Basic Modeling and Acting 101

Are you one of those who've dreamed of starring in your favorite sitcom or soap opera and maybe winning that Emmy Award? How about gliding down the catwalk in Milan , flashbulbs popping all around, with hundreds of people focusing their attention just on you? You're not alone! But, first things first, here are several different types and levels of acting & modeling:

Basic Requirements for an Actor
What's good about the world of acting is that it is filled with a broad spectrum of looks. Think about all of the TV shows you've seen, commercials you've watched, and films you've enjoyed. Every possible "type" is represented from the quirky best friend to the ambitious business person to the jockey football player. You may need to "cry on cue" if you are auditioning for a role on a soap opera or "laugh till it hurts" for a role on a sitcom. You cannot become an actor overnight. Actors need training and experience in different fields such as commercial acting, improvisation, voice training, monologues, and scene study. One place many of today's working actors have turned for training is the famous Barbizon School.

Basic Requirements for a Fashion Model
If you want to be a fashion or runway model you should be tall, long-legged and lean. The age range is usually 14-21 give or take a year. Fashion industry standards for Fashion Models is 5'8" to 6' tall, size 6-8 with average weight of 108-125lbs. This body type looks good on the runway and in front of the camera. In general, the closer you are to the industry norm, the better your chances of succeeding.

Basic Requirements for a Commercial Print Model
To be a commercial print model for catalogs, product ads, store advertisements, clothing ads, etc. the physical criteria is not as strict as being a Fashion Model. Many companies are looking for "real people" types of all looks and sizes to advertise their products and services. These models are just what the name suggests: ordinary looking people to represent someone the average consumer can identify with in their ads. For clothing ads and catalogs, 5'6" or over is preferred. Take a look in your typical department store catalog or weekend newspaper store supplement such as Sears, JC Penney, Kmart, Kohl's, WalMart, Target, etc., to familiarize yourself more.

Modeling and acting may seem easy, but those with the training and experience are the ones most sought after. Taking modeling and acting classes, like the ones at the famous Barbizon School , will help you learn the skills needed to become a successful model, or to just teach you confidence in general.