How I Became an Actor | How I Started My Acting Career

For people that want to know how to become an actor, here's my story.
►► Download my FREE 10 Step Audition Cheat Sheet here: www.actingcareercenter.com/ch...
Houde School of Acting
houdeschoolofacting.com/
LIST OF SELF TAPE TOOLS FOR ACTORS:
www.actingcareercenter.com/se...
BEST ACTING BOOKS AND RESOURCES:
www.actingcareercenter.com/be...
MORE HELPFUL VIDEOS:
✅ Interview with Jessica Houde-Morris: • Acting Class: What is ...
✅ Acting in Atlanta: • How to Become an Actor...
✅ How to Become an Actor: • How to Become an Actor...
✅ How to Find Auditions With No Agent: • Four Ways to Find Audi...
✅ How to Self Tape Auditions: • How to Self Tape Audit...
✅ Four Ways to Get an Agent for Acting: • How to Get An Agent Fo...
✅ Costs of an Acting Career: • How Much Does it Cost ...
KURT YUE on IMDb: imdb.me/kurtyue
CAMERA GEAR USED TO RECORD THIS VIDEO:
○ My camera: amzn.to/305Ve9W
○ Tripod: amzn.to/2WDVOek
○ Studio lights: amzn.to/3alo49v
○ Microphone: amzn.to/3drv32B
And make sure you subscribe to my channel!
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission from the seller. This helps support me and my KZbin channel so that I can continue to make free videos for you every week. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting The Acting Career Center!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Download my FREE 10-Step Audition Preparation Guide: www.actingcareercenter.com/cheatsheet

[@serenamahoney2109]

instead of doing acting class can i do community theater ??

[@futureactor4557]

@@serenamahoney2109 yes you can 😃

[@denisesudell2538]

@@serenamahoney2109Did you watch the video? Kurt emphasizes how important it is to get training. He has continued to get training through his entire career. I’m just getting started myself-am in rehearsals for my very first play, which is being produced by a community theater-and it’s made a huge difference to have taken classes. Of course the play itself is essential experience as well, but I intend to keep taking classes, because the more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to learn.

[@owen397]

what is his your name?

[@famoso2528]

I wish everyone good luck in life

[@LLLL-kb4cl]

Thank you! Wish you all well!

[@anita3956]

You too

[@iimcxld3247]

This comment made my day.💛

[@hedgepig1258]

That is very kind of you. I wish it upon you too.

[@tylerokeefe8186]

Thanks, you to

[@sashawnna3563]

God sent this wonderful man to inspire us and help us☺I am honestly grateful to watch your videos and learn from them because I am a 17 year old girl now who wants to be an actress sooner in life and also a film director and yes I am working my way towards and your videos are 101% helpful. Thank you Kurt Yue👊❤

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Very happy to help!

[@famoso2528]

good luck

[@lamarbrown3531]

@@ActingCareerCenter i want to see you play Eric Draven/The crow

[@boiyuta573]

I'm 16 and Kurt is currently my #1 go-to on anything acting. THANKS KURT!!!!

[@naplaysyt7761]

Good luck, it has been a year now since u posted this comment. I guess you are way closer to ur goal.

[@jasleenraj13]

Thank you so much for sharing your own journey. I myself am 24 years old and graduated with a whole other discipline thinking I'm "too late" to become an actor. This makes me more optimistic and excited to push for an acting career knowing its still possible, so thank you so much.

[@-SinCyrus-]

How have your acting career been now? It’s been a year. I hope you are doing well with it!

[@Gen3ralGrimReaper]

Actors come in all ages.

[@bbmcgee33]

Also, 24 is really young!

[@RossHowarth]

I, myself, am in IT as a Sys Admin. I decided to try an acting class three years ago and am now hooked.

[@kaillanaspreiser]

I love watching his videos because they make me want to be an actor more than I'd like now ☺️😊

[@545ellie]

You have certainly become my acting coach. I appreciate all of your content. I just graduated with a degree in International Affairs this past Fall but I know deep down I want to be a creative. Of course my parents aren’t too fond. However, I’m officially taking acting classes this Tuesday for an entire Spring semester. I’ve certainly learned that I have to overcome my fears and doubts and do what makes me happy! God bless ❤️

[@alexandratoma5289]

The 2 people that disliked....Are going to hell. Why? This man, is here to teach us/give tips to the people that need them. I am thanking KZbin God that gave me this in my recommendation. Thank you so much for all the tips!

[@licensetodate]

Thank you for sharing your story! I love hearing about everyone's journey. Truly remarkable!

