Getting Cast for Acting Roles: Target Your Character Type
Getting Cast for Acting Roles: Target Your Character Type
There are tons and tons of acting roles, but to be successful, you should focus on pursuing acting roles that match your character type.
When you search for a job, it is more effective to know what type of job title matches your skills. It doesn't matter if you want design roller coasters if your skills are better suited to making PowerPoint presentations. You want to pursue jobs that people would be more apt to interview you for after seeing your resume.
The same advice applies when pursuing acting roles and Model Jobs. It doesn't matter if you want to be the next Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt - if casting directors will want you for other roles. You may want "better" roles, but at the beginning of your career, you need to take the roles you can get and then build up your experience so you can get larger roles.
Acting roles are cast by character type. When screenwriters write a character in their screenplay, they think of what young guys most commonly do. They play are active and sports. They have sex. They fight other guys. They are stupid.
Most common character types for a college-age male
- Stupid frat guy
- college jock
- cocky dude
- high school athlete
- a stoner
- a thug
Yes, there are many more acting roles, but the majority of roles are variations on that age group's most common stereotypes of a college or high school student. Matching yourself to a character This means you "label" your look to the lowest common denominator. If you are you are a young male, age 18-24, your character type will most likely be a college or high school student.
Take for example the video example on this page shows a very small role of Jesse Hutch, who plays “Trey”, a cocky young guy in “Freddy vs. Jason" This small role is something a new guy like you would be most likely to be cast for. Very few lines - maybe even only one single line. In this example, the actor is cocky, a womanizer, has sex, and drinks beer.
People will hire you because they want to fill the role. Don't try to be all things to all people and try to fit in all the roles. If you look like a surfer or band member or rocker, let the clean cut guys go after the modeling jobs and role that need a clean-cut model.
If you have built up a muscular body, you will likely be cast for the role of the guy who has his shirt off for a scene or two.
Marketing Secret: Submit Photos that Match Your Character Type
You help casting directors visualize how to would "look" in her role by submitting photos that show to your character type... photos that portray you like the acting roles or modeling jobs you will be hired for. Try to get one photo that portrays you as the above common character types. A badass riocker might have an aggressive facial expression. For a surfer look, try to look "cool", like a stoner. Props are not mandatory.
Actual "character types" from real casting notices
[BILLY] - Male / Over 18 to play 15-17 yrs. / White. Requires Nudity: A senior in high school. He is a not-so-stupid jock, but nevertheless very naive. Must be prepared to buzz hair to 1/2′. Be in great physical shape - grappling background a plus. Partial nudity and simulated sex required.
"[ROBBIE] lead, early to mid twenties, Caucasian, attractive, traditional surfer look, in shape, carefree to the extent of ignoring his responsibilities when having a good time, devotes his entire day to hanging out at the beach and surfing until a beach rumor ruins his day and forces him back to work."
"Looking for a male model ages 18-22 who is edgy, rocker and emotional. Age: from 18 to 22"
“[Rick] Cocky college wrestler who gets special Miyagi-like coaching from a wizened, Zen-spouting gas station attendant”
[MACE] Male. Mid to late 20s. Caucasian. Mike's brother. Think Keifer Sutherland in Lost Boys. Has an evil vibe about him and a serious cocky attitude. He has a strong voice and leads a pack of troublemakers...
[TRIP] Playing age 16-17 (real age must not be over 20), male, English, white, very good looking. He should be physically strong and athletic with a naturally sporty build, think American jock type.
If you are a student, Qualifying as a Campus Man is the perfect opportunity for a guy who wants to become an actor. It is your first step in getting the recognition you want. Building a fanbase of followers shows that you have something that other guys do not have.
You receive a special page dedicated to your acting profession. You can add photo examples to this page to show your involvement or just explan how you got started in acting and roles you have secured. Professionals (and your "Fans" visit your acting page to read how you qualify as a "male model."
If you are not a student, but know of a student who should be an actor, you can help put his name up into lights! Just Nominate him to become a Campus Man. The guy you nominate will be grateful someone "nominated" him for his "celebrity" potential!
