In the highly competitive acting world, setting practical goals is key to success. Actors must continually refine their skills, expand their networks, and seek new opportunities to create a thriving career.
Here, we’ll explore 13 SMART goals examples tailored for actors. Applying these principles to your acting career will make you better equipped to achieve your dreams in the spotlight.
So let’s dive into these examples and discover how to level up your acting prowess with SMART goal setting.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART system can be a valuable tool for actors looking to set practical goals to advance their careers. For those unfamiliar, SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
Let’s delve deeper into each aspect of SMART goals:
Specific
Realize that the more specific your acting goals are, the more likely you are to achieve them. Ambiguous goals can be challenging, while detailed ones offer clarity and direction.
For instance, if you aim to improve your monologue performance, you could set a precise goal like, “Master three new monologues within four months.” This type of goal provides clear direction on what needs to be achieved.
Measurable
Measurable goals are important as they enable you to track your progress effectively. When establishing an acting goal, make sure that it includes criteria that can be quantified. You will be able to see your growth in your craft.
Attainable
When creating acting goals, it’s crucial to consider your current abilities and strengths. Setting unrealistic goals may lead to frustration and disappointment. By focusing on objectives that align with your existing skill set, you set yourself up for success.
Relevant
Concentrate on goals that genuinely matter to you and align with your values. Doing so fuels your motivation and determination to overcome challenges.
Ask yourself questions such as: What do I value most in my acting career? What brings me fulfillment? Understanding your personal values will help you pursue meaningful goals.
Time-Based
Developing a solid timeline for your goals allows you to remain on track and maintain focus. After all, success in acting won’t happen overnight—it requires consistent hard work and dedication, which must be cultivated over time.
13 SMART Goals Examples for Actors
Below you’ll find several examples of SMART goals for actors:
1. Secure Speaking Role in a Film or Show
“I will secure a speaking role in a film or show within 6 months by attending auditions and networking with those in the industry. Once I secure a speaking role, I’ll use this opportunity to expand my contacts list and gain further exposure.”
Specific: The goal is to actively attend auditions or network to find a speaking role.
Measurable: This is evaluated by securing a speaking role over 6 months.
Attainable: Getting a speaking role is possible if the actor takes the necessary steps.
Relevant: A speaking role in a film or show can help the actor gain exposure and contacts.
Time-based: There is a deadline of 6 months for this particular statement.
2. Learn How to Memorize Scripts
“Within the next three months, I will learn new techniques and strategies to memorize scripts quickly. I hope to be able to do this more efficiently and quickly, so I can spend less time learning my lines and more time honing my craft.”
Specific: You want to learn memorization techniques to make reciting lines easier.
Measurable: The goal should be measured by the time you save while learning scripts.
Attainable: The timeline provided is enough for the individual to learn and develop memorization skills.
Relevant: Learning to memorize scripts quickly is essential to be successful as an actor.
Time-based: There is a three-month end date for reaching success.
3. Set Up an Acting Website
“I will create a professional website to showcase my acting abilities by the end of four months. This aims to allow potential employers or casting agents to view my work and contact me.”
Specific: You want to showcase your talent by creating a website in four months.
Measurable: You can measure success by how many people view your site regularly.
Attainable: This SMART goal is feasible for anyone who takes the time to create a professional-looking website.
Relevant: A website is vital for actors because it allows them to showcase their work and be noticed by potential employers or casting agents.
Time-based: The goal is expected to be accomplished after four months.
4. Improve Public Speaking Skills
“By the end of 8 months, I will practice and improve my public speaking skills to effectively communicate with others. This will include attending public speaking classes, practicing speeches in front of a mirror, and recording myself speaking to evaluate my progress.”
Specific: The individual wants to improve their public speaking skills.
Measurable: Follow the listed tangible activities in order to gauge progress.
Attainable: You must commit time and energy, but you can definitely improve your public speaking skills over 8 months.
Relevant: Public speaking is essential for anyone in the acting industry.
Time-based: The goal should be attained over 8 whole months.
5. Expand Networking Contacts
“I will attend 5 networking events in my local area over the next three months and expand my contacts in the entertainment industry. I want to meet and connect with more industry professionals to increase my work opportunities.”
Specific: This is explicit because the actor has a clear goal: to attend 5 networking events and meet more industry professionals.
Measurable: The actor can check the number of events attended and quality contacts made.
Attainable: With adequate research, this is doable as there are likely plenty of networking events in the local area.
Relevant: Networking and connecting with industry professionals helps actors expand their work opportunities.
Time-based: Goal completion is anticipated after three months.
6. Participate in a Theater Production
“I want to participate in a professional theater production over the following 7 months. I’ll use this opportunity to learn and hone the craft of acting from producers, directors, and other professionals in the industry.”