[@margaret7671]

I cannot thank you enough for these videos!! I am so inspired and so happy for you and your journey! 🥰

[@cynthiaatanga4135]

So glad to hear that you started out as a developer/engineer. I’m in that field too and I’m trying to break into acting as well. Watching your videos:)

[@qidex]

"There might be something that surprises you" 2 minutes later: "I studied computer science" Me, a computer science major: Ummm... is this a sign? Such a good channel, and an inspiring video. Thank you Kurt for sharing your experiences and learning with us. It really does make a difference!

[@gregorysimileer]

Same!!! In the same boat. Sounds like a sign to me

[@Gen3ralGrimReaper]

I actually purchased Programming with Mosh, and I’m studying coding without getting my degree because I want a degree in Fine Arts

[@CourtneyShane]

Same

[@SuperStarLike]

So inspiring, love to hear your story puts so much into perspective for me.

[@CryoM3ncer]

Already watched more than a handful of your videos, you're like an... indirect mentor! I can't thank you enough for the advice you've given, it's really expanded by understanding on what needs to be sacrificed and the kind of dedication I need to put forward. Keep being awesome, Mr. Yue!

[@nomercymashups4433]

Hi Kurt! I just want to say that I LOVE YOUR TIPS!! You will be the reason that I get successful!! Love ur content man!!!

[@barbarajoseph1732]

Nicccee 😁😀🤗I always watch him even if I don't comment one way or another

[@ninavu7264]

Hi Kurt, congratulation on your new role! And thank you for sharing your life story. Love it!

[@satorugojo6410]

My mom and dad want me to become a doctor, yet I'm seeking for another lol. It makes me sad when I know that I have to continue with the career I've never wanted, but your story inspires me. Now that I feel more encouraged, I will do my best to improve myself. Thank you for sharing your story ^^ I just feel like my life is too boring and that I need more entertainment. One day you might find me on screen without knowing!!

[@Sketchygaijin]

I just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU for all of your videos! I see so many "acting gurus" online who aren't even actors, they're after a quick buck and try to scam aspiring creatives smh. But I digress, its so refreshing to see a practicing actor giving out helpful tips, thank you for the content!!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Glad you are finding it helpful!

[@alejandrajaramillo3198]

Your channel has been so helpful :) I booked a job without an agent following your resume video and self tape vid

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Congratulations! So happy for you!

[@rey_kobain]

From Cleveland too! Born and raised. And I’m currently attending bootcamp for front and back end development lol. This really just blew my mind. I’ve always been into movies, and music and art since I was a kid. I’ve never explored acting, but something in the back of my mind has always pushed me toward it. I feel so alive when I express myself through these mediums. I truly feel like it would be something I am great at. The universe works in mysterious ways! I’m so happy I stumbled upon your channel. I think this was the push I needed 😌

[@HondaImpossible]

Thank you for sharing! Loved hearing about your story, thats so great!

[@pixelatedelexer9992]

Honestly, your story resonates with me. I've been in and out of acting my entire life. I have a computer engineering degree which is similar to that of the computer science degree. I've was sold the idea that the art industry will just lead me to being broke my entire life. Hearing your story inspires me to atleast take that first step and get some professional classes and see where life takes me while I keep working on my industry. Thank you very much for sharing your experience.

[@MonSherrie]

Thank you for sharing your story! It's inspiring to hear that we can follow our dreams even if the dream happened a little later in life.

[@IK-my5oq]

You already helped me so much in my acting journey. I barely even started and thanks to your videos I already got an audition for an indie movie. Thank you so much for everything!

[@j.p.nicholas465]

Thanks for sharing. I always like hearing other people’s experience when pursuing their acting career.

[@voidhectik8186]

Kurt idk how I can thank u so much as these advices u give us has gotten me into acting class where I had to audition to get in, thank u Kurt 💯❤️

[@Luka-yy1lk]

Great video and lovely to watch you, Kurt!!! So glad I discovered you on the YT as for the great acting tips... Greetings from Croatia. :)

[@kyleparker2121]

This is one of the best advice channel because he is so informational and helpful and he really replies to comments to answer questions frequently. He also points people in the right direction in his replies biased on their question. I am so great full for this channel it has helped me out a ton. Thank you @ActingCareerCenter

[@kyleparker2121]

Thank you Kurt Yue I mean

[@wizardry2]

Kurt thank you so much for sharing your story. I am an actor in Atlanta and your informative videos and helpful tips are much appreciated.

