Many people dream of becoming a famous actor. Very few achieve this goal, though it certainly can be done. Becoming an actor merely involves making a choice and following the appropriate steps, but becoming famous is more of an intangible. Luck has something to do with it, but you definitely can improve your chances by taking specific steps to set yourself up for success.

Determination

Remain focused on your goals. Be determined to make a career out of acting. Hone your craft, and work hard. If you can do that, then there is no reason you can't become an actor, according to ActingBiz.com. Great acting can flow from natural talent, but more commonly it requires practice and proper training. Do not consider yourself unqualified simply because you do not live in New York or Los Angeles or you do not have family in "the biz." Just like working to become a doctor, training to become an actor is a personal choice, regardless of where you come from.

Education

Get a formal education in the dramatic arts. Many universities and schools offer acting programs, and if you are serious about becoming an actor, this is a good place to start. Performing on stage does more for your abilities than any amount of schooling would, but learning the theory of acting, the basic techniques and the history of acting makes you a well-rounded performer. In addition, your degree sits right at the top of your resume.

Build Your Resume

Get involved with your school's film department or your local theater group. Look for audition listing in the trades and in newspapers. Try to get parts in plays, commercials, student films or any other project (within reason) that lets you expand your resume. If you cannot find sufficient audition opportunities in your area, use the Internet to find listings elsewhere, or call theater ticket offices and ask to speak to someone about upcoming auditions. You should compile a notebook with contact information for the people who worked with you in school or professionally. Place an occasional call to these people to see if they know about anything you may not have heard about.

Stage Names

To make yourself more memorable, you can get a stage name--a very common practice in Hollywood. Rodney Dangerfield may not have ever been so famous if he'd stuck with the name Jacob Cohen. Of course, if you are comfortable with your real name, don't change it. People often adopt pseudonyms if their name sounds like another famous person or is difficult to pronounce or spell, according to InstantCast.com.

Prepare to Get Discovered

Put yourself in the position to be discovered and become famous. Keep working on your craft and getting better at it. Study how casting works and what kind of people tend to get the big parts. Find out what type of actor you are and where those types get hired. Keep company with people who are doing what you want to do, instead of people who also want to do it. You can learn a lot from successful actors.

Source:

Acting Biz: How to Become an Actor

InstantCast: How to Become Famous

Acting Biz: How to Get Discovered