Specific: The SMART goal is evident as it outlines exactly what the person wants to do.
Measurable: The goal can be assessed by whether you participate in a theater production.
Attainable: Participating in a professional theater production is a realistic goal.
Relevant: The goal is relevant to learning and honing the craft of acting.
Time-based: This statement must be achieved within 7 whole months.
7. Work on Improvisation Skills
“Within two months, I will take a class at the local theatre school to improve my improvisation skills. It would benefit my acting career, and I believe it will help me land more roles.”
Specific: The statement outlines the objective, what action must be taken to reach it, and a deadline.
Measurable: The actor can track the progress of their improvisation skills through practice and classes.
Attainable: Taking a class allows individuals to access the necessary resources to enhance their improvisation skills.
Relevant: Improvising skills are pertinent to an actor’s growth and career.
Time-based: There is a two-month window to commit to this particular goal.
8. Get Professional Headshots Taken
“I will commit to getting professional headshots taken every 6 months to keep my portfolio fresh. This will help me stay competitive in the industry and show potential employers that I’m a dedicated actor.”
Specific: You have a plan in place for getting updated headshots every 6 months.
Measurable: Record the date of each photoshoot in a calendar and track how often you’re updating your portfolio.
Attainable: This goal is very reasonable to accomplish with dedication and a small investment.
Relevant: Keeping up with professional headshots is an industry standard and a necessary part of your acting career.
Time-based: You should strive to get headshots taken every half year.
9. Attend an Audition Workshop
“I will attend two professional audition workshops by the end of 5 months to develop my auditioning skills and build solid relationships with other actors and casting directors.”
Specific: The goal is clear and concise, stating the objective and how it will be accomplished.
Measurable: You can track the number of workshops attended on a regular basis.
Attainable: Ensure you research different workshop opportunities and sign up for the appropriate classes.
Relevant: This pertains to acting because it enables an actor to improve their auditioning skills and build relationships with other actors and casting directors.
Time-based: The SMART statement has a time frame of 5 months.
10. Join a Professional Acting Organization
“I’ll join an appropriate professional acting organization within my region by the end of two months. I intend to use this opportunity to stay informed about industry news and further my knowledge about acting.”
Specific: This goal outlines what you need to do (join a professional acting organization) and when (by the end of two months).
Measurable: You could count the days until you join at least one professional acting organization.
Attainable: Joining a professional acting organization can be done in a couple of months.
Relevant: The goal will develop the knowledge related to your overall career.
Time-based: Goal achievement is expected for two whole months.
11. Land a Lead Role in a Major Production
“I will sign with a top talent manager or agent and land a lead role in a major production within 9 months. I plan to network with industry professionals, read casting calls, and practice my audition skills to give me the best chance of achieving this goal.”
Specific: You aim to sign with a top talent manager and land a lead role in a major production.
Measurable: Make sure you follow the listed action items for long-term success.
Attainable: This is achievable because it requires networking and preparations on the actor’s part.
Relevant: This is a reasonable goal for aspiring actors looking to take their careers to the next level.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound because it has an end date of 9 months.
12. Collaborate With Other Actors
“I want to seek three acting opportunities to collaborate with other actors in the next four months. This way, I can sharpen my skills, learn from other professionals in the industry, and further my career.”
Specific: You will look for acting opportunities to collaborate with other actors.
Measurable: Make sure you find at least three opportunities in four months.
Attainable: Unless you’re busy with other commitments, this goal should be absolutely doable.
Relevant: Collaborating with other actors is a great way to sharpen your skills and promote career success.
Time-based: You should expect goal completion within four months.
13. Develop a Social Media Presence
“I’ll join at least three popular social media platforms by the end of the quarter. Doing so will help me increase my followers and be more well-known in the entertainment industry.”
Specific: This goal outlines the tasks you must accomplish (joining social media platforms).
Measurable: You could count the number of platforms you’ve attended over time.
Attainable: Given that you have the time, joining three social media platforms is definitely feasible.
Relevant: This is relevant to your acting career as it promotes visibility in the entertainment industry.
Time-based: Accomplishment of this SMART goal will be met after one quarter.
Final Thoughts
Actors who set SMART goals are better equipped to navigate the challenging and competitive world of acting. These 13 examples provide a solid foundation for creating personalized goals.
By chunking down larger ambitions into manageable steps, actors can maintain motivation and eventually achieve their ideal results.
Remember that success in acting requires determination and a steadfast commitment to self-improvement. Embrace these SMART goals and embark on your journey toward becoming the best actor you can be.
While the path to victory may not always be straightforward, embracing SMART goals will lead to a successful acting career. Keep striving for greatness; your only limits are the ones you set for yourself.
