By Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler, Chicken and Chips Casting
Have you ever dreamed of seeing yourself on the big screen or treading the boards in your favourite stage show? Well, while it can be a far-fetched dream if you’re currently pursuing another career, it’s not impossible. After all, some of your favourite actors had other careers first before making the switch. But don’t know where to start when it comes to this dream? We’re not surprised since there isn’t really a ‘rule book’ when it comes to becoming an actor. Here are some tips on breaking into the industry.
1. Prepare Yourself
The first step in your acting journey is preparation. Enrol yourself in an acting class to hone your skills and build confidence. Think you’ve got a natural ability? Even with natural ability, classes are going to be the thing that gets you used to being in front of a camera or an audience and to take feedback. Classes will also provide you with a safe environment to be flexible and learn from others. It will help you to learn to manage your nerves, figure out the best tactic to remember lines and teach you what to do if you forget them! Remember, acting is a craft that requires continuous learning and practice. Another option is to sign up to an online community like our Audition Academy, which provides online micro learning plus live Q&As with industry professionals (and more!) for actors and artists.
2. Get your ‘Materials’ Together
An actor needs several materials that can get them started. First things first are headshots – there are a range of incredible photographers in Australia who specialise in actor’s headshots – find the one that best suits your vibe and what you’re trying to portray to the Casting Director. The headshot is the first thing we look at when we are listing actors for a role. A good headshot should look like you, not an overly glamourized version of you. Then you’ll need an actor’s CV where you can put all your experience on it. Don’t have any experience? Well, start a draft of an actor’s CV anyway, and start putting all your training on it, along with your personal qualities like height, weight, skills, languages etc. Then, you can add your experience as you get it! Another vital piece of material that an actor needs is a showreel. This can be a daunting task for a first-time actor because how can you get a showreel if you don’t have any experience? A couple of excellent self-tapes that show your range and versatility are a great option to get started!
3. Sign up to the Casting Platforms
Most professional actors will have profiles on several casting platforms, however these do cost money so it’s important to decide which ones will best fit your level of experience. Our STREET database will help you get access to appropriate casting briefs where you can build your experience. Then, once you have a portfolio of work behind you, it is worth looking into getting an agent and looking into the various other professional platforms like Casting Networks or Showcast. You can sign up to STREET here.
4. Getting an Agent
Most first-time actors believe that they just need to get an agent and all the jobs will roll in. However, getting an agent isn’t always easy, and once you have one, there’s still a lot of work to do to get the job! If you are ready to find an agent, look for one that represents actors that have a similar experience level to you and reach out to them with your CV and showreel.
5. Understand the Casting Process
Knowing what happens behind the scenes can give you a significant advantage. However, understanding the casting process can be tricky if you haven’t had much experience. Do your research, understand who all the top casting directors are in Australia (and make sure you follow them on social media – they can sometimes put out a casting call there). Casting is not just about talent; it’s also about finding the right fit for a specific role. We often look for unique perspectives and authentic performances that bring characters to life. Our approach, which we call “Conscious Casting,” goes beyond diversity quotas to create meaningful, thoughtful portrayals that reflect a broad spectrum of identities. The Audition Academy goes through the casting and audition process in depth to help you understand exactly what goes on.
6. Nail your Audition
Auditions are hard, no matter how much experience you have. It can be easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself but thankfully there are some tips that might help: When it comes to auditions, remember these key points:
Stay present in the room and be ready to take direction
Don’t be afraid to improvise within a scene if asked
Understand that you can’t control most of the casting process. Focus on what you can control: your preparation and your unique take on the character
Develop a unique voice that doesn’t always fit the mold. Instead, lean into what makes you unique and bring your authentic self to every audition. At Chicken and Chips Casting, we value fresh perspectives and are committed to championing emerging talent.
7. Be Professional
The entertainment industry can be challenging, but professionalism is key. Show up prepared, be on time, and always put your best foot forward, even if you’re not feeling 100% confident. Remember, success in this industry often comes from a combination of talent, hard work, and resilience.
8. Explore All The Avenues
Don’t limit yourself to traditional acting roles. The industry is constantly evolving, with opportunities in new media, commercials, and voice acting. Be open to different types of work as you build your career. At Chicken and Chips Casting, we cast for a wide range of projects, including film, television, commercials, and other forms of content and media.
9. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power in the entertainment industry. Take advantage of resources that can help you understand the casting process better. At Chicken and Chips Casting, we’re committed to demystifying the casting process and providing educational opportunities for actors. One such resource is our podcast, “The Sauce,” where we dive deep into the world of casting and provide valuable insights for actors. To take your acting career to the next level, we highly recommend signing up for our Audition Academy at https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/auditionacademy. This unique platform offers invaluable resources, including expert advice, industry insights, and a supportive community of fellow actors. It’s an investment in your future that can help you navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry with confidence and skill. By joining the Audition Academy, you’ll gain access to our wealth of experience as casting directors, learn about the latest industry trends, and receive guidance on perfecting your audition techniques.
10. Stay Connected
Networking is crucial in the entertainment industry. Follow casting houses on social media to stay updated on opportunities and insights. Our Instagram accounts (@chickenandchips_ and @theauditionacademy) are a great place to start, where we share casting calls, tips, and industry news or you can sign up to our mailing list via our website.
Alison Fowler and Stephanie Pringle are the founders of Chicken and Chips Casting, a Sydney-based full-service casting agency specialising in film, television, commercials, and new media. Founded in in 2015, Chicken and Chips is known for their innovative approach to casting and commitment to diversity which is helping to reshape the future of storytelling in Australia. They are responsible for feature films like ‘A Savage Christmas’ and ‘Birdeater,’ (both of which have gained recognition at prestigious film festivals) and ‘Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie’s Dead Aunt),’ which took out the 2020 AACTA Award for Best Indie Film. For more information, please visit www.chickenandchips.com.au.
By Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler, Chicken and Chips Casting
Have you ever dreamed of seeing yourself on the big screen or treading the boards in your favourite stage show? Well, while it can be a far-fetched dream if you’re currently pursuing another career, it’s not impossible. After all, some of your favourite actors had other careers first before making the switch. But don’t know where to start when it comes to this dream? We’re not surprised since there isn’t really a ‘rule book’ when it comes to becoming an actor. Here are some tips on breaking into the industry.
1. Prepare Yourself
The first step in your acting journey is preparation. Enrol yourself in an acting class to hone your skills and build confidence. Think you’ve got a natural ability? Even with natural ability, classes are going to be the thing that gets you used to being in front of a camera or an audience and to take feedback. Classes will also provide you with a safe environment to be flexible and learn from others. It will help you to learn to manage your nerves, figure out the best tactic to remember lines and teach you what to do if you forget them! Remember, acting is a craft that requires continuous learning and practice. Another option is to sign up to an online community like our Audition Academy, which provides online micro learning plus live Q&As with industry professionals (and more!) for actors and artists.
2. Get your ‘Materials’ Together
An actor needs several materials that can get them started. First things first are headshots – there are a range of incredible photographers in Australia who specialise in actor’s headshots – find the one that best suits your vibe and what you’re trying to portray to the Casting Director. The headshot is the first thing we look at when we are listing actors for a role. A good headshot should look like you, not an overly glamourized version of you. Then you’ll need an actor’s CV where you can put all your experience on it. Don’t have any experience? Well, start a draft of an actor’s CV anyway, and start putting all your training on it, along with your personal qualities like height, weight, skills, languages etc. Then, you can add your experience as you get it! Another vital piece of material that an actor needs is a showreel. This can be a daunting task for a first-time actor because how can you get a showreel if you don’t have any experience? A couple of excellent self-tapes that show your range and versatility are a great option to get started!
3. Sign up to the Casting Platforms
Most professional actors will have profiles on several casting platforms, however these do cost money so it’s important to decide which ones will best fit your level of experience. Our STREET database will help you get access to appropriate casting briefs where you can build your experience. Then, once you have a portfolio of work behind you, it is worth looking into getting an agent and looking into the various other professional platforms like Casting Networks or Showcast. You can sign up to STREET here.
4. Getting an Agent
Most first-time actors believe that they just need to get an agent and all the jobs will roll in. However, getting an agent isn’t always easy, and once you have one, there’s still a lot of work to do to get the job! If you are ready to find an agent, look for one that represents actors that have a similar experience level to you and reach out to them with your CV and showreel.
5. Understand the Casting Process
Knowing what happens behind the scenes can give you a significant advantage. However, understanding the casting process can be tricky if you haven’t had much experience. Do your research, understand who all the top casting directors are in Australia (and make sure you follow them on social media – they can sometimes put out a casting call there). Casting is not just about talent; it’s also about finding the right fit for a specific role. We often look for unique perspectives and authentic performances that bring characters to life. Our approach, which we call “Conscious Casting,” goes beyond diversity quotas to create meaningful, thoughtful portrayals that reflect a broad spectrum of identities. The Audition Academy goes through the casting and audition process in depth to help you understand exactly what goes on.
6. Nail your Audition
Auditions are hard, no matter how much experience you have. It can be easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself but thankfully there are some tips that might help: When it comes to auditions, remember these key points:
7. Be Professional
The entertainment industry can be challenging, but professionalism is key. Show up prepared, be on time, and always put your best foot forward, even if you’re not feeling 100% confident. Remember, success in this industry often comes from a combination of talent, hard work, and resilience.
8. Explore All The Avenues
Don’t limit yourself to traditional acting roles. The industry is constantly evolving, with opportunities in new media, commercials, and voice acting. Be open to different types of work as you build your career. At Chicken and Chips Casting, we cast for a wide range of projects, including film, television, commercials, and other forms of content and media.
9. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power in the entertainment industry. Take advantage of resources that can help you understand the casting process better. At Chicken and Chips Casting, we’re committed to demystifying the casting process and providing educational opportunities for actors. One such resource is our podcast, “The Sauce,” where we dive deep into the world of casting and provide valuable insights for actors. To take your acting career to the next level, we highly recommend signing up for our Audition Academy at https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/auditionacademy. This unique platform offers invaluable resources, including expert advice, industry insights, and a supportive community of fellow actors. It’s an investment in your future that can help you navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry with confidence and skill. By joining the Audition Academy, you’ll gain access to our wealth of experience as casting directors, learn about the latest industry trends, and receive guidance on perfecting your audition techniques.
10. Stay Connected
Networking is crucial in the entertainment industry. Follow casting houses on social media to stay updated on opportunities and insights. Our Instagram accounts (@chickenandchips_ and @theauditionacademy) are a great place to start, where we share casting calls, tips, and industry news or you can sign up to our mailing list via our website.
Alison Fowler and Stephanie Pringle are the founders of Chicken and Chips Casting, a Sydney-based full-service casting agency specialising in film, television, commercials, and new media. Founded in in 2015, Chicken and Chips is known for their innovative approach to casting and commitment to diversity which is helping to reshape the future of storytelling in Australia. They are responsible for feature films like ‘A Savage Christmas’ and ‘Birdeater,’ (both of which have gained recognition at prestigious film festivals) and ‘Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie’s Dead Aunt),’ which took out the 2020 AACTA Award for Best Indie Film. For more information, please visit www.chickenandchips.com.au.
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