An actor brings a character to life using their body, voice, and emotions. But great acting is more than just memorizing lines. It requires navigating on-set responsibilities and managing life between roles to build a long-lasting and successful career.

On-Set Life

When an actor is on a set, their main points of contact are the 1st assistant director, director, and any PAs. The makeup, costume, and sound departments, armorers, and choreographers will also work closely with the actors to get them ready for their scenes.

Once cameras are rolling, an actor will work with the cast and crew to portray their character, applying notes and direction until the director is satisfied with the take.

Should an actor rise to fame, they may also need to be present for promotional shoots, events, and media tours to market their film or other project.

Every on-set experience will be different. Actor Tom Holland shows at-home audiences what it’s like for him while in principal photography on Uncharted.

Off-Set Life

An actor’s work doesn’t end when a production wraps. In fact, much of their career is spent in between roles, actively preparing for the next opportunity.

Getting into character
When an actor is “booked,” it means they have landed a role. Depending on their technique, much of their time could be dedicated to analyzing their character’s choices, memorizing lines, and figuring out the best way to approach a role. This might involve extensive background research, taking notes, or rehearsing with the director and other actors.

Applying to casting calls
If an actor does not have representation, they are responsible for seeking out casting calls and landing auditions on their own. This requires researching casting websites and submitting items like headshots, reels, cover letters, and acting resumes when applicable.

If an actor has an agent or a manager, those representatives may be able to submit to opportunities on the actor’s behalf. Most of the time, their reps have access to exclusive casting calls.

Auditioning
An audition consists of reading sides, which are excepts of a scene, and performing for a casting director and/or casting associate. In some cases, a producer and/or the director may also be present. In the post-Covid era, self-tapes and Zoom auditions have become a popular and convenient alternative to in-person auditions.

Sharpening skills
Actors may spend considerable energy and time waiting for that phone call from their agent or manager about a potential callback or offer. What may seem like a professional lull is actually a period of hard work with workshops, classes, short films, and other activities to help improve an actor’s chances of booking a gig.

Self-promotion
Actors work extensively with their agents and managers to develop their careers and land roles. Without representation, an actor might spend a few hours each week trying to catch the attention of agents, managers, casting directors, and directors. This could include activities like networking at events, volunteering on film sets, social media branding, and self-producing content.

How do actors get started in the business? There’s no one single path to success, as Matthew McConaughey describes his own unique foot-in-the-door story.

The pay scale for actors can fluctuate greatly depending on the medium in which they are working, with the average salary falling just around $62,318 per year.

The rates for an actor working on a cable show, streaming show, web series, or short film will generally be less than that for a network show or studio-backed feature film. In some cases, an actor might participate in a project for no or deferred pay.

Union vs Non-Union

How much an actor receives for their work can depend on whether they are a non-union actor or union actor. Non-union actors have highly flexible rates, while union actors work under contracts with established minimums. Because union membership is reserved for proven professionals, union actors typically earn more than non-union actors.

Payment rates likewise depend on the level of work being done. Someone with less than five lines will receive less pay than the star of the show.

How Film Actors Get Paid

On a feature film, actors typically get paid per day or per week of filming. As of 2025, SAG-AFTRA daily minimum rates begin at $241 per day for ultra low budget productions, $783 for low budget productions, and $1,204 for theatrical productions.³

In the case of the biggest stars, however, pay rates are higher, and can be accepted as lump sums. A well-known actor can even make several million dollars for a single role. This figure tends to include backend points, which are a percentage of a movie’s profits. For instance, Robert Downey Jr. earned $20 million up front for his role in Avengers: Endgame, but made an extra $55 million off the film’s profits.⁴

How TV Actors Get Paid

Actors with smaller TV roles are usually paid a daily rate, while actors with larger recurring roles are paid per episode. A recurring role on a network TV show can earn an actor anywhere from $20,000 to $1 million should both the show and the actor themselves be highly successful. In 2022, Kevin Costner made more than $1 million per episode on Yellowstone.⁵

Many actors worry about how much they can make in this career, but it’s important to keep in mind as well how much you might spend as a performer. Check out this video for an inside look!

Is it Difficult to Become an Actor?

Acting is one of the most sought-after careers.

In order to fully understand the competitive nature of the industry and how to build a successful career, we talked to several actors from hit films and TV shows, including Gerald Isaac Waters (All Together Now, Angie Tribeca). According to Waters, “You’ve got to be able to handle rejection. That’s the thing no one really talks about. You hear about all these overnight sensations, but they’ve been in the business for twelve, fifteen years.”

In order to pay the bills, many actors pursue roles while juggling flexible employment as restaurant servers, bartenders, rideshare drivers, or similar work. This need has grown as streaming platforms and web series, while creating more opportunities, often pay lower rates than traditional film and television.

