There is no set path to becoming an actor, but many successful actors have studied theatrical arts or received intensive training. Early experiences in acting can be gained through school drama clubs or plays. Pursuing work on the legitimate stage can also be helpful. Professional acting is not a stable career, but those willing to work hard may find it rewarding.
There is no specific educational path to follow to become an actor, although many of the best professional actors majored in theatrical arts in college or received intensive training at schools dedicated to the art of acting. It is still possible, however, for a person to be discovered while pursuing another career, especially modeling or singing. If someone seems like an ideal match for a particular acting role, directors and producers often employ acting coaches to get the required level of performance out of a non-professional actor.
An actor should have a wide range of interests and personal experiences, so an ideal early childhood education would be fairly liberal, with a concentration on English and Literature classes, in order to understand the source material of many theater plays. Some high schools or college prep schools may offer structured acting classes, or at the very least have a formal drama club or annual school play. These early stage experiences can help a person become an actor with some experience before trying to audition for more advanced studies.
Some would-be actors may move directly to places like New York or Los Angeles to pursue professional opportunities. This can be a very difficult road to take for a young, non-established actor. This particular career path calls for numerous auditions for small roles in television productions or commercials, and competition for these roles is notoriously fierce. A union actor can expect to earn at least minimum wage in scale for a performance, but many actors only work a few days a month or even less. They must supplement their acting income with other types of employment.
The preferred way to become an actor is to study the craft in college and then look for professional acting classes after graduation. Certain colleges, like Julliard in New York City, are known for their intensive training programs and roster of successful graduates. Many trained actors first earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or a Master of Fine Arts degree while attending college, then look for a reputable talent agency to represent them in the world of professional acting. This career path calls for a series of appearances in college theater productions, often followed by entry-level roles in professional television and film productions.
Some actors, especially those who want to learn the essential craft, pursue work on what many call the legitimate stage. That could mean auditioning for a big Broadway theater production, but it could also mean working for a local dinner or improv comedy troupe. Many cities also have amateur or semi-professional theater companies. To become an actor on stage, some specialized training in musical or dance performance can be helpful. While previous acting experience is always helpful, sometimes an actor’s performance in an audition will be key to landing the role.
While some people might want to become actors because of their glamorous lifestyles and multi-million salaries, in reality, most working actors face long periods of unemployment and work in near anonymity. There can be great personal and creative satisfaction from performing well in a challenging role, but professional acting is not a good career choice for those who prefer a steady paycheck and a sense of job security. Those who are willing to learn the trade, demonstrate a solid work ethic, and have the self-discipline to survive lean times, however, may find professional acting to be a very rewarding career.
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