So You Wanna Be A Star?

Becoming an Actor or Actress

Actors play a key role in the interpretation of a writer's script. Although most famous actors live in Los Angeles or New York, there are thousands of actors that work in local television studios, theatres, or film production companies. This article contains the job description, working conditions, necessary qualifications, salary range, and promotion opportunities for actors. Please read on to find out more.

A career in theatre or film is one of the few vocational paths that offers the possibility of amazing financial opportunity and fame without requiring extensive education or book-smarts. Frequently actors are trained through an acting conservatory or university, but it is quite common for actors to find work based solely on their experience and talent. So, it is best to start preparing for a film or stage career at a young age.

Two of the most frustrating aspects of the acting profession are the intense competition and the continual rejection (both are common occupational hazards.) Although some people assume that all actors live the 'Hollywood lifestyle,' there are lots of actors that live perfectly normal lives. The majority of actors make a living by performing in television, radio, video, stage, or motion picture productions. Furthermore, fledgling actors gain experience by performing in local cabarets, nightclubs, theme parks, commercials, and films for training or educational purposes.

Salaried actors earned about $23,470 in 2002, though the top 10% of actors made over $100,000 a year.

Acting is mostly a labor of Love. The joy of performing and the process of working with a cast on a production is a very rewarding experience. Making a living solely on acting is a challenge for most artists. Most have other jobs to maintain there life while practicing their craft. Hard work, determination and persistence are key to the growth of the actor.

Just a word of advice if you wanna be a star. There are millions of actors competing for a handful of TOP paying acting opportunities. So understand the playing field. In other words, don't quit your day job.