When you break down the term social media it quite literally boils down to a community of communicators. Essentially, is that not also a way to define actors? A community of people striving to communicate a story. Seen in this light, social media and actors seem to be the perfect scene partners.

Although we all know social media has its cons, across the board there are various ways for actors to harness it for their benefit. From showcasing skills to interacting with industry figures, social media can aid your actor’s journey. Here are three easy tips that will take your social media presence, and hopefully, your career to the next level:

Use it as a portfolio.

“Help me pick the best one!” is a caption we have all seen. You know the one, it generally accompanies a smattering of headshots and is posted by an actor vying for help (or possibly attention). While these kinds of posts can elicit eye rolls and seem vain, they’re absolutely here to stay and, ultimately, pretty helpful.

Your social media pages are just that: yours. Curate profiles that showcase you and don’t pander to anyone else. Social media is the first place many agents and casting directors will check upon considering you for a gig, and – let’s be real – where cast members go to check you out before that first rehearsal. Make sure it puts your best foot forward, but ultimately reflects your authentic life.

Share performance footage, fun adventures, show promos, and anything that you feel honors your unique and incredible self.

Follow and interact.

If the comparison is deadly, then social media is the final nail in the coffin. For this reason, keep your feed as positive as possible. Only follow accounts that lift you up. From directors you want to work with and actors you admire to supportive loved ones, make the newsfeed your own personal acting vision board. 

On a practical level, following and interacting with other artists also helps your content get seen more in the algorithm. Building a larger social media presence can only help your career. 

Build your artist’s tribe.

There are countless Facebook groups and forums that serve social media’s best intention: community building. Join them and put yourself out there. Building a network of artists will make your experience all the more meaningful. You can find partners to practice scenes with, record self tapes with and just hang out with!

Ultimately, think of social media as your digital self. The goal is always to connect with others and put what you love out into the world. Connection and passion will only enhance your artist’s journey.

Want to get your acting career started? Sign up or login to Casting Frontier and start auditioning today!

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Robert Peterpaul is a writer and actor, who can be seen in James Franco’s film King Cobra, T-Mobile ad campaigns, and Amazon Prime’s New Dogs, Old Tricks. Other career highlights include: working on NBC’s Access Hollywood and America’s Got Talent, BUILD Series, writing for the Huffington Post, and his family’s nonprofit the Thomas Peterpaul Foundation, which aims to end pediatric cancer. Robert currently serves as the Weekend Editor for HOLA! USA and writes for publications like Backstage. He’s studied at the Barrow Group, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, UCB and earned a B.A. from Marist College (go, red foxes!). Robert thanks you for reading and hopes you’ll follow your bliss! www.robertpeterpaul.com