Actor’s training at college or professional work from an agency?
by Texas A&M University-Commerce Digital Collections
Question by broadwaybuff: Actor’s training at college or professional work from an agency?
I am a sophomore in college. I’m looking into minoring in Theatre, since my major in English. I know that acting is a very competitive career and hectic lifestyle but I’m willing to work hard no matter the rejections and time it takes. Also, I am going to be getting a master’s degree in something else as a backup plan, as a “survival job” ,or just if the acting fails. Anyways what is better in my situation: I’m 19 but I have never received any previous training and it’s what I really want to do. So do I do it at college or work professionally at an acting agency?
Best answer:
Answer by Limivourous
Professional work from an agency will not be enough to constitute training as an actor. Joining SAG will be difficult enough and until you’ve done that you won’t be eligible for professional work. The competition you face at any reputable agency, let alone top agency will stun you. So you should involve yourself in acting at college and finish your degree. You will need a day (survival) job when you pursue acting as a career and you will most likely need it for years. It takes years to build a career and you should be aware that 98% of the Screen Actors Guild membership makes less than $ 5000 per calender year as an actor, which means it is little more than a supplement to regular income.
Also, head over to Amazon and research some books on the business of being a professional actor. Lack of business knowledge is what dooms most would be actors.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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I minor in Theatre in College. And guess what? I have been acting for the last 6 years, and my ‘survival job’ is still paying the bills.
Like what was mentioned above (he’s got my vote!!) you should definitely get your degree. (You should always havve a ‘Plan B’)
Minor in Theatre will help you get a great foundation in your Acting Techniques. By involving in School productions, you will earn your first credits on your ‘Actor Resume.’ If your school doesn’t offer a “Business of Acting” class - you can always address that to your Instructor in class. (How to put together a resume? What’s a reel? Where and how to get a Talent Agent? What’s the life after College going to be for Actors?)
Believe me, Actors continuous to train. Even if you are still in College or completed College, eventually you will want to expand your training at local Acting Studios and Workshops.
With a decent credits on your Actor Resume, a Headshot, and a Reel - it will be very hard for you to get a legit Talent Agent to represent you. (Talent Agents do not have the time to develop an ammature Actor. They prefer to sign talents who are ready to work and book jobs)
It will be hard to balance an Acting Career and a Survival Job - but you need the money to really support your Acting Career. It’s expensive to continue your training, it’s expensive to print headshots… Getting a photographers… and Traveling to Auditions….
Just do you best, and let your passion for acting carry you through.
(I sleep whenever I get the chance to)
Here are some books that I’d recommend you to read, to learn about the Business side of Acting and how to plan out your Acting Career.
Acting as a Business - Brian O’Neil
Acting is Everything - Judy Kerr
Self-Management for Actors - Bonnie Gillespie
An Agent Tells All - Tony Martinez
Good Luck with everything!!!!!