When we think of summer, we usually picture sunny beaches, barbecues, and lazy afternoons by the pool. While these activities are great for relaxing, for actors, summer is also a crucial time to advance professionally.
Fall is just around the corner and is full of auditions, new projects, and industry events. Summer offers the ideal opportunity to hone your skills, grow your contacts, and set yourself up for success. This resource offers advice and innovative approaches to help you make the most of your summer experience so you’re fully prepared when fall arrives.
Refine your craft: mastery instead of relaxation
Although summer may seem like a time for relaxation, it’s actually an excellent time to focus on improving your acting skills. Here’s how:
a. Take part in acting classes and workshops during the summer
Many acting schools and teachers offer intensive summer courses for different experience levels. These courses often cover a range of techniques, from Meisner and Stanislavski to voice training and improvisation. Summer workshops are shorter but intensive, offering a comprehensive experience to improve specific skills.
Tip: Look for classes or workshops that challenge you or cover areas you haven’t explored before. This will not only improve your versatility but also broaden your understanding of different acting methods.
b. Working on monologues and scene studies
Summer is a great time to dive deep into monologues and scenes. Choose pieces that appeal to you or challenge your skills. Practicing these will improve your cold reading skills, emotional range, and character development.
Tip: Record and critique your performance or share it with a trusted mentor for feedback. This will help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence in your performance.
c. Discover new skills and techniques
Expand your skills by exploring different areas of acting, such as dance, singing, or combat training. Acquiring these additional skills can increase your appeal and open up new acting opportunities.
Tip: Summer is the perfect time to discover a new talent to show off at your next audition. Whether it’s mastering a new accent, doing yoga for better physical shape, or learning to tap dance, these skills can set you apart from other actors.
Expand your network: Build connections
In the acting industry, it’s as much about who you know as what you know. Summer offers unique opportunities to expand your professional network.
a. Attend industry events and networking events
Explore film festivals, industry conventions and theater gatherings that take place during the summer season. These opportunities provide excellent opportunities to connect with directors, producers, actors and various industry professionals. Authenticity and genuine interest in others’ projects are key. Networking is about building meaningful connections, not just exchanging business cards. Remember to follow up with new acquaintances after the event to maintain the relationship.
b. Get involved in local theatre and indie projects
Community theater and independent film projects often take place during the summer. Participating in these projects can provide valuable experience and put you in touch with local talent and professionals.
Tip: Even if the role is small, take it. Every opportunity is a chance to learn, gain experience and make new contacts. Plus, smaller productions often allow for more creative freedom and personal interaction with the cast and crew.
c. Join acting groups and online communities
Social media and online forums can be powerful networking tools. Join acting-related groups and communities where you can share experiences, get advice, and collaborate on projects.
Tip: Be active and participate positively in discussions. Sharing your insights and supporting others can lead to meaningful connections and potential collaborations.
3. Prepare for Fall: Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
While you enjoy your summer, keep an eye on the upcoming fall and plan strategically to ensure you are prepared for its demands.
a. Find out about upcoming auditions and projects
Start researching potential auditions and projects scheduled for the fall. Keep an eye on casting calls, agent announcements, and industry news. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare in advance.
Tip: Create a calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines to help you stay organized and not miss any opportunities.
b. Update your acting material
Summer is a great time to refresh your acting portfolio. Update your headshots, revamp your resume, and polish your showreel to showcase your latest and best work.
Tip: Consider hiring a professional to help you create your material. High-quality headshots and a polished showreel can make a huge difference in how you are perceived by casting directors and agents. Check out David Banks’ commercial reel for ideas!
c. Set clear goals for the fall
Clearly define your goals for the upcoming season. Whether it’s securing a lead role in a prominent production, working with a new agent, or earning certain new credits, setting precise goals will give you direction and drive.
Tip: Break your goals down into manageable tasks. For example, if your goal is to increase the number of casting opportunities, consider actions like revamping your online profile, building contacts with casting professionals, and regularly applying for casting opportunities.
4. Stay physically and mentally fit: The actor’s well-being
Your physical and mental health are crucial to your success as an actor. Use the summer to recover and maintain your well-being.
a. Develop a fitness routine
To tackle physically demanding roles and perform at their best, actors must make their physical health a top priority. They should incorporate a variety of exercises such as cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises into their fitness routine to improve their stamina and overall acting skills.
Tip: Find activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or cycling, to help you stick to your routine and stay motivated.
b. Practice mindfulness and stress management
The world of acting often involves significant stress, whether it’s the tension of auditions, the energy of live shows, or the emotional toll that comes with embodying a character. Managing this stress well is important to maintaining a successful career in the performing arts. Applying mindfulness techniques can make a significant difference, allowing actors to remain grounded, alert, and strong in the face of obstacles.
Tip: Just a few minutes of meditation each day can reduce stress and improve your mental clarity, helping you better handle the pressures of acting.
c. Prioritize rest and relaxation
A balance between work and rest is desirable. Make sure you get enough sleep and take time for activities that help you relax and unwind.
Tip: Use the summer to pursue hobbies or leisure activities that you enjoy but may not have time for during busier times. This balance is the key to long-term success and well-being.
5. Get involved in creative projects
Summer provides the perfect backdrop to immerse yourself in personal creative endeavors that may not fit into your schedule during busy times.
a. Create your own content
With platforms like YouTube and TikTok, creating independent content has never been easier. Whether it’s a short film, web series, or comedy sketch, producing unique works showcases your talent and creativity.
Tip: Collaborate with other actors and creatives to make the process more enjoyable and expand your network.
b. Discover writing and directing
If you’ve always wanted to write or direct, summer is the perfect time to start. Writing your scripts or directing small projects can deepen your understanding of storytelling and acting.
Tip: Start with a small project, such as a short film or a scene with friends. These experiences are valuable and can enrich your portfolio.
c. Participation in summer productions
Many theaters and film projects host summer productions and welcome up-and-coming talent. Auditioning for these roles or working behind the scenes can provide hands-on experience.
Tip: Step out of your comfort zone. Trying something new can help you discover a hidden passion or talent and expand your acting experience.
Summer offers more than just a chance to relax; it provides actors with a golden opportunity to advance their careers and prepare for the upcoming fall rush. Use this time to hone your talent, expand your industry contacts, strategize for upcoming ventures, prioritize your well-being, and immerse yourself in innovative projects.
By using the summer months to hone your skills, build meaningful relationships, and lay a solid foundation for a successful acting career, you can pave the way for success as the seasons change.
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Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with an instinctive wit, quick humor, and a sense of deep human emotion. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film, and television appearances, she is well-versed in many things.
