Acting is not for everybody. You need to have talent, as well as endless persistence and the ability to handle rejection. However, acting (both as a career path and as a hobby) can be extremely fulfilling. Many actors, famous or not, would not be happy in life without having the opportunity to perform for others.

Get all the experience you can by doing these things:

1. Take classes
2. Act in student films
3. Audition for school plays (usually even non-students can audition for many college productions)
4. Audition for community theater
5. Read acting books

Once you feel comfortable with your skill level, it is time to start marketing yourself as an actress. First, get professional headshots. They need to look like you, so that casting directors recognize you when you walk into an audition, but they should represent you in the best possible light. Then, type up resumes and staple them to the back of your headshots.

Get a book of agent lists in your area, or find agencies on the internet. Join online casting websites, as well (do your research to find reputable ones that cast in your city). Submit your headshots to every legitimate agency and every promising-looking casting notice you see. This is a numbers game!

As a female, you need to be very careful to protect yourself when you go out to auditions. Follow these rules:

1. Never go to a private residence to audition
2. If you are unsure, request to meet in a public place
3. Never sign a release at your audition
4. You should not be asked to kiss anyone (particularly the director) at an audition
5. Don't get pressured to do any more than you are comfortable with--you may end up regretting it later if you do
6. Always trust your instincts--if something feels shady or too good to be true, it probably is