Breaking into acting can feel impossible from the outside. Where do you start? Do you need training? How do you handle constant rejection? In this Ask the Agents chat, ICON’s Head of the Actors Division, Sam Nolan, shares his advice for aspiring actors  from the first steps to sustaining a career.

Q: What’s the first step for someone who wants to break into acting?

A: Start with the basics  professional headshots and a simple acting CV. Casting directors need to see you as you really are. Headshots should be natural, not overly styled, and reflect your age and casting range. Think of them as your business card. If your photo doesn’t look like you when you walk in the room, you’re already in trouble.

Q: Do I really need training before I can get work?

A: Yes,  training is essential. That doesn’t mean you need to go to NIDA or one of the elite schools, but you should be consistently upskilling. Screen acting classes, workshops, accent coaching, voice work  all of these show that you’re serious. Clients and agents notice when you’ve invested in the craft.

Q: What about self-tapes? Everyone talks about them  how important are they?

A: They’re crucial. Self-tapes are now the number one way casting directors audition new talent. You need decent lighting, clear sound, and an understanding of framing. It’s not rocket science, but sloppy tapes will knock you out straight away. The good news is  if you nail it, a self-tape can land you the role without even stepping in the room.

Q: Rejection is tough. How do actors cope with it?

A: Rejection is part of the job. It’s rarely about you personally  sometimes you don’t fit the family casting, sometimes your look reminds a director of their ex. You can’t control that. What you can control is how often you show up. Treat every audition as practice, every self-tape as a chance to improve. The actors who last are the ones who keep going, even after hearing “no” 100 times.

Q: What’s the one thing agents want to see from new actors?

A: Reliability. Talent gets you in the door, but professionalism keeps you there. Reply quickly, meet deadlines, label your tapes correctly. Agents and casting directors remember the people who are easy to work with. In 2025, when competition is fierce and jobs are fewer, reliability is what sets you apart.

Key Takeaway

Acting is a marathon, not a sprint. The ones who succeed aren’t always the most naturally gifted  they’re the ones who train, prepare, and keep showing up.

Want more?
This blog is based on our Ask the Agents podcast series. Tune in to hear Sam Nolan’s full conversation about breaking into acting and building a sustainable career.

 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SGoD38VIA1jFGF8VW3xB5?si=R-zllc4DQcKPLqbCjfEymQ