Although formal education isn’t required to become an actor, many people earn a bachelor’s degree in theater to get a well-rounded understanding of acting and experience in performing a number of roles. Additional training can help fledgling actors hone various skills, from dancing to speaking with accents. Gaining experience in performing is at least as important as classroom education for actors. In 2016, there were 63,800 working actors in the United States. Twenty-six percent are self-employed, while 13 percent work for theater companies and dinner theaters. Another 5 percent work in professional, scientific and technical services, while 4 percent are employed by colleges, universities and professional schools.
