Okay, do you know what that really requires?
If you don't, you better find out.

The reality of a career as an actor may be very different than what you expect.

Learn as much as you can! Study and train.

Read books about acting and the industry. Read plays and literature.
Read the trade papers (The Hollywood Reporter and Variety) and entertainment magazines to learn about the business, the "players" and the way things work.

Use the internet and the thousands of sites relating to acting and the entertainment industry,
it's a great tool for gathering knowledge and making contacts.

Take acting classes! Find a professional teacher or coach to train with.
Learn the language of acting (stage directions, slang, etc.) and develop the necessary skills (improvisation, cold reading techniques, etc.) and an emotional library.
Then learn other skills that will help you as an actor (martial arts, juggling, dance, etc.).

Perform! Acting requires an audience. Learn to perform in front of an audience.
Record your performances so you have a record of your work (video is a beautiful thing).

Find a good school with a great drama/performing arts department.

Learn a survival skill that will get you through the "hard" times
(there are too many waiters in Hollywood) and it will allow you to pursue acting as a career.

(to be continued)

Break a leg.
Joshua Weisel, President
Pro and Con Productions