[@aubreebrandt7234]

I love your videos so much!! they're so helpful, thank you! :D

[@isleybruh]

Kurt, you’re amazing. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

[@MissCookieMonster102]

Such an inspiring story ❤ you get an agent so quickly! I have friends who finished 5 year acting university and have troubles finding an agent

[@ShaloomAlfred]

Kurt, you're the best! I was so stressed and had so many questions in my mind, this video solved everything. Thank you. 💛

[@betsegadesta7926]

Hey Kurt....you are an Inspiration to all the ppl who sees ur videos and keep on doing it 💯✌️👍.

[@chloedarling6251]

Always the best tips! Thank you!!!!

[@alohatraveler]

It's so interesting hearing this story. I'm only just now getting serious about acting and taking lessons but for the past four years I've worked in BG and stand in work. My main job is working in IT for a large investment company and had to call in sick and take vacation for fittings and to work on set. It's interesting hearing that someone went through those same battles with their main job

[@ozwalker37]

Thank you for this video. This may not been a tutorial video but it did help me tremendously.

[@JusttJackk]

Can i just sya a missive thank you you've helped me learn so much im 22 years old and just started getting into acting ive alway love acting and its taken me nearly 4 years to actually do something about it because i guess i was just to scared and nervous but i appreciate your advise and your channel to help support people ive got my first zoom call with a principle of tue academy of performing arts so hopefully that goes well but honestly thankyou

[@tankkelly3571]

Great video kurt. Thank you so much!

[@ACCESSLAUREN]

Very inspiring. Starting classes soon. Thanks for this channel!

[@littleeugene5994]

i am so happy that I can actually get a mentor like you, I believe I will become not just a good actor but also an inspirational actor like you 🙃💕

[@Ana-kf5wo]

What a coincidence... I’m a computer science student who wants to be an actress. 😊

[@LadyK007]

What an inspiring story!!!! Anything is possible with humility and hard work!!!!

[@sisko3893]

That's funny! I'm 20 and studying Data Science right now. Got signed with an Agency for modeling and acting recently. Your videos are the best and very underrated!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Congrats on getting an agent!

[@anuyogeswaran]

Thank you for your inspiring channel and your story! I am in IT as well and was part of Toastmasters and now taking acting lessons. Inspired by your story for sure!

[@thiagovilla970]

Same. Except for Toastmasters LOL. I'm a software engineer and took theater as a kid. Who knows what the futures holds...

[@HarleywoodLA]

really finding your video inspired and helps me, thanks Kurt

[@chadcbianco]

Really enjoying this Kurt. I was a programmer for many years as well.

[@kemmy20]

Kurt Yue Thank you very much... Im Glad i get to know your videos.. It help me and inspire me alot

[@raulcitraro]

Keep up the good work, Mr. Yue!

[@sharundeva4780]

Always inspiration.... 😍😍😍😍

[@beni6063]

Thank you so much, I suffer from imposter syndrome and your videos put my mind at ease

[@alienboi8828]

This helped me a lot man thank u🙏🏿

[@karellekyleimbat9293]

I'm an IT student, planning to move to US after finishing my degree to work as I pursue acting. You gave me hope. I thought it was too late for me. Thank You 😊

[@AaronGuzman-u5u]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences ❤️ 😊

[@bradleyperry7503]

So glad I found this channel

[@z1gz4g75]

Thanks for tips, i wanna become an actor and startup little by little. My biggest dream is to be in Cobra Kai, but as some side character. Thank You again. ❤️❤️❤️

[@dekodumbadze9419]

You know what? THANK U SO MUCH!!!🙏🏻❤️

[@QueenSonora]

I'm currently a software developer who is learning acting...this is very inspiring. I'm glad to have found another passion!!

[@rolandojr.antonio6855]

Wow, great story of yours! Its a gamble to change careers but i think if you have the passion, you will succeed.

[@rayswannie]

Was that you I saw in Black Widow?? Keep up the good work Kurt, hope to see you on set some time!

[@brandonsergent2373]

I’m also from Cleveland! I got to 1st Team Actor’s Studio in Westlake!

[@douglasolsson7768]

I worked 22 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic, retired at 48, ( I had real estate investments), took an Improv class on a lark, 2 years later doing show, then student films. Now I'm in LA and have Guest Starred on Criminal Minds, NCIS, MacGyver, and more. We all have different paths to this job.

[@sherrillactorsstudio]

Kurt Yue I wanted to say thank you for your recommendation of my studio!

[@NerdBirdClothing]

Thank you SO MUCH NOW I KNOW I STILL HAVE HOPE

[@sherrillactorsstudio]

And yay to staying in training!

[@MarcusLeonard307]

Awesome story!

[@shaneross7428]

Grear information thank you.

