How Do I Get Into Acting at a Later Age?

Although it can definitely feel intimidating to get started in acting later in life, the journey is well worth it! Acting is not an age-restricted activity!  We need performers of all ages to honour the roles of the stories being created.

The great news is that you’re definitely not the first person to realize later in life that you want to act. There are tons of stories about actors finding their way into the industry and achieving great success at all stages of life. The experience that comes from having lived a full life is the advantage of the performer who begins at a later age. Life experiences and unique perspectives add depth to your characters and performances that younger actors simply haven’t gone through.

As intimidating as it may seem at the start, it’s really not all that difficult when we break it down into small steps! So let’s get started.


Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to begin your acting journey at any age, with any level of experience.

1. Get into Acting Classes

The first step to becoming an actor later in life is getting into acting classes. This is the gym for the actor – a safe, controlled training environment where you can take risks, play, and develop your skillset under the guidance of a professional.  Classes are the foundation of a successful acting career, helping you develop your craft to a level where you’re ready to perform on set or stage. Acting classes are not only where the bulk of your acting growth will come, but they also ensure the actor is always sharp and ready for whatever opportunity may come their way.

On top of all these benefits, acting classes are also the place where actors start to find their “teammates.”  Joining forces with other performers on the same mission is essential for an aspiring actor. We need line readers, co-stars, and performance helpers to call upon when we have an audition or a scene to prepare. We also need people to talk to who understand the journey we’re going through when times are tough!

The benefits of joining an acting class cannot be overlooked. If you wish to develop into a strong, in-demand performer, find yourself a good acting class to get involved in and start your training as soon as you can!

Whether you’re looking for local acting workshops or part-time training, there are options for every age group. 

2. Participate in Community Theatre

Community theatre is a great way to gain hands-on experience. Most local theatres welcome actors of all ages, and participating in these productions will help you build your acting resume. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to practice your craft in front of an audience and connect with other actors.

Ideally, try to get some training before you go audition for anything. The impressions you make during those moments are very important!  Some community theatres are happy to invite absolute beginners in, but there’s no question that even a little training will certainly help you and anyone you work with!

Check out this Backstage article if you’d like more information on starting your acting journey later in life.

3. Build Your Professional Portfolio

As you gain experience, you’ll need to start building your professional portfolio. This includes high-quality headshots, an updated resume, and a demo reel that highlights your best performances. 

Ultimately this portfolio will be used to send out to agents and casting directors as you advance along your acting journey.  A well-prepared portfolio will make a strong impression on casting directors and agents. 

4. Start Auditioning

After you have taken the time to gain a level of mastery of the craft of acting, it’s time to start auditioning and finding jobs! Even without an agent there are plenty of options for actors to look for auditions. 

Check out our blog on how to find auditions locally & online.

The self-represented actor can find casting calls listed on websites like Backstage, Casting Workbook and Actors Access, where you can apply directly for various roles. Keep in mind that rejection is part of the process, and each audition is an opportunity to improve your skills and gain more experience! 

If you’ve managed to secure an agent at this point, instead of finding the auditions, your focus should become keeping your instrument sharp.  Your agent will be submitting you for roles that they feel would best suit you, and when a casting director agrees, they’ll give you a shot at the job.  This could happen at any moment, which is why the successful actor always keeps their knife sharp!

5. Network Within the Industry

Networking is essential in any career, and acting is no exception.  Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to meet other actors, directors, and casting agents.  Building a strong network can open doors to new opportunities.

This is a very important point.  Never underestimate the power of who you know, and who knows you. 

6. Stay Persistent and Patient

Acting is a highly competitive industry, and success typically takes time, patience, and consistency. Stay committed to your training, attend auditions where possible, and remain open to learning. Many actors who started later in life found success through pure perseverance.  It’s all about whose still waiting at the bus stop when the opportunity arrives.

7. Sign with an Agent, or Self-Represent

After you’ve gotten your skills up to par with the industry standard, it’s time to find an agent – or represent yourself. There are benefits to either option depending on your unique situation and goals. If you decide the agent route is the way to go, bundle up your headshots, resume, and demo reel and start writing personalized cover letters to each agent you wish to sign with. Make sure to do your research and pay attention to the details!

If you’d like more information about finding an agent when your starting out, Casting Networks offers a detailed article.

Bonus

To drive this point home, here is a list of famous actors who started their careers later in life!

1. Alan Rickman

Rickman originally pursued a career in graphic design and ran a successful design company. He didn’t start acting professionally until he was in his early 40s, with his breakout role as Hans Gruber in Die Hard at age 41. He later became widely beloved for his portrayal of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series.

2. Morgan Freeman

Though Freeman had some small acting roles in his youth, his big break came when he was 50 years old in Street Smart. His late start didn’t stop him from becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, earning accolades for films like The Shawshank Redemption and Million Dollar Baby.

3. Jane Lynch

Lynch spent years working in Chicago’s theatre scene and appearing in small film and TV roles. It wasn’t until she was 43 that she gained widespread recognition as the hilarious dog trainer in Best in Show, eventually cementing her stardom with her Emmy-winning role in Glee.

4. Danny Trejo

Trejo’s acting journey began after overcoming a tumultuous past, including time in prison. He started acting in his 40s when a casting director offered him a role as a convict in Runaway Train. Trejo has since become an iconic tough guy in films like Machete and Desperado.

5. Kathryn Joosten

Joosten began her career as a psychiatric nurse before transitioning to acting in her 40s. She became a household name in her 60s as the nosy neighbour Karen McCluskey on Desperate Housewives, winning two Emmy Awards.

6. Bryan Cranston

Cranston had been acting in smaller roles for years, but it wasn’t until his 40s that he gained recognition as Hal in Malcolm in the Middle. His portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad, which he began in his 50s, turned him into an acting legend.

7. Octavia Spencer

Spencer worked behind the scenes as a casting assistant for years before moving in front of the camera. She gained attention with her role in The Help at 39, which won her an Academy Award and opened the door to major projects like Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water.

8. Ken Jeong

Before finding fame as an actor, Jeong worked as a physician. He landed his first significant acting role at age 38 in Knocked Up, which launched his comedy career, leading to roles in The Hangover series and Community.

9. Melissa McCarthy

McCarthy acted sporadically in her 20s and 30s, but her big break came at age 41 with her Oscar-nominated performance in Bridesmaids. She’s since become one of Hollywood’s most noteworthy comedic stars.

10. Gene Hackman

Hackman spent his early years struggling to find work in Hollywood, often told he wouldn’t succeed. His career didn’t take off until his late 30s with Bonnie and Clyde. By the time he was in his 40s, he was an Academy Award winner for The French Connection.

Conclusion

It’s never too late to pursue a career in acting. By taking acting classes, participating in community theatre, building a portfolio, attending auditions, and networking, you can break into the industry at any age. Stay persistent, keep improving, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams, no matter what age you start!

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