Whether you’re looking for a new role or just want to improve your craft, understanding your type can help you find the best role for you.
This blog post will teach you how to find your type as an actor. It will prepare you for auditions and help you get the most out of your time on set.
What is an actor’s “type”?
Type, for an actor, is simply about what other people think of you and the combination of these 5 character breakdowns :
- Gender
- Age range
- Physicality
- Job title
- Personality traits
How Important Is Knowing Your Type?
Knowing your type can be a key factor in getting the best out of your career.
It will help you to understand what type of roles you are good at, and which roles you should be submitting for.
What are common actor types?
If you’re looking to get into show business, it’s important to know what type of roles you can expect.
If a casting director puts out a character breakdown and asks for specific actors with specific skills and you hear about the role, you’ll know whether your type has a chance of meshing with the type called for.
Here is a list of some of the commonly called-for types in Hollywood ;
Young Males
- bad boy
- boy-next-door
- nerdy kid
Young Females
- princess
- girl-next-door
- trendsetter
Adult Males
- leading man
- the nice guy
- criminal/thug/heavy
- artist/poet/musician
Adult Females
- leading lady
- her best friend
- bimbo/airhead
- Hot Blonde
Older Actor
- empty-nester
- grandparent
- judge
- Angry Old Man
Do all actors have a type?
The answer to this question is yes. All actors have a type.
But there’s such a thing as acting/playing against type.
This is when your type is opposite or different from what you have played previously.
4 ways to find your type as an actor?
Every actor has a different look that they are best at.
Knowing your type will help you to create a look that will help you book more auditions.
- Ask friends, acting teachers and casting directors how they see your headshots.
This way you will get valuable feedback and change your headshot to fit your type if you had it wrong the first time.
- Do some research
And find out how you compare to the types portrayed in TV and movies.
By looking at these types and describing them in a few words, you can start to figure out what your type is.
- Know yourself
You can start by answering these questions ;
What age range do I play?
When people look at you who do they see?
What is my vocal type?
Do you have a thick accent?
- Take an acting class or workshop
Scene study is an acting technique that can help actors learn how they best respond to different roles and situations.
On-camera classes on the other hand teach actors how to look, move, and speak on camera while Improv training teaches actors how to be unpredictable, spontaneous, and open-minded.
These classes and workshops will guide you toward identifying your type as an actor.
How do I know my age range as an actor?
When determining your age range—that is, the range of ages you can believably play on-screen—remember that it should span no more than five years and include your real age.
When determining your age range, you must consider the characters you are playing and the story you are telling.
Remember it should not span more than five years and include your real age.
When you stop chasing roles you aren’t well-suited to play and start focusing on your strengths, you can feel empowered. Perhaps it can be challenging to embrace your age range, but ultimately, it’s what will make you successful in this industry.
Note: Don’t set your age range from 0-99 when you’re submitting your form on casting platforms. It will make you look inexperienced and casting directors don’t like it.
Conclusion
When you want to audition for a role, it is important to know what type of performer they are looking for.
Most audition postings have breakdowns that explain the “type” they are looking for and it’s important to know where you fit.
Discovering your type is a vital career move.
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