Practical Ways to Network as an Actor (with examples)

Ah, networking. A word and concept designed to strike discomfort into the heart of literally every normal person on earth. Let’s be real: no one wants to be that guy in the foyer. You know the one I mean. He’s all smarmy, oily, and conspicuously eyeing off everyone walking past looking for the next (more famous) person to break off and talk to halfway through your conversation. Nobody likes that guy.

Real networking is all about building genuine relationships, not “one weird trick” gimmicks or trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about finding your people, and getting to work with them. Because, in the end, don’t we all just want to make cool stuff with our mates? I know I do. Networking can do that for you. It takes time, but it’s incredibly easy to do if you have just a little bit of creativity (and courage!)

Without further ado, let’s dive into some super practical ways you can get networking today.

#1 Practical Networking Tip for Actors: Compliment Another Creative’s Work

This first tip is about as non-yucky as you can get in terms of “networking”. You most likely got into acting because you’re first and foremost a fan. In other words: you love movies, television, plays, and stories. If that’s the case, this should be very easy. You’re going to go be a fan.

Yep, you heard me. The first practical way to network as an actor is simply to tell someone you like their work. The key here is that there is no expectation of reciprocity. In reality, you’re just reaching out to make a first connection. If they respond, then fantastic! If not, they most likely will still look you up (especially if you have your materials in your actor email signature).

What does this look like in practice? Well, there are lots of options. For example, you could send an email to a theatre director whose recent play you saw and compliment them on their work. A few simple lines will do. If the play was a local indie production you might get the director’s email from the theatre company’s website and send something like this:

Hey [Director],

Hope you’re well!

Just wanted to send you a quick line letting you know how much I enjoyed your recent production of [Production]. I loved [something specific, intelligent and complimentary about the show]! I’m still thinking about it.

Whatever you’re working on next, I can’t wait to see it.

Have a great week,
[Your name]

If it was a bigger, more established theatre where the email of the director might be harder to get a hold of, you could leave a nice comment on their Instagram, or even send them a DM! Above all, keep it casual and be genuine. That personal touch goes a long way in a world of AI and email spam.

#2 Practical Networking Tip for Actors: Stay In Touch

As we already discussed, networking is about building genuine relationships. However, the part that actors often overlook is the very simple act of staying in touch. Remember this simple fact: a relationship can only grow if it’s nurtured.

Of course, the first step is actually meeting creatives and industry professionals. To clarify, however, this will happen naturally as you grow your career as an actor! Each class you take, project you work on, or event you attend will likely create at least one or two connections with people involved in the industry. After that, the real focus is to make sure you maintain contact and deepen your connection.

For example, here’s some thing you can do to stay in touch with anyone you already have a basic acquaintance with:

• Follow them on social media
• Catch up for a coffee
• Congratulate them on a recent win (great reviews of a show, a new project, etc.)
• Comment on their posts about what they’re working on
• DM them about something you remember from the last time you saw each other, even if it has nothing to do with acting or the industry. (Did they end up liking that new Italian restaurant? You’re always on the lookout for your next great carbonara…)
• Invite them to see a play or attend an event with you (if you’re close and it won’t be misinterpreted as a date, gulp!!)
• Remember the small stuff: birthdays, milestones, etc.

#3 Practical Networking Tip for Actors: Go to Industry Events

When was the last time you went to an industry focused event? That is to say, a film festival, a graduate showcase, or even an industry panel? If the answer is longer than a few months, it might be time to get out there!

These events are a great way to meet people in the industry and can be a super fertile ground for creating new connections. For instance, perhaps you’ll see a great short film from an up and coming director who you can connect with. In the same vein, you may hear someone speak at a panel and want to chat to them about how what they said resonated with you! The opportunities for connection are endless.

Here are a few ideas for how to find high-quality industry events in your city:

1. Sign up to newsletters of your local film authority to get notified about upcoming events. These organisations are often government subsidised and will have dedicated funding to support the arts, they will host events and advertise reputable events. A good search term to google is “government film agency [your location]”. Sign up for their email lists and head to their calendar of events to see what’s on!
2. Union events. Whether it’s SAG-AFTRA, MEAA, Equity, or another actor’s union, these industry bodies put on incredible events throughout the year for the sole purpose of fostering connection and collaboration.
3. Film screenings with Q&As. The crowd who attends these events tend to be the type who work in the creative industries! Go alone or with another creative friend who would also enjoy it.

#4 Practical Networking Tip for Actors: Work on Something Together

Before you roll your eyes, I know the advice to make your own work can feel cliched or overblown. Despite how oversaturated that advice has become, there is wisdom in it. However, you don’t need to go balls to the wall!

No one needs you to create an entire feature-length film, multi episode web series, or stage a whole play. Sometimes, easier is better. So what should you make? Well, the sky really is the limit here. However, sometimes it helps to hear a few sample ideas to get the creative juices flowing!

For example, you could:

• Invite an actor friend over to your house and work on a self-tape together
• Jump on Zoom with another actor to break down a script, just for practice!
• Trade mock auditions with another actor and give each other honest, kind feedback
• Write your own 1-2 minute scene or monologue and get in touch with a writer friend, asking them to give you some notes on it
• Organise a play reading at your place, a local pub, or even online!
• Connect with a cinematographer and see if they’d be willing to help you shoot a short scene on location
• Split the cost of hiring a studio with another actor friend and record some tapes
• Get in touch with a writer friend and offer to do a table-read of their latest script draft
• Collaborate with a friend to create something for a scratch night and get feedback on your work
• Host a casual “actor jam” where everyone brings one page and rotates scene partners
• Connect with a composer or sound designer and record a voice-focused piece (narration, audio scene, etc.)

These are just a few examples! Don’t be afraid to get in touch and just work on something. In fact, reducing the scope of the project can make it easier to find the time and resources to make it happen. Additionally, it can give you the opportunity to create or deepen more connections in a shorter space of time.

How to Network As an Actor

When it comes down to it, networking isn’t yucky or fake unless you make it that way (I’m looking at you that guy in the foyer). The whole concept of a network is really just the people who choose to pay attention to one another over time. So, remember: your network isn’t a list of contacts. It’s a collection of real people.

With that in mind, there’s no need to waste your energy beating yourself up over being “bad at” networking. Your career won’t suffer from sending an imperfect email, or not speaking to the ‘right’ person at an industry mixer. Careers are long, and relationships are built over time. Don’t go looking for one big moment to blow up your profile. Just focus on building a creative life with the people you’d like to share it with. That’s it. That’s really what it’s all about.

And if you want to come work on your craft with a community of creative people just like you, check out StageMilk Drama Club.