• Creativity
• Speaking skills
• Reading skills
• Physical stamina
• Persistence
• Memorization skills

If you possess all or some of these qualities, you should consider enrolling in online acting classes and get yourself introduced to basics of acting. The real training, as mentioned earlier, is on the job and learning from your peers and industry experts.