So, you want to be an actor? You walk up to a director and say, “I want to act!” But when they ask, “Okay, let me see what you can do,” you freeze. No monologue. No reel. Nothing to prove that you’re serious.
Everyone wants to act, but not everyone is ready to act. And if you don’t have at least a monologue or an acting reel, how do you expect a director to take you seriously?
Would You Hire a Chef Who Has Never Cooked?
Imagine you own a restaurant. Someone walks in and says, “I’m a chef. Hire me.” You ask, “Great! What have you cooked before?” and they reply, “Well… nothing really. But I love food!”
Would you hire them? Of course not! Because loving food doesn’t make you a chef. Just like loving movies doesn’t make you an actor.
If you truly want to act, you need to show that you can act. And the easiest way to do that? Have a monologue and an acting reel ready.
What’s a Monologue & Why Do You Need One?
A monologue is your weapon. It’s a short speech (usually 1–2 minutes) from a play, film, or original script that allows you to showcase your talent. Every serious actor has one. It’s what you pull out when someone says, “Show me what you got.”
You don’t need to wait for an audition to act. You should be practising monologues in front of a camera, in front of a mirror, and on social media. Directors love actors who are ready.
How to Choose a Great Monologue: Pick something that fits your personality and strengths. Avoid overly famous ones; directors have seen them a thousand times. Learn it inside out; emotion, pauses, delivery. Record yourself. Watch it. Improve.
An acting reel is a short video (1–3 minutes) that shows clips of you performing. It’s like a trailer for your acting skills.
If a director is looking for new talent, they don’t have time to meet and test everyone. They want to see something before calling you in.
No reel? No callback. It’s that simple.
But I haven’t been in a movie yet…
No excuses! You don’t need to wait for a blockbuster to create an acting reel. Here’s how to make one today:
Film your best monologues – Use a good phone, and good lighting, and deliver your best performance. Act in short films or skits – Collaborate with upcoming filmmakers or content creators. Perform scenes from your favourite movies – Put your own spin on a famous scene. Show range – Display different emotions, accents, and tones.
Post your performances online. Get feedback. Improve.
Are you really an actor if you have nothing to show?
Actors act; whether on stage, in front of a camera, or at an audition. If you’re not practising, if you have nothing recorded, if you can’t perform on command, can you really call yourself an actor?
The industry respects those who are prepared. The difference between a dreamer and a working actor is action.
When opportunity comes knocking, don’t be the actor who says, “Uh… I don’t have anything to show.” Be the actor who’s always ready.
Because in this business, if you stay ready, you never have to get ready.
