To make your niche as an actor you will need to struggle much harder than your counterparts in other careers. However, if you are lucky and know people in the acting profession already, it may prove advantageous in the beginning when you are staring out. A lucky few set the box office rolling immediately, while there are those who never go above doing small roles in motion pictures or theater. As an actor you can start your career with drama classes, and then move on from theater and to soap operas, before entering the motion picture industry. In this billion dollar industry you need more than just skills and talents to succeed.
What does it take to be a Successful Actor?
Good looks and a super-model body are not enough to get success with your acting career. You have to learn the basics of acting at a drama school even though you may have inherent talents. As an actor you can gain from experience, including theater and plays done in school or college. Remember that each acting experience can be different from the previous one so you should be open to changes and new challenges.
One of the most vital factors that you should take care of in the acting profession is personal grooming. Your talent and your appearance will decide your fate in the field. Acting is considered as one of the toughest areas for gaining experience, because there are too many people struggling to make it big. When you get a break, being choosy or selective in the initial days of your acting career would result in lesser work for you in the future. At times, you have to settle for just getting a minor role or even helping out around the set.
An acting career would require you to be dedicated and proficient in your talent. There are no fixed working hours for actors, and so you should be ready to work even at odd hours. Rehearsing your lines and being affluent in dialogue delivery are vital. You have to be ready for extended tours, with no time for friends and family, even during holidays. Taking part in shows and concerts can also help you get some additional experience.
An attractive looking face is not enough to get you fame in the entertainment industry. Networking skills are vital in this industry, and can fetch you some surprisingly good offers.
If you have an inherent talent for acting then you should ensure that your dialogue delivery is impeccable. Good memory is essential to avoid any room for errors while dealing with the script. You should have a passion to make it in the entertainment industry because this would keep you motivated even through the low phases.
Actors are required to add some other strings to their talents, like clarity in enunciation, martial arts skills, or any other similar talents. You should have an aura to create a strong camera presence and capture the audience's attention. Often, accents have to be acquired to suit different roles. As an actor there should be no prototype for you.
Your Career Prospects as an Actor
The salary of an actor can start at about $1,500 per month for theater actors. The motion picture amateur actors can get about $2,500, and this can go up to millions of dollars depending on experience. There are no educational qualifications for actors, and usually an acting school certificate is sufficient. But talent is what really matters in the industry, along with a lot of luck and hard work.
As an actor you should be ready to struggle and go through phases of unemployment. Even though this profession comes with its share of risks, one cannot help but get carried away by the fame and entertainment filled life. This profession does not come with free lunches or any assured income, so be ready to face lull periods.
