Casting Director Renee Godbout reminds you that education is the key to success

For every story you hear about an actor getting discovered on a street corner on his way to pick up milk, there are hundreds of thousands of others that involve trained actors working their way to the top. You don’t just fall into superstardom; it takes work and dedication. And nobody should ever feel like they’ve learned enough. It’s a journey and you have to be prepared to dedicate yourself to it.

My first recommendation is to go to college. Not only will you gain acting experience through classes, but you’ll also gain valuable real-world knowledge as well. And it never hurts to have a back-up plan. It’s unrealistic to assume that you will make it big and won’t ever need any other skills. On the other hand, you may do well in acting but ultimately decide that it’s not the path you want to choose.

It never hurts to at least pursue a higher education. If during your off-time you do happen to get a big break, you may have to decide then whether to put your education on hold. But some of the biggest names in Hollywood (Natalie Portman, Wentworth Miller, Forest Whitaker, and Meryl Streep, just to name a few) took time out from acting to get a degree. It can only help you in the future.

Nowadays, many schools offer classes in all sorts of mediums, including theater, film, and television. At many schools, students can even take classes in soap opera production! If your parents don’t support your choice to study acting, you can always do a double major of theater and something else you’re interested in.

Once college is over, the learning has really just begun. Acting teachers, casting directors, and fellow actors all have different styles and knowledge. No one will teach you the same exact thing and it is up to you to decide if what they’re teaching you is helpful to you.

Not every style works for everybody so listen carefully and apply what works for you. There are teachers out there who know what they’re talking about and can help you to become audition ready. You don’t have to be in classes for the rest of your life, but it might be a good idea to look into them on and off as you move forward. If there’s something specific that you are questioning or need help with then find an acting coach in your area. Talk to him or her about a few one-on-one sessions to focus on problem spots.

Classes are also a great way to meet casting directors since some are taught by them. Many acting teachers also have connections in the entertainment world and might throw your name out if something comes up you are right for.

With the SAG and AFTRA agreements still up in the air, production has slowed down all over the country. Take advantage of the slow down and work on your craft. When the industry gets rolling again, there is going to be a lot of work out there and you want to be able to do your best. No one should ever stop learning and that goes for every job out there. There’s always more knowledge to consume!

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.

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