Getting into acting is exciting, but it’s not something you can rush into overnight. Acting is a real craft that takes patience, proper training, and a willingness to grow. It’s also a competitive industry, which means the more prepared you are, the better your chances of standing out. The good news? Anyone can start building the right foundation—with the right mindset and the right support. And if you’re in BC, taking classes through a Vancouver acting school can give you the training and confidence you need to move forward the smart way.
FIGURE OUT WHY YOU WANT TO ACT
Before diving into auditions, headshots, or classes, it helps to ask yourself why acting appeals to you. There’s no wrong answer, and your reasons might evolve over time.
Maybe you want to:
- Tell stories
- Explore different characters
- Build confidence
- Step into a creative career
- Try something new and exciting
- Find a fun hobby that challenges you
Knowing your “why” helps guide your decisions. It also keeps you motivated when things get tough, because acting—like any skill—takes practice and patience.
TAKE AN ACTING CLASS TO SEE HOW IT FEELS
If you don’t know where to start, this is the easiest and smartest first step. Acting isn’t something you can fully understand until you do it. A beginner-friendly class introduces you to scripts, exercises, improv, character work, and group collaboration.
Many people take one class and instantly feel at home. Others realize they want something more casual or structured. That’s the beauty of trying it out.
And if you’re in BC, a Vancouver acting school is a great place to explore the basics in a supportive environment and meet others who are starting a similar journey.
IMPROV IS A GREAT WAY TO LOOSEN UP
Improvisation classes are one of the best ways to get comfortable performing. Improv teaches you to think fast, trust your instincts, react naturally, and stop worrying about “being perfect.”
You’ll practice:
- Letting go of fear
- Listening and responding in the moment
- Working as a team
- Building confidence
- Having a lot of fun
Even professional actors use improv skills daily, because acting isn’t just about memorizing lines—it’s about staying present.
WORK ON YOUR CONFIDENCE AND COMFORT LEVEL
A huge part of acting is simply feeling comfortable in your own skin. That doesn’t mean being outgoing or loud. Many amazing actors are introverts. Confidence comes from practice and familiarity.
Try these simple habits:
- Read monologues out loud
- Record yourself on your phone
- Practice emotional expression
- Work on body language
- Read scripts you enjoy
These little steps help you feel more natural performing, which makes the jump into auditions easier later.
START WATCHING FILMS AND SHOWS DIFFERENTLY
Actors don’t just watch movies for entertainment—they study them.
Pay attention to:
- How actors deliver lines
- Physical choices (posture, gestures, pacing)
- The emotional beats of a scene
- How subtle expressions convey big feelings
- What makes a performance memorable
Try watching your favourite scenes and breaking down what the actor did to bring that character to life.
LEARN HOW THE INDUSTRY WORKS (BASICALLY)
You don’t need to become an expert right away, but it helps to understand some common terms and pathways, like:
- What casting directors do
- How auditions are run
- What an agent does (and doesn’t do)
- How self-tape auditions work
- What “background work” means
- Why training matters
Knowing the basics helps you avoid scams, stay informed, and recognize real opportunities.
BUILD SOME TRAINING BEFORE YOU JUMP INTO AUDITIONS
A common mistake beginners make is auditioning before they’re ready. Training gives you the foundation you need so you don’t freeze, panic, or overthink during your first audition experience.
Training helps you:
- Understand how to break down a script
- Make confident acting choices
- Handle nerves
- Work with partners and ensembles
- Improve your voice and movement
When you feel prepared, auditions become way less intimidating.
CREATE SIMPLE, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY ACTING MATERIALS
You don’t need professional headshots and a reel on day one. But as you get more comfortable, it’s helpful to slowly build basic materials that casting directors will eventually look for.
Here’s what to start with:
- A clean, natural photo that represents you well
- A basic resume listing any classes you’ve taken
- A simple self-taped monologue
Don’t stress if it feels small. Every actor starts with a blank slate.
DO SOME BACKGROUND WORK TO GET A FEEL FOR SETS
Background (extra) work is one of the easiest ways for beginners to experience professional film sets without any pressure. You learn a ton just by watching how actors work, how crews move, and how scenes are shot.
It also helps you:
- Build comfort on set
- Understand how long filming takes
- Observe how directors communicate
- Make connections with other performers
For many actors, background work is the spark that motivates them to pursue acting seriously.
REMEMBER THAT EVERY ACTOR STARTS SOMEWHERE
Even famous actors began as students, background performers, theatre kids, or complete beginners with zero experience. Nobody magically appears ready for Hollywood.
The only difference between someone dreaming of acting and someone doing it is taking the first step.
Whether that step is:
- Joining a class
- Recording your first monologue
- Signing up for improv
- Visiting a Vancouver acting school
- Auditioning locally
Taking action is what creates momentum.
FIND A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Acting becomes much more enjoyable when you surround yourself with others who share your goals. Community gives you encouragement, perspective, and opportunities.
You can join:
- Acting classes
- Film groups
- Theatre clubs
- Online acting forums
- Local workshops
These spaces help you grow faster and stay inspired.
DON’T RUSH THE PROCESS — IT TAKES TIME
Acting is like learning an instrument. You won’t master it instantly, and that’s okay. Every class, audition, and script teaches you something new. Enjoy the journey instead of worrying about how long it takes.
With consistent training and practice, you’ll get better, more confident, and more ready for opportunities when they come your way.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you want to get into acting, the best thing you can do is simply begin. Acting is a skill, a craft, and a journey—one that anyone can start at any age or experience level. Take classes, explore improv, practice at home, learn the basics of the industry, and build confidence one step at a time.
And if you’re in BC, exploring a Vancouver acting school can give you hands-on training, community support, and valuable insights that speed up your progress. No matter where you’re starting from, you have everything you need to take the first step today.