Jessica Putnam My own experience is that I happened to live in a city where they actively make films...I was minding my own business when a casting director approached me on the street...We became friends instantly....I was not looking for acting work...he talked me into a gig where a Tamil film was being dubbed into English. He saw I had a natural talent and he got me some small speaking parts in tv and film. At one point he introduced me to a a producer and director/writer...We became friends and I was hired on the spot to play a major role...Simply by my casting director 'believing in me did they believe in me...They could read my heart...I am in India btw...the takeaway here I think is that it is all about our heart and ability to connect with people...and the force of luck...anyway, at one point I started turning down roles...I may only act with one particular director whom I love and who loves me...I suspect I am not quite like the other guys,...I wish you the best! I love and wish everyone the best as we all just follow our hearts
I'm not an expert at any of this but I can tell you what I did and maybe it'll help.
1) Take classes. And be active in those classes. Make friends with as many of your fellow actors as possible. I've gotten parts because of who I knew sometimes.
2) Don't worry about getting an agent right away.
3) Get some headshots from an actual headshot photographer. Not a portrait photographer. If that's all you can get for now, it'll be fine for a short while but make sure to get professional headshots done ASAP.
4) Make profiles on what I call the "big three". Casting Networks, Backstage and Actors Access. Yes, they all cost money.
5) Start self submitting on those platforms.
6) Even if the work is crap and you're working for peanuts (or Pizza), say yes to almost anyone that casts you in something. There are exceptions to this rule because there are a LOT of creepers out there! Be careful! IMDb stalking of potential employers is encouraged!
7) The exception to #6 is if you're doing a student film. And I highly encourage you to submit for them. Students generally don't have IMDb credits yet but they are young and hungry and sometimes offer the best experiences for a beginner.
8) Once you have enough credits to fill up a full page resume, THEN you can start looking for an Agent to help you out. But keep in mind, an Agent gets 10% of what you make so that means 90% of the work is still on you!
More homework once these are complete. Lol! Good luck!
Hi Jessica Putnam I second everything Brandon Keeton said. I will add, scroll through this lounge. There are many conversations already on the very thing you are asking. Also, head over to the Education tab, there are countless webinars in the acting section on this very topic. They are $49 a piece. Well worth the information. The best way to start is to start. Take an acting class. If there aren't any private classes in your city, the local community college no doubt has some.
There are some great webinars on the education tab about getting started in voiceover Jessica Putnam While Mississippi may not be a filming hub or have private acting classes, unless you're in the boonies, there must be a local community college that offers beginning acting. CC is inexpensive. I suggest purchasing or checking out Sanford Meisner ON ACTING from the local library. That is book is Acting 101.
Jessica Putnam also check out, member Aaron Marcus's Tips for Actors videos which he posts on here. He is a goldmine of information. Also, if you are open to online classes I am training with one and love them. DM me if you want to know more.
Alexandra Stevens yes I believe I started watching his channel on YouTube today actually. how do I go about DM you? I’m new to this app so I’m learning how to do everything
If you are interested in getting acting jobs, you need an effective headshot that sells you well along with a resume that agents, casting directors and other industry professionals expect to see.
I have 500+ quick tip videos on my channel which will be a great free library for you.
Welcome to Stage 32 and to the Acting Lounge, Jessica Putnam! Starting out can feel overwhelming, but you’re already taking the right first step by reaching out and asking for advice.
Some things that can really help when you’re beginning:
• Training & Workshops: Consistent classes (on-camera, improv, scene study) not only sharpen your craft but also help you build a network of peers. Stage 32 has some excellent virtual acting education you may want to check out as a starting place: https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/acting.
• Networking: Be active here in the lounges and join discussions, you never know who you’ll connect with. Also, consider introducing yourself in the Introduce Yourself Lounge if you haven't already- https://www.stage32.com/lounge/introduce_yourself to widen your circle.
• Self-Tapes & Reels: Even a short reel of monologues or scenes can help you start applying for indie projects, student films, and casting calls.
• Small Roles & Projects: Many actors begin with short films, web series, or background roles to build experience and credits. You can reach out to local college film programs and let them know that you're happy to volunteer as a performer for experience and reel material.
