Breaking in to Show Business

Do you have a passion for performing? Do the bright lights of the stage get you excited? If so then maybe a career in show business is calling. Fun, challenging, never dull and always full of surprises working as an actor, director, stage manager or singer has plenty of rewards but getting into the industry is no walk in the park. It takes a lot of patience, years of practice, keen networking and thick skin to make it in show business and if you plan on making entertainment your career get ready to sacrifice in order to make your dream a reality.

Every performer has their own story when it comes to breaking in to the show business industry but a few common denominators can be found that will help you as you get started on a career in film, television or theater. Almost everyone will agree that it takes a lot of patience to make it as a performer. Yes, there are stars who seem to shine overnight and get handed huge roles with little or no experience but these cases are rare and it's almost a proven fact that the younger you are when you make it big the less chance you have of sustaining a career as you get older. Hollywood is full of one-hit wonders who made a big splash at a young age only to be forgotten when they reached adulthood. If you are serious about a long career in acting, singing or other jobs in performing arts make sure it is a legitimate passion and not just a desire to be seen on TV.

Another tip for aspiring actors, singers and performers is to learn some humility. Everyone is reaching for the top but it takes quite some time to get there and in the meantime you may have to work plenty of odd side jobs to pay the rent and bills. Don't let your pride get in the way of a job that pays. Waiting tables, bar tending, construction and temporary staffing positions are great ways to make enough money while you hone your craft and attend casting calls and auditions. You will also want jobs that are flexible since a call back can come at any time and you may need a friend to cover a shift or two so you can attend the auditions.

To be successful as an actor or singer you also need to know how to handle rejection. If you think you can become a star with one acting audition you're simply fooling yourself. Many well known performers had to struggle through years of rejection before getting the chance to shine and it helps to know early on that being told no is simply part of the game. Try your best to learn from each rejection and apply the lessons to your next audition. If a casting director is nice enough to tell you why you didn't get the part be sure to listen because more often than not they simply say thanks and leave it at that.

Lastly, if breaking in to show business is really what you want then take it seriously. Reality TV has made stars overnight but these personalities are usually forgotten after a few months and then become nothing more than trivia. This is not to say you can't use a reality show as a springboard to a career in show business but there is a difference between a professional actor and someone who just got lucky. Practice your craft as much as possible so you can avoid being one-time TMZ fodder.

For a great selection of resources and first-hand accounts of how others have made it in show business and the performing arts visit Audition Art where you'll fine helpful information on auditioning, casting calls and what it takes to make it in entertainment.