[@abhijiths8199]

Thankyou very much sir for opened up my eyes in the acting career. Iam 24 now and i had studied for a very different career even iam not interested. I have so much interest in acting but i am afraid to take a career change because i am confused whether iam taking the right choice. This video really changed my vision. 💯

[@vivekkant3028]

This is inspiring mate,👍

[@porshaewebb5873]

I love that you have this channel for people like me who are starting out..I heard about the production in Atlanta, but I didn’t know how big of production they had and how many opportunities there was until I started doing my research and talked with my husband and we are moving to Atlanta with our 2 little boys in a year so I’m excited

[@ActingCareerCenter]

That's great! Best of luck!

[@porshaewebb5873]

@@ActingCareerCenter thank you!😊

[@ImOlimarBoy]

Thank you so much for your help

[@leamontealegre5077]

Thank you. I am not an actor yet but I am inspired.

[@TheSteveTesta]

Really enjoyed your video. We had very similar paths. I am an aerospace engineer by training. Worked for many years at Kennedy Space Center. I happened to get picked for technical consulting for Apollo 13. I applied to be an extra and got chosen by Ron Howard for a small speaking role with Tom Hanks. I thought I was off and running but I wasn't. After that high point, I took commercial training in Orlando and did a couple of commercials and infomercials in Orlando. Interestingly when the economy crashed in 2008 I was laid off and ended up in Ohio...and, later, I got a job in Los Angeles. After arriving here in 2016, I took a two-year Meisner program at Ruskin School of Acting. It's a tough business but I still keep my aerospace job and take auditions as available. Cheers!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Very cool! The nice thing about having an engineering background is that when we audition for scientist-type roles, the technical jargon doesn't sound like a different language to us :)

[@benderyt8682]

Great story sir

[@sarakeem.213]

Great contents Kurt…🤝🏼

[@matt9757]

Just Seen you in the super bowl commercial congratulations 🍾 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@Darkcaster0]

I am 28 and I am starting acting classes in a week. My part time/full time job doesn't pay much. Though I am still trying to get started. I have also been trying to look at a different job to support my passion. I look forward to it, though I am a little scared that I am quite behind on a lot of things.

[@Eloaisha]

Today I work with IT and I always wanted to act. This video really inspired me

[@TonBaoNguyen]

by sharing the photo of you in your cubicle in 2008, I think you're the same age as me (+/-1/2 years) haha. and suddenly now in 2022 I decided to take your same path (we have kinda similar path, I studied computer science as well, and now economic in late 30s). your video started pumping up and I think it's a sign for me!

[@chikaosigwe9078]

I’m from Toronto and I’m 18 years old and 6’1, I am planning to get into modelling but I also recently realized that I have an interest in acting as well. As a kid I was in a play or two but never really got into anything else. Watching videos like yours gives me more encouragement that I could do anything I set my mind to as long as I plan. As they say those who plan usually achieve some of their goals.😂

[@liquidbraino]

You'll probably get cast more because of your height. I see so many roles that I can't even submit for because they're always looking for tall guys. Even now, Universal Studios just started casting for a live action event called "Halloween Horror Nights" but right now they're only looking for guys that are over 6'. Keep at it, I wish you luck!

[@chikaosigwe9078]

@@liquidbraino Thank you,… but I’m a girl. Does that change anything ? Or do you mean “guys” in plural?

[@barry2349]

@@liquidbraino wait I'm a guy who is also 6 1 ish,how does that help me in me in anyway?

[@abelmartinez3196]

also I'm a big fan thank you for all of your videos I hope I can act with you one day too that would be awesome

[@warren7504]

Thanks for sharing.

[@lifeinsaltlakecity4001]

Just found and fell in love with your channel. Re: continuing training, isn't the networking/friendships aspect important too? I feel lifelong friendships happening that would never happen otherwise.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

100%!

[@Jessica-Jasmine-Green]

I also had a whole other career and was a scientist. Its nice to know we can start later in life : )

[@CourtneyShane]

Ok this blows my mind. I have been pursuing an acting career for three decades and live in Los Ángeles. The struggle is super real. Drop off, workshops, mailers, classes, networking events, headshots galore, reels, sites, self submitting, managers, agents, still don't have this success. In 2020 went to coding boot camp cause was tired of being broke and needed new actor survival job. Been miserable and depressed cause it's not acting. Had a baby 10 months ago and is also when I stopped my software engineer work but now desperate to work again. Don't want to code, want to act. Here watching your channel trying to demystify what the heck I need to do differently cause 30 years is a long time to want it and have very little success. Ready for things to change. Of course there is a strike but really need to figure this out cause it's still my dream and I'm trying not to be bitter about how easy it was for others. Very frustrated and really want to make my dreams come true.

