How to Become an Actor
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Want to book more acting work?

​It's time to think "outside the industry."
​
Join the Free Mini Course
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​Hi, I'm Martin!

And my number one goal is to help you reach yours.

Since 2009, I've helped thousands of actors move their careers forward through my courses, videos, private consulting, actor headshots & demo reel services.

Want to book a major primetime tv show? It can be done. Would you like to work on Broadway? I've helped an actor get there in less than a month. Need a great agent? Let's strategize and get you one ASAP.

My long term goal is to one day end the cliche of "the starving artist."

And it all starts with getting strategic and thinking "outside the industry."

Watch the video below to learn what I mean:
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Why I Do What I Do

Tyrone L. Robinson, Professional Actor
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"​I’ve been working as an actor for almost 2 decades and had been wanting to perform on Broadway for almost seven years. I did a career consultation with a well-known business of acting coach a few years ago but it didn't help, so I was skeptical. How would Martin's material be any different? In less than a month of working with Martin, I was offered the role of King Agnarr in Disney's 'Frozen' on Broadway. And two weeks later I got signed by a highly regarded film & television agency in New York!'
Phae Amara, Professional Actress
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"Since studying and following Martin's programs, I landed my first TV role, booked a paid lead role in an independent film, and was featured in Backstage Magazine. I love Martin and what he offers! Being featured on Backstage has been amazing. A lot of casting directors saw the article and reached out to me for self-tapes (since the article came out I've had 5 self-tapes and 2 requests to do an in-person audition). This is incredible, thanks so much for everything!"
Mya Carter, Professional Actress
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"I had no idea where to start! I just got out of college and was lucky enough to get a manager, but still felt confused and stuck. My manager wasn't submitting me and I wasn't getting booked for anything professional – just workshops and readings. After just two weeks of using your material, my mindset was totally different. I now know what you mean by 'taking on a leadership role in your acting career' and I understand how the industry works. I just booked my first speaking role in Law & Order: SVU and my manager is FINALLY listening to me!"
Zariah Cain, Professional Actress
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"Before I met Martin, I was just a 13-year-old girl trying to find my way through the sea of other actors with no clear acting goal. I didn’t understand how to get the doors to start opening for me and what was required to get an interview with casting directors and agencies. Gratefully now, and thanks to Martin, I signed with my top choice agency and my acting future is so much clearer!"
Raise your hand if you feel stuck.

You're doing everything right. You're doing everything the industry has shown and told you to do:

  • A casting director said your headshot background was too dark. So you invested in a better one.
  • A friend said it's really hard to get seen without a reel. So you spent hundreds to create a professional one.
  • Someone else told you you'd never have a chance at booking a recurring role unless you took the latest on-camera classes. So you kept training, week after week, continuously refining your technique.

​You're doing everything right... So why are you still booking the same roles as you did years ago? Why is it that you still feel stuck?

And why is it that with just a few simple tweaks (that took less than six weeks), I was able to help actors get booked on Broadway, land great agents, and get booked in major television shows?

Well, it has to do with changing your thinking. Check out the video below:

Breaking the Rules

Thinking "Outside the Industry"

I've had the opportunity to interview successful actors, agents, and industry gatekeepers to find out what really works and what doesn't, and I've found that a large amount of the information out there is misleading.

Most actors get so inundated with ideas, advertisements, and casting calls that they try to do everything at once, which results in them actually accomplishing nothing.

Because I'm not an actor myself, I've had the luxury of seeing the industry from a completely different perspective, and I've discovered that there are only a few KEY things actors need to focus on to get booked with steady work. Everything else is just noise.

​Rather than trying to do everything, it's time to think "outside the industry" and do WAY less. So let's simplify it down to five steps:

The Only Five Steps to Book More Work

1

Get clear on what you REALLY want and who you are as a person: What is your actual long term goal in this industry? Don't be afraid to dream big! Think about it and get hyper clear, and write it down. And after doing that, figure out your brand. Without a strong brand that defines who YOU are as a person, you'll always struggle to book work unless you get extremely lucky. Finally, realize that YOU are the leader in your career. And a great leader believes in those he or she leads. You MUST believe in yourself.

2

​Ensure your basic marketing materials are FANTASTIC. Actors at every level need a professional headshot (be prepared to spend at least $400), a professional resume formatted properly, and some sort of footage that shows their acting ability. Be sure each of these marketing materials is tailored to your brand AND your goals.

3

Apply for roles and start networking. Now that you've figured out what you really want and have the materials to market yourself,  it's time to start responding to casting calls and performing in projects for free or low pay. Create a simple spreadsheet to keep track of people you meet and be sure to write down everyone's contact info!

4

Build a team to support you. In Step 4, you'll begin connecting with successful actors, agents, managers, casting directors, filmmakers, and even teachers & professors, as they will help you find more and more opportunities. You'll also sign with an agent and/or manager in this step. Building a team to support you is a critical part of becoming successful – especially in the acting industry.

5

Start working on your social media presence and building a fan base. As you continue moving up in the industry and meeting new people, you'll be able to focus on larger and larger projects and negotiate higher and higher fees.  Don't forget to stay focused on your long-term goal though! Staying focused is critical to continue moving to the next level.
So here's my invitation:

These days, there are zillions of people trying to become actors, making it more important than ever to become strategic.

The fighters win and those who take the easy route are left behind.

I want you to be a fighter – someone who thinks hard, puts in the extra effort, and always goes the extra mile. Don't be the person who looks for shortcuts.
​
"The fastest way to any goal is the long, slow, hard way." - Anonymous

And that's why I've created a completely FREE mini-course.

The Practical Performer breaks down the exact steps to booking consistent work – the same steps I've taken all my private clients through.

It outlines the principles behind building a successful career as a working actor.


Watch the video below to get a sense of what the course is about, and then sign up by clicking here.

And if you're not ready to sign up, I encourage you to check out some of my free strategy videos, including The Seven Best Ways to Book Paid Acting Gigs and Why Casting Directors Will NEVER Tell You What They Want.

​And if you're brand new to the industry, check out this article: How to Become an Actor: The Ultimate Guide.

The Practical Performer

Sign Up for FREE
​info@martinbentsen.com

©2021  MJB Home Entertainment, LLC
Actor Headshots NYC
  • Home
  • About
  • Knowledge Center
    • Get Cast (book)
    • Free Strategy Videos
    • **Digital Courses** >
      • The Practical Performer (free)
      • Breaking In & Breaking Out
      • Land an Agent
      • Build a Side Income
    • Interviews with the Industry
    • Newsletter
  • Services
    • The 1-Hour Career Audit
    • Reel Editing
    • Shoot a Scene
    • Headshots