Though it may be difficult to land a high-paying role, new media platforms and filmmaking technologies make it easier than ever for actors to find work. Many actors film skits or shorts with their phones and upload them to self-distribution platforms like YouTube. Even Director Sean Baker’s breakthrough film Tangerine earned a theatrical release despite being shot entirely on an iPhone.

Best Cities for Actors

An actor’s career success will also depend on where they are located. Outside of voice work, which can potentially be done from any location, many actors live or relocate to entertainment hubs where films and TV shows are regularly being shot.

Though Los Angeles and New York City remain the top cities for actors, state tax incentives have expanded the list to include cities like:

• Las Vegas, NV
• Atlanta, GA
• San Francisco, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Stamford, CT
• Austin, TX

However, because these cities tend to attract many aspiring actors, it also means an increase in competition for auditions and paid gigs.

To build a lasting and financially solvent career, an actor depends on a combination of talent, experience, and industry connections. It’s important that an actor continually hone their craft and keep developing relationships that could lead to future acting opportunities.

The path to success in acting is one often littered with frustration and disappointment. Matt Damon describes his early days as a struggling actor.

So, how do you become an actor?

Well, there isn’t a cookie-cutter path to making it, and getting the “big break” can come in a myriad of ways. However, there are some common steps many actors take on their path to success.

Study Acting

Many actors begin their careers with formal training through a college theater program. Not only is this a standard way to develop those acting chops, but it can also provide great opportunities for networking with other actors. Did you know that Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve were roommates while attending The Juilliard School?

Some actors choose to get their formal training outside of traditional higher education. Acting studios, improv studios, and more can be found in both large cities and small towns.

Get Professional Headshots

A headshot is often the first thing casting directors see when they’re going through submissions for a role, and as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. It’s absolutely vital for an actor to invest in high-quality, recent, and accurate headshots.

Headshots can even help actors with little to no experience book an audition. Check out Casting Director Benton Whitely’s opinion on what makes a great headshot.

Grow Your Acting Experience

Local theater groups 
Many actors start their journeys well before they graduate high school, which means it’s never too soon to begin honing those acting skills. Local theaters can provide opportunities to build an acting resume of work regardless of an actor’s age.

Independent projects
Given that the average smartphone has the capacity to capture high-quality footage, many emerging actors collaborate with other creatives to make DIY short films and web series.

Some actors become multi-hyphenates such as writer-actor or actor-producer. These individuals write material for themselves and/or produce it with the hope that it will attract the attention of managers, agents, casting directors, directors, producers, and anyone else who might be in a position to hire them for a role.

Did you know the hit Comedy Central show Broad City started as a web series? Despite limited resources, Actors Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson were able to catch the attention of Amy Poehler, launching their acting careers.

Background acting
Background actors, or extras, fill non-speaking roles that are much more numerous and easier to book than speaking roles. The experience allows actors to see what life is like on a set, make connections, and, if they’re lucky, maybe even get bumped up to a speaking role.

For Waters, background acting was an integral part of his path to professional acting. “Background opened up doors for me to get my SAG vouchers and then that opened a door to getting an acting coach,” he explains. “By working on background, I met another actress who was also in a chair and she referred me to her agent.”

Write an Acting Resume

Some casting calls require actors to submit an up-to-date acting resume. An acting resume is a one-page document that succinctly outlines an actor’s experience and other relevant casting details.

Create an Acting Reel

Acting demo reels are a great way for actors to show off their talent and experience. These video compilations feature the best moments in an actor’s performance, highlighting their strengths and/or emotional range.

If an actor doesn’t have any clips they could use from professional shoots, that’s no problem! They can always shoot some scenes with their friends, or perform a monologue on-camera.

Join a Union

Once an actor has enough experience, they typically choose to join an acting union. SAG-AFTRA membership generally provides stronger contract protections, access to higher-paying productions, and exclusive workshops and networking opportunities.

Build a Team

Another key component of pursuing a successful career is finding representation. A manager and agent are two vital individuals who can help an actor reach greater levels of success. With the former helping to hone an actor’s career path (and land auditions) and the latter focusing exclusively on getting auditions for talent, both can be instrumental for an actor’s professional life.

From there, an actor’s career path depends greatly on landing gigs that will get them noticed while also helping to develop their skillsets.

Get Started Today

You don’t have to wait for a manager, agent, or casting director to get started on that path to success. Here are some things you can do today to get started on your career:

• Take an acting class
• Take an improv class
• Read plays and screenplays
• Watch movies
• Create a profile on casting sites in your market
• Take professional acting headshots
• Create an acting reel so others can see your work
• Reach out to potential agents and managers for representation

Acting is much more than playing a part. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people who start a career in acting quit within ten years,⁶ as it requires a whole lot of skill, determination, and emotional resilience to succeed.