If you’d like a little extra guidance, you can also reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com—they can help connect you with curated resources and even industry executives here on Stage 32.
What kind of roles or genres are you most excited to pursue?
Ashley Renee Smith I’m looking for more serious roles. that is my goal. more like drama, horror, thrillers. Obviously not starting out, I am open to all. I would like to try my hand in comedy, I am a naturally funny person. but I trust wherever the universe takes me.
Hi Jessica, you can easily sign up to be on my special email list at: howtoactandmodel.com. I love the advice you have been given here. There are a few other ideas I want to share. Go the the Mississippi Film Commission Website to see if there are any projects happening in your area. I would also do a search on Facebook to see if there are any independent filmmaker groups in your area. I like what was said earlier about contacting colleges and universities, Go to the schools website and search for film classes (most likely listed in the Arts dept.) Find the classes where students have to shoot short films for their class. Then reach out to the instructor.
Just remember, just because someone is a univ,. student, doesn't mean they are sane. If you are comfortable with the script and get cast, bring someone with you, just to make sure it is a legit project.
I would also search for casting directors in your area. They could be great people to reach out to as well.
As I mentioned earlier, feel free to reach out to me if you have a question.
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Welcome to the community, Jessica Putnam. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Producers, directors, actors, casting directors, and more www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...
And here's the link to Stage 32’s August Community Open House (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-august-community-open-house). It's free to watch. It'll also help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry pros.
Stage 32 has a Job Board you could check for acting jobs (www.stage32.com/find-jobs). It’s updated regularly.
2 people like this
Jessica Putnam My own experience is that I happened to live in a city where they actively make films...I was minding my own business when a casting director approached me on the street...We became friends instantly....I was not looking for acting work...he talked me into a gig where a Tamil film was being dubbed into English. He saw I had a natural talent and he got me some small speaking parts in tv and film. At one point he introduced me to a a producer and director/writer...We became friends and I was hired on the spot to play a major role...Simply by my casting director 'believing in me did they believe in me...They could read my heart...I am in India btw...the takeaway here I think is that it is all about our heart and ability to connect with people...and the force of luck...anyway, at one point I started turning down roles...I may only act with one particular director whom I love and who loves me...I suspect I am not quite like the other guys,...I wish you the best! I love and wish everyone the best as we all just follow our hearts
4 people like this
I'm not an expert at any of this but I can tell you what I did and maybe it'll help.
1) Take classes. And be active in those classes. Make friends with as many of your fellow actors as possible. I've gotten parts because of who I knew sometimes.
2) Don't worry about getting an agent right away.
3) Get some headshots from an actual headshot photographer. Not a portrait photographer. If that's all you can get for now, it'll be fine for a short while but make sure to get professional headshots done ASAP.
4) Make profiles on what I call the "big three". Casting Networks, Backstage and Actors Access. Yes, they all cost money.
5) Start self submitting on those platforms.
6) Even if the work is crap and you're working for peanuts (or Pizza), say yes to almost anyone that casts you in something. There are exceptions to this rule because there are a LOT of creepers out there! Be careful! IMDb stalking of potential employers is encouraged!
7) The exception to #6 is if you're doing a student film. And I highly encourage you to submit for them. Students generally don't have IMDb credits yet but they are young and hungry and sometimes offer the best experiences for a beginner.
8) Once you have enough credits to fill up a full page resume, THEN you can start looking for an Agent to help you out. But keep in mind, an Agent gets 10% of what you make so that means 90% of the work is still on you!
More homework once these are complete. Lol! Good luck!
2 people like this
Hi Jessica Putnam I second everything Brandon Keeton said. I will add, scroll through this lounge. There are many conversations already on the very thing you are asking. Also, head over to the Education tab, there are countless webinars in the acting section on this very topic. They are $49 a piece. Well worth the information. The best way to start is to start. Take an acting class. If there aren't any private classes in your city, the local community college no doubt has some.
2 people like this
thank you everyone for the input. The biggest issue I’m having right now is I’m in Mississippi so there isn’t much action around here.
1 person likes this
You're welcome, Jessica Putnam. Have you thought about doing voice acting? You can do that remotely.
2 people like this
Maurice Vaughan 5 yes I have given it thought. what platform could I find roles such as that on?
