In today’s reality, where thousands of actors and performers compete for limited roles, the competition is much more than just looks and basic acting skills.
Modern directors are constantly looking for something special – a skill, trait or detail of life that makes a performer unforgettable.
You may already know that standard skills like dancing and singing are essential, but there are a number of less obvious, but very valuable qualities that can help you land your next role.
Learn about 7 skills that can give you an unexpected advantage.
1. Parkour or martial arts
- Whether it’s an action drama, an action movie or even a fashion commercial with movement – physical flexibility is always valuable.
- Actors who take part in “The Witcher” or “Outer Banks” often have undergone movement training. They were straightforward: “We need someone who can jump between rooftops without a stunt double.”
- “You don’t have to be a ninja. Just being able to do basic moves in the frame will set you apart.” — A stunt coordinator for a Los Angeles advertising agency.
2. Create social media content
- Brands and studios want actors who have their own audience and the ability to create content, especially in the short video format.
- Directors often prefer those who know camera angles, lighting, and emotional connection to the screen.
Content creation demonstrates initiative, consistency, and freedom in front of the camera—all of which are great for casting teams.
3. Animal Interaction or Horseback Riding
- Whether it’s a historical drama, a Western, or a nature-based commercial, actors who can ride, interact with, and work with domestic or wild animals are rare and valuable.
- You might land a role in an indie film, a pet food commercial, a wildlife PSA, or a medieval reenactment simply because you can relate to animals.
- Pro tip: List specific animals you’ve worked with. “Dog trainer” or “I’m not afraid of snakes” are good keywords.
4. Voice Training, Accents, and Vocal Range
- Having a distinctive voice in the shot—deep, husky, melodic, or something a little offbeat—will make you more memorable.
- You might be asked to do voiceover work, video games, or animated commercials. Variety = more roles.
- Practice maintaining different accents and age-appropriate timbres.
5. Roller Skating, Ice Skating, or Skateboarding
- These are niche physical skills that casting directors often have a hard time finding. Think roller disco, streetwear photoshoots, or period dramas from the 70s and 80s.
- Quote from one NYC producer: “We lost a week of the campaign because we couldn’t find a model who could naturally roller skate.”
- If you have even a moderate level of this skill, shoot a short video of yourself in motion—it’s very effective!
6. Clowning, commedia dell’arte or stand-up comedy
- These forms require a keen sense of timing, audience and emotional responsiveness. If you can entertain an audience or improvise under pressure, you will be a force to be reckoned with at any casting call.
- Application areas can include commercials, children’s shows, comedy pilots and even horror.
- Interesting fact: Jim Carrey, Bill Hader and Melissa McCarthy got serious roles thanks to their clowning and improvisation skills.
7. High-level improvisation in difficult situations
Some casting directors specifically give actors unexpected tasks to see how they react without a script. This is especially popular in mockumentary (not documentary), reality drama and interactive theater.
Various improvisation scenarios:
- A phone call to a dying parent.
- A trial where you are accused of a crime you did not commit.
- A breakup scene with someone you still love.
- Telling a young child the painful truth.
- A salesman scene, selling a product you hate.