The Importance of Networking in the Acting Industry
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ and when it comes to the acting industry, this is certainly true.
While genuine talent, skill, and dedication are all essential ingredients for success as an actor, the role of networking cannot be overlooked.
Investing the time to make connections with a range of individuals within the industry can help you advance in your career much more quickly.
Wondering what we mean by networking and how do you achieve this? Let’s take a look.
What Is Networking In Acting?
In simple terms, networking for actors simply means connecting with and building relationships with a variety of people within the industry.
This means getting to know other actors, casting agents, acting coaches, agents, scriptwriters, filmmakers, and more.
Why Is Networking So Important?
Networking is so incredibly valuable to actors as it raises their profile within the industry.
It allows you, in an informal setting, to make yourself known and leave a lasting impression on industry leaders. This could see you brought up for future acting roles during casting calls or specifically sought out.
Aside from offering opportunities for career advancement, networking is also a wonderful way to connect with like-minded individuals and make lasting friendships.
These connections, across the board, can help you stay motivated and encouraged throughout your career as an actor.
How Do You Network?
So what does networking entail and what does it look like?
1. Attend Acting Classes At A Renowned Studio
Choosing an acting studio that is well known can be one of the biggest steps you can take towards making important industry connections.
Studios, such as The Actors Pulse, have acting coaches and teachers with years of experience in the industry. This means they are well-positioned to connect you with others in the industry and can direct you to important events that are worth attending.
It can also support you to be ‘discovered’ more readily as well-known studios are often sought out by casting directors or agencies seeking upcoming talent.
2. Engage With Industry Professionals Online
Social media is a great tool for forming connections with your industry peers – you don’t even need to have met in person to start networking this way.
Scores of casting directors, producers, agents and more are active on social media. Following their accounts and keeping up to speed on what is happening can help you stay aware of possible opportunities.
As a bonus, if you can get them to follow you back, you have a direct line to advertise your skills and current work via your platform.
3. Consistently Attend Industry Events
Of course, physically showing up to industry events is still a leading method for networking.
It is not only celebrities or established actors that attend these events. You can expect to see writers, casting directors, filmmakers and other industry experts in attendance.
Keep an eye out for events such as Q&As, advance screenings, charity balls, promotional parties and more. If you have an agent, they should also be able to keep you abreast of these opportunities.
While some of these will be invitation only, some you may be able to attend through purchased tickets, a donation or just by showing up!
Try to attend a diverse number of events frequently, so you are noticed and remembered.
4. Follow Up
Once you make a connection, be sure to follow up! Find them on social media or send an email or text as agreed to firm up the budding friendship.
This doesn’t only mean reaching out to further promote yourself, be sure to congratulate individuals on their successes too.
You may like to arrange a chance to chat again over coffee, attend an event together or alert them to a new play or film you’re in that they can see.
If you have trouble remembering to do this due to a busy schedule, setting reminders in your calendar can be helpful.
5. Stay In Touch
Genuine connection matters, it is so important to not simply behave in a way that seeks to promote your own interests or is too one-sided.
This means not only touching base when you need something or to show off your latest project.
Consistently add value to your network whether through a simple ‘Hello and how are you?’ or through further introductions between your contacts, or to offer encouragement, congratulations and more.
Try to make contact with everyone in your network at least once a year. Obviously, for those you are close with requires more consistent and regular contact.
How To Make A Great Impression
Demonstrating your own nature as a supportive industry professional is the single best way to see this same behaviour returned to you.
Your reputation precedes you in a big way within this industry. Remember, you’re building a village of support to help you thrive, but this only works if your village respects and likes you.
Make sure you don’t only speak about yourself, show genuine interest in others and their endeavours and take the time to really listen.
Be friendly, smile and don’t be afraid to talk about things outside of the industry. Not only will you make lasting connections, but you’ll also be seen as a valuable part of other people’s networks too!
Getting Started With The Actors Pulse
As the leading school in the Southern Hemisphere for the Meisner Technique, The Actors Pulse can help you get started with forming valuable connections.
From friendships with other budding actors to career-boosting networking opportunities, working with our skilled and professional team is an ideal first step.
No matter where you are in your journey as an actor, we guarantee to support you to grow and acquire exceptional techniques for stage and screen.
With a range of in-person or online classes as well as the opportunity to act in professional plays through the Pulse Group Theatre.
Begin networking with confidence and grow your career opportunities and friendships with the support of our exceptional team.
Contact The Actors Pulse acting school in Sydney today at 0414 475 515 to learn more or get started.
Billy Milionis is one of the few Australians to have ever studied under the legendary master teacher, the late Sanford Meisner. Billy has also studied story structure and scene analysis techniques with John Truby and later at UCLA. He has also spent several years doing improvisation in Hollywood with the L.A. Connection. In addition, he trained in the technique of Stella Adler, Practical Aesthetics and Lee Strasberg’s method.