Actors come from a great variety of backgrounds, work in a number of distinct industries, and develop their craft in different ways—which is to say that there’s far more than a single career path for an actor. Many are self-taught, while others have certificates, BAs, BFAs, or master’s degrees, the latter of which enables them to work as drama teachers at a university level. Most begin working professionally in their early 20s, at which point they’re unlikely to support themselves solely by acting. Beginning actors might supplement their acting income by working administrative or technical positions within their industry, or by teaching children.
