How do I get into acting for a hobby?

Post Reply New Topic

OK, so this has been on my mind for a while. I sometimes say that I want to pursue acting as a hobby but I have no serious background with it at all. I want to build it and get a thrill out of being somebody else sometimes. I also live near Erie, PA (~100,000 population) where there aren't many hobby acting opportunities, let alone job-wise. That means I'm stuck. I also need to find a job to support building a hobby like this, but I have little legit experience, except I did some compulsory volunteer work as part of an IEP in school.

Probably finding an acting class. Maybe at a community college or something? Obviously being near a bigger city would be better for that hobby.

Is there a playhouse theatre near you?
A Google search seems to suggest there is.
You could volunteer there to get some experience.

What I do is throw on a Star Trek outfit and attend a Comic Con or Sci Fi convention, and if I get real ambitious, enter the masquerade.

The funny thing is, last time I entered the masquerade, I went as a Human.
I portrayed the late great Miss Emily Litella from Saturday Night Live (SNL)
and did my own three-minute standup comedy routine.
Actually got some laughs and applause.
Performing standup was on my bucket list.

Good luck to you, K_Kelly, it sounds like you want something a bit more serious.
Sounds like you're going to have lots of fun!

...

My guess is there is a lot more community acting opportunity than you think. I live in a very small town surrounded by small towns, and there are several community theaters around. The trick is how to find them...

Have you done a search online for community theaters in your area? You may need to be able to drive a half-hour or 45 minutes away to expand your opportunities.

Check your local papers for ads for upcoming auditions. They are often listed in the community events page. Always check community bulletin boards for flyers. At first, you may need to go see a show that is being produced so you can meet someone there who could put your name on an email list to get notifications about upcoming auditions/productions.

If you know any actors, ask them where they audition and how they find out about upcoming auditions.

Once you find a group, be flexible. Go to your audition, but if you don't get the part you want, stay open to being in an "ensemble" or working as part of the stage crew. This way, you will meet people and be part of the team. They may not have needed your acting skills for the last show, but they will know who you are and you may have a better chance of getting a part the next time around. Community theater groups always have need of good help.