[myview]

I was wondering if anyone knows how to get into acting? specifcally for TV shows (sitcoms/comedy)

any advice? tips? hints?

[zz9]

Traditionally start in local amateur dramatics, who can do comedies despite the name. Some recent actors started through stand up which you can go to an open mike night at the Comedy Store or similar. Don't copy others, be original. Hope you like criticisim...

Or you can make your own shorts and put them on Youtube. If they are a hit they could be a calling card.

Writing is another potential way in. There are several BBC shows that accept sketches and the BBC will read a sitcom full script.

There is no one "right" way that is guaranteed to work and no "wrong way" that will never work. Sexual favours for producers is also an option....

Have a look around http://www.comedy.co.uk/ and their forums.

[sandydune]

Originally Posted by myview

I was wondering if anyone knows how to get into acting? specifcally for TV shows (sitcoms/comedy)

any advice? tips? hints?

you could be an extra at first, to see how the shows are put together, how the team works and then start to produce, direct your own little productions. Good to get an all round experience of what is involved.

[jsmith99]

Based on the crop of new actors over the last few years, the best approach seems to be having an established actor as a close relative.

[mred2000]

Drama school after GCSE/A-Level performing art studies, maybe.

Or, there are SOOOO many "Act for TV" classes popping up all over the place now that don't give certification at the end but some are directly attached to casting agencies.

As a sideline, apply to get on the books at a casting agency to do background work. It's not always specifically background work, though. You can end up featured or talking (I've done some talkies but haven't been doing it too long).

In all honesty, though, a lot of it is right place, right time and looking the part often comes above having any actual skill.

And, yes, knowing the right people also helps.

[myview]

lol no way will i get a chance im getting too old as well. but id love to be in some sitcom....

ah... only one can dream....

[zz9]

Originally Posted by myview

lol no way will i get a chance im getting too old as well. but id love to be in some sitcom....

ah... only one can dream....

Buster Merryfield only became an actor at 57, after being a bank worker for all his life. And he got a starring role in one of the best sitcoms ever.

Maybe grow a huge beard?

[mred2000]

Originally Posted by zz9

Buster Merryfield only became an actor at 57, after being a bank worker for all his life. And he got a starring role in one of the best sitcoms ever.

Maybe grow a huge beard?

Yeah, but he'd been an amateur actor and director for YEARS, even winning a few awards, before he retired from his day job and finally got work at a rep theatre... Lots of people think he went straight from am.dram to "Only Fools..." but he'd been working professionally for a few years before hitting the big time

Anyway, plenty of demand for background artists 30+ these days... most people get into it young, thinking it'll be a stepping stone, and then drop out in their 20s which leaves a bit of a void until you get to the 60+ bracket... worth giving that, and am.dram, a shot - check out the Little Theatre Guild http://www.littletheatreguild.org/index.shtml for a local theatre you could get involved with, it'll give you a taste of things at least

[The Mc]

You could be the next Walter to sit at the bar at the Woolpack in Emmerdale.......old Walter never said a word in all the years he propped up the bar!

Happy memories!

http://www.beckindale.com/2011/06/al...d-in-1941.html

[chawlvis]

Another vote for getting involved with your local amateur dramatic society, if nothing else, it will be a lot of fun.

[eluf38]

[quote=zz9;57852625]Traditionally start in local amateur dramatics, who can do comedies despite the name. Some recent actors started through stand up which you can go to an open mike night at the Comedy Store or similar. Don't copy others, be original. Hope you like criticisim...

Or you can make your own shorts and put them on Youtube. If they are a hit they could be a calling card.

Writing is another potential way in. There are several BBC shows that accept sketches and the BBC will read a sitcom full script.

There is no one "right" way that is guaranteed to work and no "wrong way" that will never work. Sexual favours for producers is also an option....

Have a look around http://www.comedy.co.uk/ and their forums.[/QUOTe

A very unlikely route into acting, unless you want to be on stage and are involved in a drama club which writes its own material.
The BBC do read scripts (although their submission guidelines have changed considerably, and you now have to send work in during 'calls'); but I've heard the head of BBC Talent Development say in person that the odds of having anything written for TV developed by them is virtually nil. Radio is the best way to get your foot in the door apparently, as Radio 4 still comission from brand new writers each year. But I can't see how that would get you into acting anyway. 'Mr XXX we like your script, and have asked a well - known actor to play the lead role.'
'But I'll be playing that role myself! That's why I wrote it!'
See how daft it sounds?

OP, if you want to act as a hobby there are lots of local drama / theatre groups you could join, but if it's a career you're after I'd be prepared to take acting classes and spend a lot of time volunteering your services for nothing. I know feature films where 80% of the crew and performers were made up of volunteers who wanted work experience to put on their CVs. It's a tough game, and some of my 'luvvy' uni mates who did degrees and went to study in LA are still 'actors looking for work'.

[jsmith99]

Writing is another potential way in. There are several BBC shows that accept sketches and the BBC will read a sitcom full script.........

You could always post a potential comedy script on here, for judgment by your peers.

As long as you promise not to flounce off if they tell you it's totally unfunny.

[Teddybleads]

Student film is a good place to start. You don't get paid but you can ask for coppies and build youself a showreel to send to agents. get in touch with your local uni/film school or college.