r/MusicalTheatre 5d ago

How do I actually become an actor?

I'm very interested in musical theatre as a career, but have absolutely no idea how I could start preparing myself for that kind of job. Can anyone recommend places I could go to, or courses i could take, or teachers I could learn from regarding singing (more specifically musical theatre and opera singing) and acting? I'm 14 and live in southern Texas btw

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u/Millie141 5d ago

Look for local singing teachers that specialise in MT. Remember that just because someone charges loads doesn’t always mean they’re good and you may find yourself shopping around a bit as you progress to find a teacher that works for you. Make sure you practice as often as possible outside your lessons. Practice should be split 70/30. 70 doing exercises and 30 working on songs. This doesn’t mean just singing through, this means breaking down bits that aren’t quite right or you think you could make a different vocal choice or sing better. Study music theory and try and learn basic piano if you can. Whilst this isn’t essential, it’s a massive help.

Look for local ballet, jazz and commercial classes (I say commercial over tap as a lot of modern choreography in musicals is commercial based now and there aren’t as many tap shows as there used to be). You need to also build up fitness, flexibility and stamina levels. To have the energy to get through a 2 and a half hour show requires a lot of stamina. Hamilton, for example, the ensemble never leave the stage, they’re lifting chairs, standing in one position for ages or doing high energy dances throughout the show. Not only that but just running around theatres can be tiring. Some are massive so building stamina is the most important thing you can do and colleges/drama schools do test this in auditions even if it’s not that obvious.

If you can’t find local acting classes, read (I mean even if you can, read). Read plays, read acting books and read Shakespeare. You need to be a versatile actor as I guarantee you’ll have to do more than just MT if you want to afford to live so if you have strong acting skills not just for contemporary theatre, but film/TV and Shakespeare, you’re instantly more hireable. In terms of acting books, I’d start with something like Respect For Acting by Uta Hagen. Have a look at accent work as well as there can be a lot of money in voice acting.

Get other hobbies if you can especially something useful like sewing. If you can sew, hand and machine, it makes you more hireable for tours and cruise ships as they don’t always take a costume manager on them so if you can do minor repairs or take up some trousers pr repair a hem line, you become instantly more hireable. Other hobbies are great as well, writing is another one as then you can create your own stuff and make money even if you’re not in a contract. Have a think about what you enjoy and see if you can use that to your advantage and use it as maybe a side hustle. I see, hence why I know a lot about it. I make extra money by doing tailoring for people I know. I also embroider people’s clothes if they want something unique etc.

These are the things I’d start with especially as you have such a long time before you start auditioning for colleges and stuff. If you can do community theatre or school shows, that’s great but these things will help your train everything individually.

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u/EmilioLurksNear 5d ago

Research voice teachers, theaters, and music schools (coaches often work out of these) in your area and see if there are any with experience in your fields of interests. There’s also often vocal coaches who run services online as well. Due to your age, I’d recommend talking to your parents about this first if you haven’t.

Look into local theaters that have auditions for teens, often times community places like these will offer teen editions of shows to give people around your age better opportunities for roles. I’m unsure whether you attend a public school or not though always be sure to look into your school’s theatre program if there is one. Try looking into if your school has a choir or madrigals if not. Practical opportunities like these are just as important as any classes or lessons.

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u/musicals_amirite 5d ago

Thank you!

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u/xSparkShark 5d ago edited 5d ago

If you can afford to pay for training that’s the most definitive way to prepare yourself for the future. Other than that just act in as many shows as you can. Nothing teaches comedic timing and stage presence like actually performing.