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Acting
Actors star in motion pictures, TV shows, stage performances, and radio productions. However, securing stable employment as an actor can be difficult. A small percentage of actors make it big; however, talented actors can be cast in numerous supporting roles. Some actors find work being cast as extras, usually without speaking roles. Many actors instruct high school and college students in drama classes, and others enrolled in acting classes.
Acting is very stressful. Most actors are constantly looking for new gigs, so they must be patient.
Since the majority of acting gigs are very brief, actors usually have long stretches of time off between gigs, so many have jobs outside of acting to support themselves.
How do you prepare for this career?
Potential actors take different routes to get into the acting business. Before pursing this career, potential actors should enjoy performing and entertaining their audiences. Many actors begin performing in high school and college theater productions, community theater groups, theater productions on cruise ships, and productions at amusement parks. Performing in any of the aforementioned productions enables inexperienced actors to improve their abilities and gain enough experience to be admitted into an actors' union. Performing in smaller productions in more rural areas can lead to opportunities in Los Angeles, New York, or other large urban areas. Most begin their careers in lesser roles and smaller venues before getting better opportunities.
Most actors receive formal training in college or acting classes, but some do not take acting lessons. Acting related bachelor's degrees include drama, dramatic literature, communications, theater, film, and TV broadcasting. Some actors pursue post graduate degrees in fine arts after completing their bachelor’s degrees. College courses may include the following subjects: design, directing, playwriting, and stage movement and speaking.
Actors usually collaborate with drama coaches. Good actors learn more about their roles to better comprehend a script’s setting. Many actors are required to learn foreign languages or work with other professionals to acquire accents for region specific roles.
How much will I earn?
In 2006, actors in the 50th percentile of wages earned $8.47-22.51 per hour. The bottom 10th percentile made less than $7.31 per hour while the upper 10th percentile made $51.02 per hour or more.
Popular and recognizable actors can make considerably more money.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, there were 70,000 acting gigs filled by actors. Most opportunities exist in Los Angeles or New York; however, there are opportunities throughout the nation. These opportunities can be found in TV, movies, Broadway productions, cruise ships, amusement parks, teaching, and summer theater productions.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job opportunities for actors should increase at the same rate as growth in other industries until 2016. Since there are many skilled people working hard to get into the business, competition with other actors for limited jobs will be intense. Actors often quit acting since the days can be long and the pay can be small. Few actors make it big in movies.
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