Lexi Webster
Breaking into the acting industry in Australia can be challenging, but there are several ways to find acting jobs in the country. Networking is key, and aspiring actors should consider joining acting agencies and taking acting classes to meet people in the industry. It is also important to create a portfolio by participating in student films, volunteer roles, and extra work, which can lead to paid opportunities. Online platforms like StarNow and Facebook groups are also useful resources for finding auditions and casting opportunities. Additionally, cities like Melbourne and Sydney, known for their thriving arts scenes, offer various theatres and venues where actors can pursue acting jobs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acting job listing websites | StarNow, Spotlight |
| Acting agencies | Hunter Talent, Actors Centre Australia |
| Acting schools | National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) |
| Cities with acting opportunities | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide |
| Common scams | Agents charging commission for "management" work, charging money to sign up or stay signed with them |
| Tips | Finding an agent is important, but be cautious of scams; get decent headshots done independently; consider student films for experience |
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What You'll Learn
Finding an agent
Identify Reputable Talent Agencies in Australia
Start by researching well-established and reputable talent agencies in Australia. Look for agencies with a strong presence in the Australian film and television industry and a
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Auditions and casting calls
There are several ways to find acting auditions and casting calls in Australia. You can utilise casting websites, regular jobseeker websites, social media, and hashtag searches.
Casting Websites
Casting websites are online talent directories or job listing sites specific to actors. These websites allow casting agents to search for actors with specific attributes or experience and invite them to auditions. Many sites also list roles that you can apply for directly and then wait to hear if your request for an audition is approved. Examples of casting websites include Casting Networks and Backstage. Casting Networks is used by casting directors, directors, and producers in Australia and internationally, and offers free membership to actors with agents or a USD25 annual fee for unrepresented actors. Backstage has a large database of members and posts thousands of new roles every week, with membership plans starting at USD10 per month.
Regular Jobseeker Websites
Regular Australian jobseeker websites such as Seek may also list acting jobs, typically for film and television extras or commercials. These can be a good way to practice auditioning and build a portfolio for those starting in the industry.
Social Media and Hashtag Searches
Following casting directors on social media platforms such as Instagram or LinkedIn can help you stay informed about upcoming auditions. Additionally, performing hashtag searches with terms like #opencall, #castingcall, or #auditionsopen can lead you to casting calls and audition opportunities.
Example Casting Calls
To give you an idea of the types of casting calls available in Australia, here are a few examples:
- A production of Tennessee Williams' play "The Glass Menagerie" is seeking actors for various roles, with pay ranging from AU$1,000 to AU$5,000.
- A short film about two brothers is casting a male, gender-nonconforming, or non-binary actor aged 23-33 and a male actor aged 23-40 with specific physical characteristics.
- A series of interconnected music videos is seeking actors of Asian descent for various roles, with pay set at AU$500 for an estimated five days of work.
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Training and acting courses
One option is to enrol in a foundation or advanced acting program, such as those offered by the Australian Acting Academy in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. These programs are designed for students just beginning their journey in acting, as well as those with prior experience. The academy offers dynamic and engaging classes that focus on developing core skills such as confidence, storytelling abilities, and creative thinking. Their curriculum is flexible, allowing coaches to adapt their teaching methods to the needs of each class.
Perform Australia, based in Canberra and Brisbane, offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture students' abilities as performers. Their programs cater to children, young people, and adults, with after-school, weekend, and holiday classes available. Perform Australia emphasises the practical aspects of acting, helping students learn how to respond to feedback, manage stress and performance anxiety, master physicality and voice control, and stay focused during performances. The school also provides opportunities for students to build professional networks, gain practical experience through student productions, and connect with industry insiders.
For those specifically interested in screen acting, the Australian Film & Television Academy (TAFTA) offers hands-on training in Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and online. TAFTA is known for its practical and freedom-oriented approach to screen acting, which has launched the careers of many Australian and international actors.
