Actors

Pursuing an acting career takes passion, dedication, and the willingness to share the spotlight. You might live in New York City or Los Angeles and wait tables while you attend countless cattle calls (mass auditions) just to be considered for a small walk-on role.

While most big-name stars and aspiring actors alike do live and work in New York City or Los Angeles, many actors can find work outside these hubs. Opportunities exist with regional theater companies, TV studios, radio stations, nightclubs, and even theme parks.

Actors play characters in theater, film, TV, radio, and other media. Actors interpret scripts and perform roles that entertain, inform, or teach an audience.

“You have to remain humble and easy to work with … If you have an attitude, you can easily be replaced.” Melissa, Dancer/Actor/Singer

Are You Ready To...?

• Interpret old roles in new ways
• Devote a lot of time to auditioning, memorizing lines, and rehearsing
• Work nights and weekends
• Travel or move frequently

It Helps To Be...

Creative, passionate, and expressive as well as knowledgeable about your craft. You should also be patient and determined and have a thick skin. Actors face a lot of rejection, as competition in this field is fierce.

Make High School Count

• Take drama and theater classes at your high school. If these classes are not offered, look into taking acting classes at a community center.
• Make the most of English by learning how to read and analyze a wide range of plays.
• Work for your high school radio station.
• Perform with local theater groups.
• Attend acting camp or summer acting workshops.