Different paths can lead to becoming an actor, but most aspiring actors follow a similar direction. Training for actors can be obtained in various ways, such as academic training, attending studio schools, or gaining experience through practice.
The young actors’ career would typically start with smaller performances, such as those at school, social clubs, or children’s associations. In order to advance to larger scale experiences, the aspiring actor would usually try to find an agent. However, it is quite challenging to secure an agent early on in their career. As a result, many actors choose to join organizations like The Spotlight.
The Spotlight is a small organization with a vast production. It serves as the industry’s central hub for self-advertising, regardless of whether you have an agent. Being a part of it is vital, as it is the primary resource for nearly everyone involved in casting productions (Dunmore, 1991, p.35).
The research highlights the importance of participating in The Spotlight organization. It is described as the central platform for finding job opportunities across the entire industry and is utilized by numerous actors. While the promotion and significance surrounding The Spotlight are appealing and undeniably essential, the associated expenses pose another challenge for aspiring actors.
The academic training is the most common pathway for beginning a professional acting career. The rising expenses associated with studying in drama school have become a significant concern in Britain. Some of the popular schools in the country include ALRA, Arts Ed, Guildford School of Acting, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and Oxford School of Drama.
These specific schools provide Dance and Drama Awards (D&DAs) to eligible students. D&DAs are government-funded scholarships designed to enable the most talented students to attend independent Drama Schools. Typically, a small number of students are chosen for D&DAs based on their potential to benefit from the training but lack the financial means to afford the fees. (West, 2005, p.11).
Many actors must save money or rely on wealthy family members to pay for their tuition fees. Otherwise, they can write to an organization or individual and request sponsorship for Drama College. If their request is approved, the actor will receive sponsored tuition fees.
After completing the required training, it is usually expected for a young actor to have an agent, although it is not crucial. According to Westbrook (2012, p.134), “Once you gain some experience, you can seek representation. While having an agent isn’t mandatory, they can provide more opportunities than going without one.”
Acquiring an agent is a difficult endeavor. A potential method consists of the actor sending a letter to the agent, requesting representation, provided that the agent is presently accepting unsolicited submissions. Along with composing a letter, it is crucial for the actor to have their performance witnessed by the agent in a production and propose working together. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that contrary to popular belief, agents do not manage every aspect of an actor’s work. Their role solely involves securing auditions for the actor; attending auditions and obtaining roles remains the responsibility of the actor.
An actor must be ready to confront rejection, which contradicts the popular notion of instant fame. It may require several years for an actor to achieve success in the industry and still not attain any acknowledgment.
Like any other professional, the performer must save money in order to plan for a successful career. The most effective approach is to fully focus on securing interviews and jobs without worrying about financial support for at least the first six months. Once settled, one can then shift their attention towards the primary objective of obtaining a job (Henry and Rogers, 2008 p.35).
Financial difficulties pose a significant barrier for individuals pursuing a career in acting. The limited job opportunities in the field leave many aspiring actors struggling to make ends meet, often requiring them to take on multiple jobs to support their ambitions. As Harrop (1992, p.26) notes, although there are notable actors like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, countless others find themselves either unemployed or working in restaurants just to survive. This investigation highlights a stark contrast between the number of unemployed and employed actors within the industry, underscoring the fact that a substantial portion of actors must juggle multiple jobs to finance their dreams.
The pressure on actors to succeed and maintain a steady income is incredibly stressful. It can be difficult for them to find time for rehearsals, filming, and learning lines while also working enough to afford their basic needs. Consequently, many unemployed actors face challenges in pursuing their dreams and supporting themselves financially. According to Henry and Rogers (2008, p.10), “Dealing with the pressures of rehearsal, production, and performance while worrying about whether you’ll have enough money to pay rent is more than just foolish.” This often causes actors to abandon their aspirations.
However, achieving a desired income and a stable position in the acting industry can have its downsides. The negative feedback that comes with fame can be disheartening, as noted in Harrop’s (1992, p.106) study: “The most harmful type of criticism is an essay written by a critic solely to boost their own ego, using dismissive and clever language without any consideration for the actor who has to face the public. This kind of criticism can be emotionally damaging.”
This quote exemplifies the negative impact that criticism can have on an actor’s career. It is crucial for actors to possess confidence in order to audition and perform effectively. Critiques, including personal stories or judgments about an actor’s life, appearance, or relationships, can significantly harm their self-esteem. This illustrates how insensitive and humiliating criticism can be, often inflicting more damage than intended. Specific articles in magazines and newspapers, particularly those focusing on famous actors’ relationships, may contain false and exaggerated information. In such cases, actors’ personal lives and relationships are exploited for publicity purposes. This exploitation can have psychological consequences for actors as seen in Winona Ryder’s statement in Meikle (2004, p. 123) regarding the relentless pursuit of paparazzi and its toll on her relationship: “Every day, we heard that we were either cheating on each other or that we were broken up when we weren’t.”
According to research, an actor’s personal life and relationships can be manipulated and used for marketing purposes. However, these stories may not always be truthful or accurate. This exploitation can adversely affect the mental well-being of actors, as demonstrated in the aforementioned quote by Harrop (1992, p.106). Harrop emphasizes that critics have their own motivations, such as advancing their careers or increasing newspaper sales.
Excessive media coverage can negatively impact an actor’s reputation but also brings attention to their personal issues. While it cannot be definitively proven that the media alone causes psychological problems in actors, previous research and ongoing media content support this assertion. It’s worth noting that being an actor entails more than just memorizing lines and following a director’s guidance – it requires innate creativity and unwavering determination to succeed, even when facing constant scrutiny from the media.
Becoming an actor and finding success in the industry can bring about new challenges. Regardless of the profession or age, individuals aspiring to be professionals often encounter obstacles in their pursuit of their goals and dreams of an effortless life. However, even after reaching these goals, actors continue to face obstacles in their careers. As Garrison (2002, p. 1) states, “Many talented actors fail in show business because they forget that show business is a business.” Overcoming these hurdles becomes easier for actors who possess a deep passion for their craft. With the right determination and hunger for acting, actors can overcome any challenge to achieve their aspirations.
