Many Actors can find fulfillment through their work but might still need to have a “day job” to pay the bills. To be available for auditions and possible future gigs, many Actors seek out flexible employment as Restaurant Servers, Bartenders, Rideshare Drivers, and other similar types of jobs, which generally do not provide ample financial security. The success of any given Actor will also depend on a combination of their talent, training, and industry connections. In the case of the latter two, it’s important that an Actor continually hone their craft and keep developing relationships that could lead to future acting opportunities.
The word acting tends to conjure specific images in the mind of an outsider: usually, a star performer on stage or screen. In truth, there is an exceptional range of experiences and opportunities available to professional actors. Actors work on films, television shows, advertisements, plays, musicals, radio pieces, puppet shows, and video games. They might perform in comedy and improv shows, or participate in interdisciplinary artistic collaborations. In addition to entertainment work, they might also appear in informational or instructional videos, skits, and demonstrations. Although the film and stage industries are centered around New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, actors work in cities throughout the country.
