4 answers
bex
Student
Grovetown, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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How do I make sure I can make a living if I want to be a professional actress in theatrical arts?
I really love performing on stage and being in productions, right now my theater program is doing their production of "The Wiz" and I'm ensemble, and I would love to do theater when I graduate but I'm not entirely sure is that's a stable source of income.
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4 answers
Andy Prosky
actor
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Andy’s Answer
So glad you love performing because a passion for the theater is a must if one is interested in making it a profession. Unfortunately the answers by Tony and Tade are correct in my opinion. Now don’t loose heart. Sometimes those side gigs or survival jobs can be fun and they can benefit your acting.
I worked in a liquor store for a while bc and a couple years later I was cast in a Netflix film playing the owner of a liquor store. You’ve got a lot in your side. Your youth. Your passion and now 3 good answrs to your question. Go forth and be brilliant!
I worked in a liquor store for a while bc and a couple years later I was cast in a Netflix film playing the owner of a liquor store. You’ve got a lot in your side. Your youth. Your passion and now 3 good answrs to your question. Go forth and be brilliant!
Tade Reen
Recruitment
4
Answers
Pelham Manor, NY
Updated
Tade’s Answer
I would agree with Tony's answer. I was an actor for 8 years after college in New York and LA, and the most difficult part was finding side jobs to pay the rent while I auditioned and tried to further my career. I'd work a few times a year as an actor, the rest of the time was spent working "side jobs". Bartender, playing superman at kids parties, delivery...anything I could get my hands on. My advice is to have a flexible "career" doing something like personal training, physical therapy. The stress of constantly finding the side jobs is what grinds down most actors.
Tony Pearson
Master Inventor
50
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Tony’s Answer
The key to doing anything "for a living" is to balance income to expenses. You can keep expenses low living with your parents, taking the bus instead of driving a car, etc. I have seen people move to a less expensive country to build up their talent. (The Beatles practiced in Hamburg Germany before returning to United Kingdom). You can increase income by doing side jobs, drive for Uber, teach classes, etc.
My neice when this route. She started singing and acting in musicals. She did side gigs constructing sets, gave singing lessons, and sewed costumes for the shows she was in, and for other shows. Over time, her persistence paid off, she has been promoted to "Art/Music Director" and makes enough to have her own apartment, her own car, etc.
My neice when this route. She started singing and acting in musicals. She did side gigs constructing sets, gave singing lessons, and sewed costumes for the shows she was in, and for other shows. Over time, her persistence paid off, she has been promoted to "Art/Music Director" and makes enough to have her own apartment, her own car, etc.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3754
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Bex,
How to Make a Living as a Professional Actress in Theatrical Arts
Becoming a professional actress in theatrical arts can be a rewarding career path, but it also comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring a stable income. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of making a living as an actress in the theater industry:
1. Training and Education: Investing in your training and education is crucial for success in the performing arts industry. Consider pursuing a degree in theater or performing arts from a reputable institution. A formal education can provide you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities to kickstart your acting career.
2. Build Your Experience: Gain as much experience as possible by participating in school productions, community theater, and local acting workshops. Building a strong resume with diverse roles and performances will not only enhance your skills but also make you more marketable to casting directors and agents.
3. Networking: Networking is key in the entertainment industry. Attend industry events, workshops, and auditions to connect with other professionals in the field. Building relationships with directors, producers, and fellow actors can open doors to new opportunities and help you secure roles in upcoming productions.
4. Audition Consistently: To land acting gigs, you need to audition regularly. Stay updated on casting calls, auditions, and open calls both locally and nationally. Be prepared to showcase your talent, versatility, and passion for acting during auditions to impress casting directors.
5. Consider Multiple Income Streams: While pursuing acting roles in theater productions, consider diversifying your income streams. This could include teaching acting classes, voiceover work, commercial acting, or even working part-time jobs that allow flexibility for auditions and rehearsals.
6. Join Actors’ Unions: Consider joining professional actors’ unions such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) or Actors’ Equity Association (AEA). Union membership can provide you with access to better-paying roles, benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and protection under union contracts.
7. Financial Planning: Given the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, it’s essential to have a solid financial plan in place. Save money during busy periods to sustain yourself during lean times. Consider working with a financial advisor who understands the unique financial challenges faced by artists.
8. Persistence and Resilience: Success in the performing arts industry often requires persistence and resilience. Rejection is common in this field, so it’s important to stay motivated, keep honing your craft, and never give up on your dreams despite setbacks.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to your craft, you can increase your chances of making a sustainable living as a professional actress in theatrical arts.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Backstage: Backstage is a reputable source for actors providing casting information, career advice, industry news, and resources for performers looking to advance their careers.
Actors’ Equity Association: The Actors’ Equity Association is the labor union representing American actors and stage managers in the theater industry. Their website offers valuable insights into working conditions, contracts, benefits for actors.
Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA): SAG-AFTRA is a union representing performers across various media platforms including film, television shows commercials radio broadcasting digital media etc., offering resources on contracts benefits job listings for actors seeking work opportunities.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
How to Make a Living as a Professional Actress in Theatrical Arts
Becoming a professional actress in theatrical arts can be a rewarding career path, but it also comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring a stable income. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of making a living as an actress in the theater industry:
1. Training and Education: Investing in your training and education is crucial for success in the performing arts industry. Consider pursuing a degree in theater or performing arts from a reputable institution. A formal education can provide you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities to kickstart your acting career.
2. Build Your Experience: Gain as much experience as possible by participating in school productions, community theater, and local acting workshops. Building a strong resume with diverse roles and performances will not only enhance your skills but also make you more marketable to casting directors and agents.
3. Networking: Networking is key in the entertainment industry. Attend industry events, workshops, and auditions to connect with other professionals in the field. Building relationships with directors, producers, and fellow actors can open doors to new opportunities and help you secure roles in upcoming productions.
4. Audition Consistently: To land acting gigs, you need to audition regularly. Stay updated on casting calls, auditions, and open calls both locally and nationally. Be prepared to showcase your talent, versatility, and passion for acting during auditions to impress casting directors.
5. Consider Multiple Income Streams: While pursuing acting roles in theater productions, consider diversifying your income streams. This could include teaching acting classes, voiceover work, commercial acting, or even working part-time jobs that allow flexibility for auditions and rehearsals.
6. Join Actors’ Unions: Consider joining professional actors’ unions such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) or Actors’ Equity Association (AEA). Union membership can provide you with access to better-paying roles, benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and protection under union contracts.
7. Financial Planning: Given the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, it’s essential to have a solid financial plan in place. Save money during busy periods to sustain yourself during lean times. Consider working with a financial advisor who understands the unique financial challenges faced by artists.
8. Persistence and Resilience: Success in the performing arts industry often requires persistence and resilience. Rejection is common in this field, so it’s important to stay motivated, keep honing your craft, and never give up on your dreams despite setbacks.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to your craft, you can increase your chances of making a sustainable living as a professional actress in theatrical arts.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Backstage: Backstage is a reputable source for actors providing casting information, career advice, industry news, and resources for performers looking to advance their careers.
Actors’ Equity Association: The Actors’ Equity Association is the labor union representing American actors and stage managers in the theater industry. Their website offers valuable insights into working conditions, contracts, benefits for actors.
Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA): SAG-AFTRA is a union representing performers across various media platforms including film, television shows commercials radio broadcasting digital media etc., offering resources on contracts benefits job listings for actors seeking work opportunities.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.