If an agent or casting director asked you what "types" you can play as an actor, would you have a clear and concise answer? If not, this guide will help you get there FAST.
Most actors believe finding their Type(s) requires attending extensive "branding workshops," asking random people on the street what they think of you, and being boxed into playing characters they don't enjoy, but all that couldn't be further from the truth! In this article, you'll learn how to find your Type(s) in just 10 minutes AND how to use those Types to book more work. Ready to get started? Actor TypesBeing clear on your Types is extremely beneficial because it will allow you to get more specific with the roles you apply for and what you do with your three basic marketing materials (headshot, resume, and reel). Once you understand and lean into your Type(s), you can start actively trying to book more work as those Type(s). Playing characters you're right for allows you to better serve casting directors and the audience because you're able to play those roles perfectly (since by definition, you're good at them and they naturally suit you). This means you'll be able to perform them better than most other actors – you're the best possible match for that character Type.
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The Actor's Toolkit:
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Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses strategic thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 14,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues. Want to book more acting work by thinking strategically? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com. |
Some Additional Q&A
What is Typecasting?
When actors are "typecast," it means they're getting cast in the same kinds of roles over and over again because the industry and/or audience only wants to see them playing those kinds of characters. Some examples of well-known actors who have been typecast include:
Being typecast can be lucrative if an actor enjoys the roles they're playing, but it can also feel stifling because it's difficult for the actor to grow and try new things.
Related Article: Typecasting in Acting & How to Break Out of It
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was typecast as the "strong man action hero" and found it difficult to break away until much later when he started doing some comedy work
- Jason Alexander, who was typecast as "George Costanza" in Seinfeld, and has still not fully broken out of that character yet
- Jon Hamm who, after the success of Mad Men, said he received "about 40 scripts that were all set in the 60s, or had me playing advertising guys" like his character Don Draper.
Being typecast can be lucrative if an actor enjoys the roles they're playing, but it can also feel stifling because it's difficult for the actor to grow and try new things.
Related Article: Typecasting in Acting & How to Break Out of It
What are the 4 Key Types of Actors?
There are four key types of actors, which are defined as Personality Actors, who use their own personality to bring life to a character; Creative Actors, or actors who go against their own personality; Chameleon Actors, who can play a wide variety of unrelated roles; and Nonprofessional Actors who add realism to stories. There are also commercial actor types, or actors who primarily play their own personality in a bright, fun, and friendly way.
What Types of Actors are There?
Further Reading:
If you enjoyed this article (Actor Types: How to Find Yours in 10 Minutes), you might be interested in some of these:
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