Actors
Have you ever thought about a career in acting? Maybe you want to perform in front of a live audience. Or, perhaps you’re dreaming of seeing yourself in a Hollywood movie. While acting in television, film, or theater may seem like a dream job, this career requires hard work and determination.
A photo of the famous Hollywood sign in California
Learning the Craft
Acting is a craft. While some people are born with natural talent, everyone has something they can learn from acting classes. These classes help actors push their boundaries to try different styles of acting.
Actors need to be versatile if they want to be cast in a variety of roles. They need to be able to do both comedic and dramatic roles. Many actors study at leading drama schools. They continue to work with acting coaches even after they become successful.
Studying the craft of acting is not something that is accomplished in a short period of time. Actors continue learning throughout their career. There is always room for growth.
Education
Most people with a desire to be on stage begin acting in either school or community plays. These performances give young actors the chance to experience performing in front of an audience. Many high schools also offer drama classes.
The next step in a person’s acting career varies from person to person. Some people choose to get a college degree in drama or performing arts. Others apply to acting schools. Still, others feel they are ready to begin auditioning for roles. All of these paths can lead to success in an acting career. There is no right path to choose.
A photo of actors from the Harry Potter films
Auditions
Going on auditions is a part of every actor’s career. In order to audition for the most roles, actors need to be where the work is. The top two cities for casting actors are New York City and Los Angeles. There is a higher chance of getting a job if you’re living in a city where more jobs are being cast.
It’s Not An Easy Road
Not every actor gets a big role right away. In fact, many actors struggle to find work. They find jobs working evenings, like waiting tables in restaurants. Then, they can audition during the day and earn money at night.
Actors need to build up their résumé. No role is too small. These roles also offer the opportunity to work with different people and create business relationships. These relationships can then lead to future roles.
Agents
Once actors have some experience on their résumé, they may choose to hire an agent to help manage their career. Agents have an extensive network of industry contacts. Many casting directors work directly with agents to find the perfect actor for a role.
An agent’s job is to market the actor and help them get work. Agents schedule auditions and go over acting contracts. Typically, the agent receives 10 percent of the actor’s contract if the actor lands the job.
To be signed with an agent, actors need to market themselves to talent agencies. They need a high-quality, professional headshot. They also need an acting résumé that lists any acting experience including commercials, television, film, and theater.
A photo of actors practicing their lines
Finding Success
Success in acting is usually not something that happens overnight, but every actor has their own goals. One person might be happy doing commercials and small roles in television. Another person might have their eye on the big screen.
Acting can be a fun and exciting job. It also requires hard work and dedication. Actors spend a lot of their time memorizing scripts. They work long hours filming. While this career is definitely not for everyone, for the right person it can be fun and exciting. Acting is a career with many benefits including fame and fortune. Do you think you have what it takes?
If you have a passion for performing and are willing to put in the effort, acting could be a fulfilling career for you. Keep in mind that it requires continuous learning and growth, as well as perseverance through auditions and potentially limited job opportunities. Education in drama or performing arts can be beneficial, but there is no one "right" path to success. Building your resume, networking, and potentially working with an agent can increase your chances of landing roles. However, it's important to remember that success in acting doesn't happen overnight, and finding your niche and personal goals in the industry is essential. If you believe you have the dedication and determination necessary for this career, then it could be an exciting and rewarding path for you.
Which two statements can be inferred from the passage as a whole?
It’s important for actors to be versatile and be able to play all different kinds of roles.
Actors need a college degree to be successful.
Acting is a career where it’s important to keep growing and learning.
Having an agent is the only way an actor can get jobs.
Why does the author include the information about New York and Los Angeles?
New York and Los Angeles are the top two cities for casting actors.
Most movies are filmed in New York and Los Angeles.
Most commercials are filmed in New York and Los Angeles.
New York and Los Angeles have more agents than any other cities in the United States.
Which three details describe how to get signed with an agent?
Actors need to market themselves to talent agencies.
Actors need a list of their education history including information on the high schools and colleges they attended.
Actors need a high-quality, professional headshot.
Actors need an acting résumé that lists any acting experience including commercials, television, film, and theater.
Describe the connection between an actor and an agent.
The agent hires the actor to work on different projects.
The agent teaches the actor different techniques and skills to help get more jobs.
The agent works directly for the casting director and is usually the first person to interview an actor.
The agent helps the actor schedule auditions and negotiate contracts.