Hollywood. Paris. London. New York City. Wherever you go, there is no shortage of big names in the spotlight. However, have you ever wondered how acting stacks up against other careers?
If you ask any actor, they would say that to achieve success as an actor and live a life of luxury, one needs to put in the hard work. So, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in acting, keep reading!
Is Acting Hard?
Acting is hard because developing acting skills, confidence, and industry relationships are challenging. But, especially when you’re on stage or in front of a camera, it’s not just about your talent—it’s about discipline, persistence, and self-motivation. However, actors earn good money. Finally, there is no minimum education requirement for being an actor, so there is a low barrier to entry but high competition.
But the good thing is that only hard work can help you succeed. Let’s find out if acting is worth it, so keep reading!
1. Artistic Values in Acting
It takes more than just being a performer to be an actor. It also has to do with creativity and artistry.
There is much more to becoming an actor than memorizing and learning lines. Your job will be your passion, and you won’t be able to put it down until it’s finished.
Most importantly, actors have strong work ethics, such as valuing time, professionalism, and success. They savor the feeling that their work is paying off.
Therefore, as a performer, it is crucial to keep working hard and maintain a positive attitude even on restless nights of work!
2. No Minimum Education Requirement for Actors
As opposed to becoming a nurse, dentist, or engineer, becoming an actor or actress has fewer clearly defined steps.
There is no minimum level of education needed to pursue acting.
In some instances, aspiring actors could enroll in acting classes or take acting lessons at an acting school or theatrical company.
While a bachelor’s degree in the performing arts will also serve as a safety net, degree programs look for applicants with a flair for acting credentials!
3. Memorization Prowess in Acting
Memorizing the script is one of the most complex parts of becoming a stage actor.
If you want to be a stage actor, you’ll probably need to be good at memorizing your lines for most acting roles. At the same time, as a theater artist, you’ll probably need to learn the entire script.
Actors use props to remember what they need to express in a particular situation.
Some helpful tips that help famous actors recall lines include a variety of techniques, such as acronym practice, rhythmic repetition of phrases, and listening to recordings of lines!
4. Acting Workshops
During workshops, students receive instruction in collaboratively safe learning environments where aspiring actors can feel supported as they attempt new things and take chances.
At an acting workshop, many seasoned artists give their fellow performers tips on preparing for their roles and auditions and sharpening their performing abilities.
Generally, your first step as a beginner should be to enroll in an acting workshop.
After that, scene analysis, improvisation, commercial projects, musical theater, on-camera, and other projects will follow!
5. Acting is a High-Income Profession
Acting is one of the ways to become extremely wealthy. It has a low entry barrier but is a competitive field.
On average, actors earn $31.31 per hour. However, the highest performers can make millions.
Actors can have challenging days but frequently enjoy days off and more extended vacations. And let’s face it—producers and actors are very well-paid for their efforts.
It requires focus, hard work, and persistence. However, it is an excellent career that lets you meet new people and gain new abilities in performing!
6. Career Outlook in Acting
During this decade, the industry will grow by 32 percent, with more actors working, creating an average of 8,200 new acting jobs for the next decade.
Many actors start by working multiple jobs to support themselves, including appearing as extras in films or television shows.
Let’s take the example of ex-WWE wrestler and now actor Dywane Johnson. His remarkable acting career has earned him more than $20 million for each movie.
Getting a career growth like that is not at all easy. But who knows? You could be the next icon set to be one of the highest-paid celebrities in the world!
7. Long Hours and Work-Life Balance in Acting
Early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays are all possible work times for actors.
Acting demands long, erratic hours, such as shooting for a feature film or television, can take from a few weeks to multiple years and may entail working seven days per week.
However, in their downtime, actors are likely browsing social media, holidaying, spending time with family and friends, or shopping.
Actors in the entertainment industry update their status on social media channels frequently. This keeps their admirers informed of what they do, where they are, and how they spend their free time! So it’s relatively easy to follow and learn a little about their life.
8. Time for Personal Interests as Actors
Many actors have interests outside of performing, like playing an instrument, golf, working out, attending social events, and volunteering.
They may also make connections with other key industry people during such activities.
Since most performers enjoy reading, the transition to writing isn’t too tricky. Many actors end up writing books or publishing memoirs.
Although challenging, some actors have a flair for business and entrepreneurship. As a result, some choose to launch their media and production companies.
9. Mental Stress in the Acting and Entertainment Industry
It has been established through years of research that those drawn to careers in the arts tend to be particularly susceptible to depression and anxiety.
However, some variables contribute to the astonishingly high levels of stress and anxiety that are unique to the performing community.
These include the intense feelings and the muscular attachments they can have to their characters.
Inevitably, they can carry the role into daily life, which could have undesirable consequences!
10. Production Studios
Actors can work in various locations, such as theaters, theme parks, and production studios.
Actors may work indoors in theatres, studios, and other locations. However, they also have outdoor, and outstation shoots from time to time.
In some cases, actors typically spend their time in a dressing room backstage for them to change into costumes and makeup.
During shoots, actors may choose to take quick breaks or hang out in their trailers.
11. Finding Gigs as Actors
To sustain in this field, you must find acting gigs, whether they are available locally, interstate, or abroad. One can discover gigs through networking. Actors also share their profile, resume, and portfolio with various agencies and media houses.
It may be challenging initially, but aspiring artists should focus on finding an agent that works in their best interest. Remember that it’s a mutually beneficial agreement.
Further, exciting opportunities are available to every actor with the means to seek work abroad.
If you schedule a gig, a production company should ideally handle everything for you. However, that may not always be the case if you are starting. So keep that in mind and be willing to put in the extra effort.
Aspiring actors should build on a variety of work behind them, including experience in multiple roles and emotions, different genres, and media formats.
12. New York and Los Angeles
New York City is more attractive than ever for actors and entertainers with a sparkling TV and film productions roster.
As an actor, there are streams of art to learn in this city and classes you may enroll in to improve your acting skills.
At the same time, Los Angeles is the capital with a lot more to offer than just casting calls. LA also offers a vast number of acting schools and classes.
These cities are expensive to live in, and aspiring actors should learn to work with agents and find gigs to maintain their lifestyle.
After all, NYC is the place to be if the theater calls to you. But, while finding the best agency, LA is your best choice as an aspiring actor!
13. Acting Requires Confidence and Public Speaking
Acting requires conviction in delivering on the role. Technically, it is accurate. Aspiring actors should, over time, focus on building confidence through hard work, practice, and learning from other performers.
These professionals get up early every day for rehearsals, dressing up as different characters and pushing themselves to go places every day in their life for self-exploration.
Over time, stage fright becomes confidence, and actors can feel comfortable performing in front of an audience or delivering a line facing the camera.
It also means that you have the opportunity to develop your public speaking abilities and confidence level through acting.
To learn more, you can also see our posts on Film Making, Video Editing, Photography, Singing, and Fashion Designing.
Conclusion
While acting may be a demanding career, it is worth it in the long run.
People recognize you as an artist, the job offers a high income, and you have the potential to inspire youth worldwide.
Ultimately, acting may take you worldwide and give you opportunities that turn dreams into reality.