How To Get A Job In Entertainment

Learn how to get a job in entertainment and live the life many only dream about. The entertainment industry is very broad. What will you do? Will you act, sing or dance? Will your audience be in a small secluded club hidden away in Tuscaloosa, Mississippi? Or will you be the opening act for an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas? Will you be on the big screen or center stage at the local “Kansas City Players Theater”? Will you do voice overs for commercials or win a Grammy and garner a platinum record? Will you be the next Barney? Don’t laugh--Barney is rich. Learning the ins and outs of how to get a job in entertainment is complex. Your job in entertainment may start in one area and end in another.

The point is, the entertainment industry is huge, so the first thing you must decide is what area will be your focus. Your first job in entertainment will most likely not be your last job in entertainment. The first rule a casting agent will tell you is to be well rounded. If singing isn’t your “thing,” take lessons. If you can’t dance, learn. You never know what you may be called upon to do. Remember, there are thousands of people waiting for an opportunity in the entertainment industry--make the most of each one that comes your way.  

It is impossible to give you every in and every out of the entertainment industry in one article, but you have to start somewhere. Let’s begin at the beginning. Let’s explore the route of guidance by the professionals. 

1. Professional Training Voice lessons, acting school or classes, dance classes--whatever necessary to make yourself stand out.
   

2. Agent Get an agent to represent you. You don’t know the ropes yet, so get an agent who does. You won’t pay any money to your agent up front. Agents typically receive 15 percent commission. Remember, you are not the only client. As a matter of fact, your agent may send more than one client to an audition.

3. Head Shots Find a photographer who specializes in head shots for your genre. Ask your agent for referrals. If you aren’t pleased with the photographer’s portfolio, call one of the major modeling agencies and ask for a referral. 

4. Experience Build your resume. Work hard. It’s the only way to be seen. Go to casting calls and ride your agent to work for you, but you should also be looking for opportunities as well. Audition as much as possible, even if it isn't exactly what you want. You must become comfortable performing in front of others. You must learn how to compete on a professional level. 

5. Priority Experience and exposure are priceless, get as much as you can. Don’t be so selective that you miss a great opportunity. On the other hand, don’t do anything you feel will compromise your reputation later. 

6. Money You may have to make a significant investment financially including, but not limited to, relocating to the city, state or country that will most readily utilize your gifts and talents. You may or may not “break” into your career upon arrival, but be prepared to take care of yourself until you find a job or a break. 

7. Time Should you have a “time” that you give yourself to succeed?  What happens if you don’t make it in the allotted time? Take steps to get to your goal--definitely set a goal--but don’t throw in the towel if you take two steps forward and six steps back. The race isn’t given to the swift, but to the one who finishes. Start now. There is no time like the present.