47 things you can do for your acting

I did a post a couple of days ago on our Instagram page with some suggestions for things actors could over the weekend to help their acting careers. These were simple, tangible things that we should all be doing regularly as actors, and it really seemed to resonate with everyone.

So, I wanted to expand on my list and share 47 simple, actionable things that you can do to help your acting career. Some of these are really basic, but they all help you move forward as an actor. And best of all, they require no permission from anyone but YOU.

47 things you can do for your acting career TODAY

Wake up tomorrow and just do a vocal warm-up

Meditate. (Not sure how? Try the Calm or Headspace app)

Take a dance class and brush up on your moves

Learn a monologue (Dig into our database if you need some inspiration)

Learn a song

Finish your short film script (seriously!)

Work on a scene with a friend

Get along to a yoga class (also check out Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, Qigong)

Unplug for a day without your phone

Go for a coffee with an actor friend (ideally one that doesn't just whinge)

Head along to a meetup with some other actors, or creatives

Connect with some local filmmakers

Give your social media profiles a look over (you're an actor; make sure the world knows that!)

Update your casting profiles (seriously when did you last do this?)

Work on an accent (one that you actually need for your career)

Spend an hour learning iMovie or Premiere Pro (if you are an actor in 2021 who can't edit you are in trouble)

Update your self-taping setup (For ideas)

Read a book. (Honestly, when did you last read a great novel?)

Watch a great classic film (A handy guide: Empire 100 Greatest Movies)

Do a writing session with a mate (set a date/time, bring your laptops and go to town!)

Go watch some theatre (if theatres are open where you are and you haven't seen a show yet what are you doing??)

Record a self-tape (for no reason)

Read a play!

Do some research about your local industry

Look for some new showreel/demo reel scripts

Update your website/online presence

Collate all your reviews and publicity (so important down the line if you want to work internationally or apply for grants)

Memorise a poem (here's a helpful list)

Reconnect with some actor friends (someone you haven't checked in with for a while)

Consume some acting podcasts (notable mentions: Off Camera Sam Jones and Royal Court Playwrights Podcast)

Get some snacks, and do a play reading with some friends

Volunteer for some local projects (you can learn so much just working on a film set, even if you are NOT acting)

Teach. (I have become such a better actor by helping others, can you offer your services to another actor or local class?)

Learn a new Classical/Shakespearean piece (challenge yourself)

Learn.

Go see an Independent Theatre production near you (they need your support)

Whatever book you’re currently reading, read it out loud to yourself (5-10 minutes a day will massively improve your cold reading chops)

Watch a great documentary (Highly recommend: Free Solo or Finding Richard)

Check out what’s exhibiting in your local gallery/museum (artist date-time!)

Find an acting biography that resonates with you, and read it! (Bryan Cranston, A Life in Parts - Highly recommend!)

Learn a new actor-adjacent skill: archery, horseback riding, boxing, juggling

Work on another creative outlet (do you draw, paint, play an instrument, take photos?)

Learn about other practitioners (highly recommend Abstract: The Art of Design on Netflix)

Start a new TV series you haven’t seen but really should have by now (The Wire/Breaking Bad)

Go see a movie in an actual cinema (if you are lucky enough to be able to right now)

Take an acting class

Get active (I've been back walking/running and so it's good for energy)

Remember this is just a jumping-off point. I hope some of these resonate with you, but the idea is to come back to the love of acting. So much of our energy goes into trying to achieve SUCCESS in this industry, and we forget that what we do is incredibly FUN!

Much love, 

Andy and the whole