How To Become An Actor In South Africa

Find below is How To Become An Actor In South Africa

 Have the raw talent and passion:

Know your skills and talents. Also, make sure you surround yourself with people whom you trust to be honest with you. That will help you make sure whether or not this field is for you.

Dream big, but dare to start small:

It is always important to have a plan. Most of the time that is the beginning of a successful career. If you are at University and studying a degree in Drama, get involved in student-written plays, or those written and directed by academics in the field.

This is a great way to learn more about your future career trajectory and to exercise that performance muscle. You could even get involved in short films to broaden your horizons. This will not only build your CV but also your relationships and connections that can maybe help you in the future.

Use your resources: With technology developing at such a fast pace, you can even gather your like-minded friends, shoot a movie of any length possible with your cellphone or i-Pad, and watch your fan-base grow on Youtube.

Build bridges:

If ever you are fortunate enough to be in production, let alone be the main character, make sure you put your best character foot forward.

Treat everyone, from the gaffers to the execs, with the same level of respect. Many famous actors and actresses have fallen by the wayside, because of bad attitudes. Damaged professional relationships are hard to repair.

Know your value and worth:

The last thing you want as an actor is to be underpaid and exploited. It is also important to define how far you are willing to go to be successful.

There have recently been reports of women facing various forms of abuse in this field.

However, you can make it in this industry without compromising your sense of self-worth. Whatever you do to be successful, make sure you won’t regret it.

Join a Union or Actors Guild:

Being a part of this collective educates you about your rights as an actor, thus giving you autonomy. One union to join in South Africa is SAGA (South African Guild of Actors).

Join an agency: There are plenty of agencies to choose from in South Africa, but it is not easy to get in. What makes this easier…

Finding an agency that matches your skills and qualifications (represents actors, singers, writers or dancers).

You have to audition in order to join a talent agency. To increase your chances of success,  carry your complete CV. One that will really sell you as a performer.

Audition:

Sell yourself and show people why you are the most eligible for that particular role. Remember “show”, rather than “tell”.

Believe in yourself: It’s all about your attitude. You will face rejection, and that will test your character. But, don’t give up. Keep going back to the drawing board.  You never know how close you are to your big break.

Be disciplined:

You have made it. Now, the challenge is to stay there. Make sure you are punctual for episode shoots/photo shoots. Know your lines – that makes you easier to work with.

Be Humble:

There is always something to learn and room for growth, even in the creative industry. In order to maintain a semblance of relevance in this industry, it is always important to embrace the evolution of art (acting included), which enables you to keep learning.

The acting role involves the following:

Read scripts and meet with agents and other professionals before accepting a role

Audition in front of directors, producers, and casting directors

Research their character’s personal traits and circumstances to portray the characters more authentically to an audience

Memorize their lines

Rehearse their lines and performance, including on stage or in front of the camera, with other actors

Discuss their role with the director, producer, and other actors to improve the overall performance of the show

Perform the role, following the director’s directions

Most actors struggle to find steady work, and few achieve recognition as stars. Some work as “extras”—actors who have no lines to deliver but are included in scenes to give a more realistic setting. Some actors do voiceover or narration work for animated features, audiobooks, or other electronic media.

In some stage or film productions, actors sing, dance, or play a musical instrument. For some roles, an actor must learn a new skill, such as horseback riding or stage fighting.

How much do actors earn in South Africa?

A person working as an Actor in South Africa typically earns around 38,700 ZAR per month.

Salaries range from 17,800 ZAR (lowest) to 61,500 ZAR (highest). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.

How do you become an actor with no experience in South Africa ?

Don’t move yet.

Take acting classes.

Further your formal education.

Join a local theater.

Learn about the industry.

Build your resume.

Take a professional headshot.

Create a demo reel.