by Nicolas Pinzon
Now is a better time than ever to be a television host. For those willing to think outside the box, the digital revolution and subsequent outburst of new multimedia platforms, TV channels, and shows, have brought more opportunities than ever before, and such is the case in the hosting world. Let’s be frank though, the entertainment industry is particularly competitive, and along with training, hard work, and the right materials and people around you, versatility and an open mind are key. Your ultimate goal might be to work in scripted shows and movies, but exploring the possibilities has never been a bad idea.
Actors have some unique traits and expertise that would set them apart from other aspiring hosts. If you are an actor, you don’t only have an advantage when it comes to hosting, you might very well also have the traits that will allow you to enjoy hosting as an addition to acting or as a full career.
So what are those factors that make actors particularly good hosting candidates? Well, to begin with, if you are an actor, chances are that you are not uncomfortable with being the center of attention, you love to converse, and you have learned to listen to others while they talk. We’ve all heard that acting is reacting, and in order to react, you have to listen. Many of us tend to wait for the other person to finish speaking, only to say what we already knew we were going to say. Acting teaches you when to be the center of attention and when to just pay attention to what the other person is saying and let them shine. That is a pivotal skill for any host, especially when interviewing others.
In addition, when you are an actor, you learn to memorize long pieces of dialogue, and to reproduce them convincingly and authentically. That is very hard to do. Actors learn that there are many different ways to deliver the same line, and they learn to find the beats and dynamic changes within the text. When casting directors evaluate potential hosts, the ability to deliver a monologue convincingly and creatively will put you in the front of the line. And that is another factor: creativity.
Actors are artists; they are creative. Most actors have taken improv classes and they know how to think on their feet. Show hosts many times share the screen with people who are not professional entertainers and hosts have to improvise their way through the unpredictability of an interview. Great hosts don’t only act cool when something unexpected happens, they acknowledge what is happening and spin it in a way that makes the interview or segment better. Actors who have studied improvisation are uniquely prepared to do this better than anyone else.
Above all, actors tend to be charismatic, extroverted people who love to be in front of the camera and, at the same time, understand teamwork. These qualities also happen to describe a great entertainment show host. If you are an actor, perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea to branch out and experiment with a craft that you might also very much enjoy. Conversely, if you are a host, maybe taking some acting or improv classes could benefit your career and the work you love. At award winning reels, we specialize in developing personalized reels for both actors and hosts.
Do you think experience as an actor could make you a better entertainment host? Do you think experience as a host could make you a better actor? Let us know!
Below are some celebs that do both:
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