If so, I have some questions for you.
- Why?
- Have you always wanted to be an actor since you can remember?
- Did you take acting/theater classes and do plays in school?
- As an adult did this translate into Community Theater?
- Can you read? And do it out loud without stumbling?
- Do you possess memorization skills?
- How well do you handle rejection?
- Are you patient? Once on set you spend long hours….. Mostly waiting.
- Are your work hours flexible?
These are all important skills to have when attempting to break into this highly demanding field. And there are no guarantees.
If you answer yes to most of these questions, you still have a long road ahead.
Here is why:
The truth about acting in stage, film or television is, that you can be the best actor in the world and still never become a star.
You have to LOVE acting for what it is and, what parts you can get. Not what you think you are right for and match your real personality.
You also have to get headshots for Theatrical and Commercial shots, and taking constant classes that come with big price tags.
Community Theater is easier to break into, but if you have set your sights on Hollywood or New York get ready for some disappointments.
UNLESS YOU COME FROM A VERY WEALTHY FAMILY or have an “uncle” in the business.
With money you can buy your way in. Many do.
With family, well it’s a very nepotistic industry.
In Hollywood, theater pays nothing or very little.
Commercials and TV pay well if they are union, but a lot of things can wrong here. There are many rules. You can shoot a commercial but still end up on the cutting room floor or not show your face which leads to being paid as background at a much lower rate. But hey if you get a strong union commercial that gets loads of play you can be paid for a very long time and very well.
Film is whole other world. Even if you get cast in a role, a film has a long way to go to get to the theaters…. and many fail.
It takes lots of money and lots of people to produce a decent film.
You may think a film is green lit and you got a part, only to find out that not all the money came in or the director doesn’t like you so they replace you or it gets shot, but never gets distributed.
It’s a very political industry filled with liars, cheats and yes, pedophiles. It is the pipe-dream used by those who want to sell you the dream and at an inflated rate.
Some are legit but have no patience for anything and seem to be constantly overwhelmed.
They will not cut you a break or give you a second chance if you mess up.
They will also take it out on your agent, if you’re lucky enough to have one. Your agent will never get a second chance either. Trust me on this one. I’ve been put in this position many times by fair weather actors with no idea what they are giving up by being late or no shows. I even had 1 actor land a union commercial but backed out at the end because it was for an oil company. Do you thank that casting director ever called me again? Nope.
Now let me ask you again, do you really want to be an actor?