1 person likes this
I don't know any voice acting job platforms, but you could check Stage 32’s Job Board, Jessica Putnam.
2 people like this
Maurice Vaughan 5 thank you. I will look into that and may search the web to see what I can dig up.
2 people like this
You're welcome, Jessica Putnam. Hope you find some acting roles and voice acting roles!
2 people like this
There are some great webinars on the education tab about getting started in voiceover Jessica Putnam While Mississippi may not be a filming hub or have private acting classes, unless you're in the boonies, there must be a local community college that offers beginning acting. CC is inexpensive. I suggest purchasing or checking out Sanford Meisner ON ACTING from the local library. That is book is Acting 101.
2 people like this
Maurice Vaughan 5 how do i navigate to the job board on here?
Look to the left of the Job Board (if you’re on a computer) and choose something for "Select a location," "Seeking," etc., Jessica Putnam.
3 people like this
Erik David what an inspiring and surprising story of how you got acting roles
3 people like this
Jessica Putnam also check out, member Aaron Marcus's Tips for Actors videos which he posts on here. He is a goldmine of information. Also, if you are open to online classes I am training with one and love them. DM me if you want to know more.
3 people like this
Alexandra Stevens yes I believe I started watching his channel on YouTube today actually. how do I go about DM you? I’m new to this app so I’m learning how to do everything
4 people like this
Believe in yourself.
3 people like this
Jessica Putnam I have sent you a network request and that's how we can send each other messages.
3 people like this
Hi Jessica,
If you are interested in getting acting jobs, you need an effective headshot that sells you well along with a resume that agents, casting directors and other industry professionals expect to see.
I have 500+ quick tip videos on my channel which will be a great free library for you.
https://www.youtube.com/c/aaronmarcusactingandmodelingquicktips
Always feel free to reach out if you have a question.
Oh, you can also be on my special email list: howtoactandmodel.com and I will send you weekly industry information.
2 people like this
Welcome to Stage 32 and to the Acting Lounge, Jessica Putnam! Starting out can feel overwhelming, but you’re already taking the right first step by reaching out and asking for advice.
Some things that can really help when you’re beginning:
• Training & Workshops: Consistent classes (on-camera, improv, scene study) not only sharpen your craft but also help you build a network of peers. Stage 32 has some excellent virtual acting education you may want to check out as a starting place: https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/acting.
• Networking: Be active here in the lounges and join discussions, you never know who you’ll connect with. Also, consider introducing yourself in the Introduce Yourself Lounge if you haven't already- https://www.stage32.com/lounge/introduce_yourself to widen your circle.
• Self-Tapes & Reels: Even a short reel of monologues or scenes can help you start applying for indie projects, student films, and casting calls.
• Small Roles & Projects: Many actors begin with short films, web series, or background roles to build experience and credits. You can reach out to local college film programs and let them know that you're happy to volunteer as a performer for experience and reel material.
If you’d like a little extra guidance, you can also reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com—they can help connect you with curated resources and even industry executives here on Stage 32.
What kind of roles or genres are you most excited to pursue?
2 people like this
Aaron Marcus yes please add me to your email list. I will watch your videos tonight. I’ve watched a couple of them as well as other experts online.
3 people like this
Ashley Renee Smith I’m looking for more serious roles. that is my goal. more like drama, horror, thrillers. Obviously not starting out, I am open to all. I would like to try my hand in comedy, I am a naturally funny person. but I trust wherever the universe takes me.
3 people like this
Hi Jessica, you can easily sign up to be on my special email list at: howtoactandmodel.com. I love the advice you have been given here. There are a few other ideas I want to share. Go the the Mississippi Film Commission Website to see if there are any projects happening in your area. I would also do a search on Facebook to see if there are any independent filmmaker groups in your area. I like what was said earlier about contacting colleges and universities, Go to the schools website and search for film classes (most likely listed in the Arts dept.) Find the classes where students have to shoot short films for their class. Then reach out to the instructor.
Just remember, just because someone is a univ,. student, doesn't mean they are sane. If you are comfortable with the script and get cast, bring someone with you, just to make sure it is a legit project.
I would also search for casting directors in your area. They could be great people to reach out to as well.
As I mentioned earlier, feel free to reach out to me if you have a question.