[@stylishnene]

LET ME FOCUS ON MY SOCIAL WORK FIRST THEN I CAN LOOK INTO THE ACTING THINGY. COS U SAID SIDE HUSTLE AND SIDE JOBS... SO ITS WISER FOR ME TO START A CAREER FIRST. THANK YOU FOR BEING 100 PERCENT HONEST

[@ollieace3770]

Chill

[@liquidbraino]

Stop screaming.

[@gamefan8552]

Great content, recently read that many actors are doing "the method" way of acting, which basically means they go into character non-stop to perform better in leading roles, what is your thought on this ? I have heard lead actors and even actors with smaller screen time tend to end up exhausted and do not think physiologically it would be good to remain in character while on break or lunch. Also if actors do their own stunts, it is common to end up with injuries no matter how safe a production might seem to be.

[@azucenazhou]

Thank you so much Kurt, you have no idea how much I can relate. The going to an audition during your lunch break part haha I’ve been there. Btw the timing is perfect, I was about to ask you if you could make a video about your journey. I’ve been feeling a little stuck because I thought I would be better off going all in on software development (I am junior, almost semi senior) and then fully pursue acting but now I don’t know, I have no idea how long that’s going to take, plus, I already know where my heart lies... I guess I just need to be more patient and change my priorities a little bit so I don’t end up so stressed out about it. On another note, due to the nature of your previous profession, did you approach acting more analytically at first as well? I am slowly becoming better at not thinking that much, specially in improv. Take care!! 💕💕

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Totally get the mental struggle. I walked away from a high paying career to do something that was going to be riskier and earn much less. I still don't make as much as I used to as a software developer, even with my multiple side hustles, but I am 10 times happier than I was back then. Wouldn't trade it for the world. I definitely approached acting very analytically when I started and still probably do more than most other people. I don't think it's a bad thing though. Everybody has their own method and mine seems to be working well for me.

[@CourtneyShane]

@@ActingCareerCenterI really needed this right now. I am miserable with software engineering and want my acting career to take off so bad. I've been pursuing an acting career for 3 decades and so don't have your results. I went to coding boot camp in 2020 so I could increase my income so I could funnel that money into acting (headshots, reels, training, etc) . I stopped coding 10 months ago when I had my baby and now the money has run out and there is a strike (not that I was making money from acting anyway). I really want an acting career more than anything else and feel it more intensely now that I have a baby. Trying to figure out if I should force myself to be a software engineer again or get my side hustle on. Side hustles aren't acting either. Def thought KZbin for one side hustle. What are all your side hustles? Also any thoughts for someone who been chasing this dream for 30+ years and still does not have your results?

[@maritsacampos]

Kurt, I really hope to work with you on a project some day soon 😊

[@leemehdinur3766]

Very inspiring Friend.

[@ashleyrobinson1711]

Wow, small world, I just signed up for classes at the Houde school!

[@JosephAviel]

Thanks !

[@natasha_landow]

I was also a computer science major and worked in the corporate world before pursuing acting!

[@sherrellr.1829]

Hi Kurt! This video is so encouraging because I took some of the same steps as you especially making the difficult decision to leave my job due to the fact that it tied up so much of my time. Anyway, I was wondering about when you moved to ATL and had multiple auditions in a week, were you still using the same agent you used in Cleveland or did you have to start over with searching for auditions yourself and then finding an agent based in ATL? I'm in NYC so I know this is a good place to cast my net but things are moving pretty slow. Also, I'm curious to any recommendations for side hustles that don't involve waitressing lol.

[@wylieworldt.v7055]

Bro! I go to Houde school this awesome

[@gregorysimileer]

Love your videos. I’m at a point where I’m confident enough to pursue acting, something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was young in the Caribbean. My ONLY concern and anxiety is my age. I’m 35. I know it’s not practical to think negatively about that. Is this something you can attest to? Not trying to call out your age 🙃

[@lanasophijoe-official2018]

🌻This is my second time watching your video sir I like it DONE subscribe! Hopefully I will get a new knowledge in your acting class thanks for sharing your experience in acting sir.

[@amarie_2]

haha, fellow Clevelander. I just signed up at Houde recently, something else that I found your videos at the same time. Hmm, coincidence? I think not! Totally signs.

[@kans01a76]

Hey Kurt! This was super inspiring and i've downloaded your auditions ebook! I was wondering if you knew any good acting classes on skillshare as I'm thinking about getting a subscription anyways for school and wondering if there was any good acting classes on their you'd recommend!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I'm not familiar with any acting classes on skillshare, unfortunately. There may very well be some good ones but I've never used skillshare.