Pursuing an acting career is the dream of millions of people, with few ever taking the steps needed to pursue their dream. When setting out on a career as an actor, the problem of paying for acting classes, headshots, theatre fees, and basic living can be a problem. Career Village reports technology has lowered the cost of starting an acting career, with headshots costing around $500.
1. Apply to the Nancy Etz Scholarship
The best actors spend years honing their craft in classes and with regional theatre groups. The first step on the acting ladder will often come at high school or college when an actor can explore the theatre for the first time. College students hoping to find financial help for their studies can apply to the Nancy Etz Scholarship, which provides a $1,000 donation towards tuition. Acting is one of the arts-based disciplines listed as part of the Nancy Etz Scholarship.
2. Get the Best Training
No matter how much natural talent a performer is born with, they can improve with training. Acting can be expensive, but choosing to audition for a regional community theatre will give you access to actors with more experience. High school and college productions are good ways of receiving free training from experienced individuals.
Moving up to professional level training will cost money. The choices include finding classes through a four-year college course or enrolling at a specialized dram school. If you are seeking financial assistance for your training, you should check your student loan eligibility.
3. Find a Job
The image of the resting actor is not sustainable in real life. Backstage reports the best option is to find a job offering the flexibility to attend auditions and pursue an acting career. The popular image of the penniless actor resting between jobs is a popular one but not sustainable. Acting coaches will often discuss the plans for making money for their students to make sure they can support themselves.
4. Choose a Base
The temptation is to choose to become an actor and immediately head for Los Angeles or New York. There are several hubs of theatre groups around the U.S. located in the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, and the Southeast. To learn to become an actor in Los Angeles or new york requires at least $10,000 in savings to find an apartment and give you time to find a flexible job. The cost of living close to a regional theatre group, such as those in Auston, Texas will be lower and provide an actor with the experience needed to learn their craft.
5. Chase Your Dream
One of the costly mistakes made by actors in the early stages of their careers is to sit and wait for the right opportunity. High-quality actors often write and perform their own material or form reading groups with actor friends. Taking your future into your own hands is less costly than sitting around waiting for the perfect role to fall into your lap.
The acting profession is difficult to break into and can take time to achieve success. In the end, actors with a reputation for talent and hard work are rewarded with the career they deserve.