There are two types of “typical days” for an Actor: one where they are on set or preparing for a role and the other involving getting work. Depending on the actual day and success level of an Actor, they may be doing taped auditions simultaneously while working on set. It’s also not unusual for an Actor to experience long stints between work while they continue to audition for roles. An Actor must make sure that their “Actor” lifestyle doesn’t take over their personal life. Some Actors will spend an entire week learning lines or preparing in other ways for a role, all without connecting to the outside world until their meeting or audition has happened. They may be waiting around for that hopeful phone call from an Agent/Manager about a potential callback/offer.
What may seem like a lull from a bird’s eye view is actually a long period of work, doing multiple auditions to get a job that will ultimately dictate every aspect of an Actor’s life. An audition consists of reading sides for a scene and performing for a Casting Director and/or Casting Associate, and perhaps a Producer and/or Director. Actors work quite extensively with their Agents and Managers on developing their careers and landing roles. When on set, the Actor’s main points of contact are the 1st Assistant Director, Director and any PAs. The Makeup, Costume and Sound Departments will also work closely with the Actors to get them ready for their scenes.
