TheaterAddict is a professional actress (yes, really!), and she's got tons of tips for anyone thinking of pursing a movie/theater career!—Sparkitors
So you wanna be an actor—and you want all of the fame, glory, money, and jazz that comes along with an acting career.
Well, if you were nodding your head at the previous statement, acting isn’t for you. I mean, sure, the average amount of money an actor makes per hour is around thirty bucks, which isn’t bad—until you consider how hard it is to find work as an actor.
I mean, assuming you’re an actor, and you land a role with this much money, usually you’ll get work, for what, a month? Then it’s time to find a new job. In acting, your reputation is crucial, and your off-stage persona matters just as much, if not more, than your on-stage performance.
Also, contrary to books and movies, being an actor will most likely NOT make you famous. Sure, there’s a remote possibility, if you’re really talented, and lucky, then you might land that blockbuster role… but that’s only if you manage to get with a casting agency, which is a whole different story.
And you still have to go to college. Because usually, actors have to have a second job, and unless you want it to be working at McDonalds, it’s time to hit the books. Plus, you can plan for a more secure future as well as take theater classes that will improve your acting skills.
Also, most acting isn’t for television, or movie—most acting is on the stage, which, believe it or not, is WAY harder than acting in front of the camera, where you can retake a shot if it’s bad. In stage theatre, you have to get it right the first time. On stage, there's no room for mistakes.
So here’s a few tips if you’re considering pursuing theater as a career:
Learn the technical side of theater. Yup, that means lights, sound, and stuff that the average actor typically turns their nose up at. Being able to act and run sound/lights is a valuable trait; if a director figures he cansave some money by hiring you to do two jobs, you're twice as likely to get hired.
Actors, respect the techies (a techie is someone responsible for running the previously mentioned sound and lightboard). Please, guys. Cordiality goes a long way in this business, and techies play a big part in your success.
If you are a techie, and you're lucky enough to have a headset, I cannot emphasize this point enough: DO NOT TALK SMACK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE OVER HEADSET! Anyone can overhear your conversation, and I've seen people fired for gossiping over the airwaves.
Be really, really nice to everyone—even if you hate them. Don’t talk about people behind their backs, no matter how tempting it is. Believe me, if you keep your mouth shut, you’ll get a good reputation.
Don’t ever, ever, ever piss off a director. Any subordination or bad attitude on your part is probably going to be shared with every other director in town—which means your career and reputation could be in serious jeopardy if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person.
We were hoping we'd learn how to become the next Robert Pattinson...but these tips are pretty great too! Have you ever tried your hand at acting? Ever considered it a possible career?
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