In addition to these structured programs, aspiring actors can also benefit from joining online communities and forums, such as the r/acting Subreddit, where they can connect with other actors, share experiences, and gain insights into the industry.
Lastly, it is worth noting that some actors choose to start their careers by doing extra work or volunteering on set. This can provide valuable behind-the-scenes experience and networking opportunities, which can lead to speaking roles and other acting opportunities.
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Headshots and representation
Headshots are an essential part of an actor's marketing toolkit. They are often the first port of call for those considering you for work or representation, so it is important to get them right.
A headshot is a photograph of your head and upper chest, with the focus on your face. It should be an up-to-date, clear, and simple photograph, with nothing too distracting in the background. It should look like you, and give a sense of your energy and character. The eyes are the most important part of a headshot, as they are the window to your character and who you are.
There are a few options for getting headshots. You can go to a professional headshot photographer, which will cost between AU$350-AU$650, and you will get up to five retouched images. You can also get headshots through agencies, but be wary of scams. It is illegal for agents to charge you money to sign up with them or to charge a subscription fee. One person reported that an agency charged a signing-on fee of $250, which included headshots, but this could be a scam. It is recommended that you shop around independently for headshots to avoid getting scammed.
There are photographers who specialize in actor headshots, such as Luke Stambouliah, who offers a range of packages with quick turnaround times. You can also find recommendations for headshot photographers online, such as Johnny and Sally Flegg, who are recommended by Parramatta Actors Centre.
Once you have your headshots, you can start looking for representation. It is recommended that you find an agent as your most important step in finding acting work. However, agencies can be cliquey, so it may be beneficial to know someone at the agency already.
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Student films and experience
Student films and unpaid work are a great way to get some acting experience and build a showreel. Casting directors are happy to see any acting experience, and student films are a good way to get some experience in front of the camera. You can find opportunities to star in student films by checking if your local college or university has a film department. Websites such as StarNow also have a lot of unpaid work on short films and student films. These are great for getting some experience and building a showreel. You can also look up and follow the big casting houses in your city on Facebook, as they will often post when they're looking for someone specific.
If you don't have any professional experience, student films and amateur acting gigs will make up your showreel until you start booking jobs. Your reel should be no more than three minutes long and should only include your best work. It is the first impression you make on casting directors, so it is important to make it top-notch. However, not all auditions require a showreel, so you can start by auditioning for those that don't while you work on your reel. It is better to wait until you have enough footage for a high-quality showreel than to send out a poor-quality one.
You can also consider community theatre groups to get some stage acting experience. Casting directors will be happy to see any theatre or live acting experience as it shows that you are genuinely interested in the industry and that you understand what is required of you. Stage acting can also be a good way to show that you can handle acting on a TV or film set, as you have to manage your performance in front of a live audience without the opportunity for a retake.
While it is possible to find acting work without an agent, finding an agent is an important step in building your career. Agencies can help you find auditions and secure work, and they can also provide guidance and support throughout the casting process. However, it is important to have some solid experience, including classes, training, and small credits before applying for an agent.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to find acting jobs in Australia. You can look for auditions online, join Facebook groups that keep track of auditions for smaller productions, or sign up with an acting agency. Websites such as StarNow list casting calls for acting jobs in Australia.
Hunter Talent is an Australian-based acting and modelling agency with offices in Melbourne and representation in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, and Adelaide. Actors Centre Australia (ACA) is another reputable agency with a studio in Sydney.
One common scam is agents charging fees to sign up or stay signed with them. Another scam is agents charging a commission of 15% to 20% while also claiming to act as your "manager". Remember that finding auditions and submitting you for roles is the job of an agent, not a manager.
Sydney and Melbourne are both popular cities for acting jobs in Australia. Sydney is the hub of film and TV, while Melbourne is known for its thriving theatre and stand-up comedy scene. Queensland has also gained recognition for hosting international productions.
