Many people all over the world who are living ordinary lives secretly dream of moving to Hollywood, California and becoming an actor. While most of these people will probably continue to be counselors at the KMFRC or secretaries in a real estate office, some of them will actually be brave enough to pack their bags and chase after their dreams. If you're seriously considering pursuing a career in acting, here are some tips on how to go about it.

Manage Your Expectations

When all you see in the entertainment news are stories of normal people just like you, people who worked for a Canadian trade mark firm or tried out for a play in high school, becoming rich and famous, it can be hard not to expect that will happen to you if you move to Hollywood. However, the percentage of people who achieve that kind of success is very small. Most actors support themselves on a steady diet of supporting roles, plays, and commercials. It will probably be the same way with you.

Take Some Classes

There is much more to acting than reading lines or looking good. Acting is less about pretending to be someone else than it is about understanding that other person enough to actually become them at will. Though some actors are naturally talented, most need hard work to get to that place. That means taking lessons. You can take lessons before you leave home so you can pay your tuition by tutoring at an English language school in Canada, or you can take them when you get here. But make sure you do - casting directors like people who know what's going on.

Make Connections

Though some acting jobs are filled through a process similar to how an architect in Canada would look for an assistant - by taking applications (head shots and CVs) and doing interviews (auditions) - a lot are filled through nepotism. That's why it's important to be on good terms with as many other industry people as possible. You might attend parties, do volunteer work, or take classes to get to know these people, but you should never be too intrusive. You want to make a good impression, which requires being honest and respectful.

Be Dedicated

Whether you pursue acting as a sideline while you're selling Rosedale, Toronto real estate or you move down to Hollywood to get into the thick of things, be aware that it is extremely unlikely that you will achieve success overnight. Be prepared for months or years of hard work and rejection. Try to keep a positive attitude and to value the process of acting, not the fame and fortune, and sooner or later something good may happen.