Just about every aspiring actor has daydreamed about success in Hollywood. However, few actually have the discipline to see their dreams through. Breaking through as an actor is about more than just being talented. It also requires continuous effort and taking chances. These are five ways to make it in Hollywood.

1. Study acting

Whether you’re taking classes, receiving private training, or just observing other actors on film, you need to be committed to studying. Acting is not as simple as memorizing lines. You need to understand all the nuances that goes into bringing a character to life. Watch a film featuring one of your favorite actors. What about the performance is is so involving to you? How does the actor create a character that feels so real? Take notes and think about how you can apply those lessons to your own characters.

2. Understand your characters

Being an actor is not about pretending to be someone else. It’s about embodying someone to the point that you and them are practically one in the same. To make this possible, you need to understand your characters. Even if you don’t like them, you can still understand them. Wood Harris is able to craft fascinating characters, good and bad, because of how clearly he understands them. One idea is to create a detailed character history. Think about how your character might have gotten to where they are in life and what influenced their decisions.

3. Audition constantly

Hardly any A-list star became an overnight sensation. They have had to deal with rejection or being forced to accept bit parts. However, they would all tell you that these setbacks were actually strides on their journey to success. Getting ahead as an actor is all about taking advantage of opportunities. If you have a chance to audition, take it. The worst thing they can say is no.

4. Network

There’s hardly any better way to advance in your career than by networking. If you’re not communicating with people in the industry, your career is goign to get stuck in limbo. Bring up that you’re an actor as often as possible. You don’t want to do it in a way that would be irritating or out of place. But if someone asks you what you do for work, don’t be shy. They could have a real golden opportunity for you.

5. Challenge yourself

Being an actor means getting outside of your comfort zone and simulating experiences that you likely would never have. In order to grow as an actor, you need to be willing to take roles that are difficult. These could be characters with a different background from you or ones that have views that are completely unlike yours. Taking the time to really get to know them can help you grown not only as an actor, but also as a person.

If you asked 100 famous actors what success means to them, you might get 100 different answers. You don’t have to become a superstar either. You just need to be putting in the hours and honing your craft. This is an exciting and wonderful journey you’re embarking on, and you need to make the absolute most of it.