A
Is acting a career
I like acting #acting #film-acting #actors
3 answers
Anthony V. Crivello
Anthony V.’s Answer
Acting is a career. A difficult career. Filled with highs and lows. The select few have a long career. To rely completely on acting as your source income is foolish these days.
The industry is skewed very young so the time-frame for work is short. To just ask: 'Is acting a career' is too narrow a question.
Do you mean 'Television acting? Acting for the stage? Or Film acting?
In the US, a cross-over career (stage, tv, film) is difficult to achieve. But not impossible.
Further, the industry is changing. New media is providing outlets... but there is more non-union, low-paying jobs that ever before.
To achieve as an actor, you have to have multiple skills, speak multiple languages, have as many additional skills as you can... and have great computer skills as well.
You have to be a self starter!!!! You have to create your own projects. That means producing them as well--- be it for the camera or the stage. And writing, directing...
I know many Chicago actors who act on the stage... but have to hold down secondary jobs to survive- i.e.: pay the rent, and buy their meals. But they do it because they love the craft, the art. PS: You better love it, because it can beat you down.
Then there is acting in which city? New York? Los Angeles? Chicago? Dallas? London? --- There is hiring as 'a local' now more then ever in film and television, in many cities across the US. So you must carefully plan and choose where and how you want go after it, depending on what kind of career you seek.
And best to aim high, in the city of your choosing when planning for your education. For instance, If you choose NYC, seek NYU, Julliard, Columbia... Or Boston, Harvard is always the goal. Chicago: Northwestern, Columbia, Univ. Of Chicago... Los Angeles: UCLA, USC, etc.
The school you choose is important these days, not only for your education, but for the Network you can build. A large part of it is who you know, and who knows you!
First and foremost: Education comes first. Get the degree!
You have to be driven, driven to achieve. You have to consume and study the industry. It's like any business--- you must have your fingers on the 'pulse' of where is is headed. And seek colleagues who think like you do, are driven as you.
Hit the books today. Read as much as you can... study the news, study acting styles... get the trade papers... watch and study 'the greats.' Imitate them. Accents are helpful too- just ask Meryl Streep.. or the countless English and Australian actors who do an American accent.
Versatility is a key.
PS: Many actors do it as a hobby, a side job. There is no disgrace in that. Commercials, modeling or otherwise. It's all a different skill set. Which path do you choose??
I WILL CHOOSE COMMERCIALS
Hajira
Nicole Jesson
Nicole’s Answer
Acting is definitely a career, but it is one that is very difficult to make a living at. If you love it very, very much you can make a career of it with a lot of hard work. But it will take lots of work, long hours, and true dedication to make a go of it.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND WISHES
Hajira
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Is Acting a Legitimate Profession?
Absolutely, acting is a bona fide career, encompassing a broad spectrum of opportunities and hurdles. Let's delve into the diverse facets that characterize acting as a profession, including its essence, routes to success, industry mechanics, and the necessary skills.
1. Understanding Acting as a Career
Acting is the craft of performing before an audience or on camera. It involves embodying characters in stage plays, movies, TV shows, and other media. As a profession, acting can be gratifying yet demanding. Actors employ their talents to express emotions and narrate stories through their performances.
2. Routes to Becoming an Actor
There are multiple routes to embark on a career in acting:
Education: A lot of actors opt to attend drama schools or universities that confer degrees in theater arts or performing arts. These programs typically offer training in diverse acting methods, voice modulation, movement, and script interpretation.
Experience: Acquiring experience via community theater, student films, or local productions is vital. This assists budding actors in building their portfolios and honing their skills.
Networking: Establishing connections within the industry is crucial for uncovering opportunities. Participating in workshops, auditions, and industry gatherings can aid actors in linking up with directors, producers, and fellow performers.
Auditions: Actors need to consistently audition for roles to land jobs. This process can be competitive and demands resilience and persistence.
3. The Nature of Acting Work
Acting jobs can greatly differ in terms of duration and remuneration:
Freelance Work: The majority of actors work as freelancers; they may experience periods of heavy work interspersed with times of unemployment. This unpredictability can pose challenges to financial stability.
Diverse Opportunities: Actors can secure work in various formats such as film (movies), television (series), theater (live performances), commercials, voice-over work (animation or narration), and more.
Union Memberships: Numerous professional actors join unions like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) which offer benefits like health insurance and fair wages but also mandate compliance with specific rules regarding auditions and contracts.
4. Skills Required for Success
To thrive in acting as a career, individuals generally need to cultivate several vital skills:
Emotional Range: The capacity to convincingly portray a broad spectrum of emotions is crucial for embodying diverse characters.
Improvisation: The ability to think quickly during performances or auditions can distinguish an actor from the rest.
Physicality: Comprehension of body language and movement boosts an actor’s capability to authentically depict characters.
Voice Control: Proficient use of voice—modulation, projection, accent—plays a pivotal role in delivering lines convincingly.
5. Industry Dynamics
The entertainment industry is perpetually evolving due to technological progress and shifting audience tastes:
Digital Platforms: With the advent of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, there are more opportunities for actors than ever before but also heightened competition.
Diversity Initiatives: There has been an increasing focus on diversity within casting practices which paves the way for underrepresented groups but also highlights issues of representation in storytelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acting is not just a feasible career choice but also one that offers artistic satisfaction along with unique challenges. Aspiring actors should be ready for diligent work, continuous learning, networking endeavors, and maneuvering the intricacies of the entertainment industry while refining their craft over time.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
American Theatre Magazine
A premier publication encompassing all elements of theater arts including trends in acting careers.
Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA)
The official union representing film and television actors offering resources about industry norms.
The New York Times Arts Section
A trusted source providing insights into current events related to acting careers including interviews with accomplished professionals.
God Bless You!
JC.