How to become a commercial actor

How to become a Commercial Actor

There are no strict educational requirements to become a voice actor, as talent, skill, and experience are generally considered more important than formal education in the industry. However, many commercial actors choose to pursue training and education to develop and enhance their qualifications and performance. Here’s an overview of potential pathways to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning. Throughout your high school years, take drama and theater classes. Join drama clubs and participate in school plays to gain practical experience and develop your acting abilities.

Post-secondary Education
Consider pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree relevant to the performing arts. Options include acting, theatre arts, visual and performing arts, or a related discipline. Look for programs that offer comprehensive coursework in acting techniques and voice and speech (vocal technique, diction, projection, and control).

Develop Acting Skills

• Acting Classes – Enroll in acting classes, workshops, or training programs offered by reputable drama schools and acting conservatories to develop and improve your abilities and techniques. Focus on commercial acting, improvisation, script analysis, character development, voice, and movement to prepare for auditions and roles in commercials.
• Voice and Speech Training – Take voice and speech classes to enhance your vocal clarity, projection, articulation, and delivery, as many commercials require strong voiceover skills.
• Improv and Comedy Training – Participate in improv and comedy classes to develop your comedic timing, spontaneity, creativity, and ability to deliver humor and entertainment in commercials.
• Audition Technique Workshops – Attend audition technique workshops to learn and practise auditioning skills, cold reading, script interpretation, and how to effectively showcase your talent and personality to casting directors and producers.

Gain Experience and Build Your Portfolio

• Student Films and Short Films – Gain acting experience by participating in student films, short films, independent projects, and local theater productions to build your resume, develop your craft, and create a demo reel showcasing your acting abilities and performances.
• Commercial Workshops and Showcases – Attend commercial workshops and showcases hosted by casting directors, agents, and talent agencies to learn about the commercial industry, audition process, and how to audition and book commercial roles.
• Professional Headshots – Invest in professional headshots that capture your look, personality, and casting type. Create a strong and professional acting portfolio to present to agents, casting directors, and potential employers.

Secure Representation and Increase Your Visibility

• Talent Agency Representation – Submit your headshots, resume, and demo reel to reputable talent agencies that specialize in commercial representation. Work with an agent to help you find auditions, book roles, negotiate contracts, and manage your career in the commercial industry.
• Self-Promotion and Marketing – Build a professional actor website. Create profiles on casting websites and social media platforms. Promote yourself online to showcase your work, talent, and brand to industry professionals, casting directors, and potential employers.

Audition and Network

• Auditioning – Submit your headshots and resume to casting directors, attend open casting calls, and audition through talent agencies.
• Networking – Network with industry professionals, attend industry events and seminars, and build relationships with casting directors, producers, agents, and fellow actors to create opportunities, obtain referrals, and establish a professional reputation in the commercial acting industry.

Continue Learning
Take acting masterclasses to refine your skills and techniques. Stay current with industry trends, casting preferences, and commercial styles to enhance your performances and opportunities as a commercial actor. Consider learning and developing specialized skills in voiceover, motion capture, stunts, and other areas to increase your range and marketability in the commercial industry.

Stay Persistent and Persevere
Be prepared for rejection and keep auditioning for commercial acting roles. Stay persistent, motivated, and committed to improving your skills, building your portfolio, and pursuing your commercial acting career.

Professional Organizations
There are several professional organizations and unions that represent and support commercial actors, providing resources, advocacy, and networking and professional development opportunities. Here’s a sampling:

• The Casting Society – Formerly known as the Casting Society of America, this professional organization promotes the highest standards of casting in the entertainment industry. It represents casting directors and associates in the film, television, theater, and new media industries.
• Commercial Casting Directors Association (CCDA) – CCDA is an association upholding casting standards and representing commercial casting directors in the advertising, commercial, and entertainment industries.
• Backstage – Backstage is a leading entertainment industry platform and trade publication providing casting notices, audition listings, industry news, advice, and information for actors, including commercial actors.
• Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) – SAG-AFTRA is a labor union representing actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, and other media professionals. It negotiates and enforces contracts for actors working in film, television, commercials, and digital media, and also provides health and pension benefits.
• Actors' Equity Association (AEA) – The AEA is the labor union representing professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States. It negotiates and enforces contracts for actors and stage managers working in Equity theaters, and also provides health and pension benefits.
• The Actors' Centre (UK) – The Actors' Centre is a membership organization that supports actors throughout their careers in the UK. It provides rehearsal and performance spaces for members and offers guidance, counseling, and support services for actors.
• Association of Talent Agents (ATA) – ATA is the trade association representing talent agencies and talent agents in the United States. It represents over 110 talent agencies, including agencies representing actors, commercial actors, writers, directors, and other talent in the film, TV, and entertainment industry.