“I think working in this industry is one of the most rewarding industries you can work in,” explains Chloe Farnworth (MaXXXine, Departure, 12 Hour Shift). “But it’s definitely very challenging and you need to be very open, happy, and willing to work very hard.”

Because of this, people interested in learning how to become an actor must excel in a number of skills on and off the set.

Technical Skills

A significant part of an actor’s job is delving into the inner emotional world of the character they are playing. For this reason, it’s critical that an actor be able to access the vulnerability and authenticity that will successfully bring that character to life, and communicate these abilities on-set and during an audition.

There’s also the adage of “acting is reacting,” which in large part means being able to work with and play off the emotions of other actors.

As with any craft, it takes practice for an actor to become proficient at portraying the many diverse characters they may be asked to play over the course of their career.

Emotional Resilience

Actors must find a work-life balance that supports their craft while allowing them to maintain their mental and emotional health. The stress of rejection, fast-paced set environments, and low-paid work can weigh down on an actor, so emotional resilience is key.

Farnworth recommends aspiring actors eliminate the word “rejection” from their vocabulary. She explains, “You’ll get a lot further in this industry and be much happier because so many things are out of your hands… the most control you have is to do a good job and to be better than great in your auditions and when you’re on set working!”

Working Well With Others

Many actors enjoy the opportunity to dive into a long and emotional monologue, but a huge component of acting is being able to engage with the other professionals.

Whether it’s exercising patience as the crew sets up a shot, responding to notes with humility, or simply treating everyone with respect, actors who understand filmmaking as a collaborative industry tend to build long-lasting relationships in the industry.

Treating Acting Like a Business

As Waters puts it, actors are the “CEO” of their own business. They’re constantly searching for gigs, weighing offers, reading through contracts, forming a personal brand, and managing their finances. Even with representation, actors should have a decent understanding of self employment taxes, business, and time management.

An actor often needs to be their own marketing and PR person as well. Given the level of competition in the acting field, it’s frequently up to an actor to position themselves prominently in order for managers, agents, and casting directors to notice their work. That means being comfortable networking, as well as writing and/or producing independent projects that will hopefully get them on the radar of the individuals who can help them progress in their careers. 

Acting can be learned outside of traditional education, but many actors seek out some type of formal training through college, acting classes, or workshops.

Choosing the Right Acting School

The educational options for actors have come a long way in the last 100 years. Once upon a time, an actor simply got on stage or in front of the camera and started acting. Now there are many notable institutions that can help an actor prepare for those roles. The Juilliard School, The Actors Studio, and the American Conservancy Theater are some prestigious examples among the many acting schools and programs across the United States.

When deciding between these institutions, aspiring actors will likely find themselves attracted to a particular acting method. Some of the most popular types of acting include…

•  Classical Acting
• Method Acting
• Meisner Technique
• Chekhov Technique
• Stanislavski System

Acting Classes

Formal training isn’t only for actors just starting out in their careers. Many successful actors continue to hone their skills through short-term acting classes or with an acting mentor for the duration of their professional lives. While Actor Teach Grant (It Chapter 2, Van Helsing) encourages acting classes, he also recognizes that too much training can tank an actor’s performance. 

On-Set Training

If an actor decides to forego formal training, they can still develop their craft through on-the-job experience. Again, there’s no shortage of options. Many can find opportunities through student films, short films, community theater, web series work, and other more readily accessible jobs as they build their resume of work to more high-profile gigs.

However an actor chooses to sharpen their skillsets, they must continually work on that all-important element of accessing the inner emotional world of the character they’re playing, bringing them to life in a film, TV show, play, or other type of role.

What kind of education do you need to set yourself up for success as an actor? Take a look at this video to find out.

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to go from zero experience to landing your first acting gigs (even at the local level):

1. Take acting classes to build your foundation. Even if you’ve got raw talent, formal training helps you hone it. Sign up for acting classes or workshops – at school, a community theater, or even online. You’ll learn how to use your voice and body, play different characters, and take direction like a pro. Classes also get you comfortable performing in front of others (goodbye stage fright!) in a supportive environment. Bonus: you’ll meet fellow aspiring actors and start building your creative network from day one.




2. Join a theater group and perform whenever you can. Acting is a “learn by doing” craft, so get yourself on a stage. Try out for your school play or look for community theater productions in your town. It might be unpaid and the audience might just be friends and family, but every bit of experience counts. Playing a role in a live show teaches you discipline, memorization, and teamwork. Plus, it’s a blast! You’ll gain confidence and collect some credits for your budding résumé. And don’t be shy – even small roles (or playing a tree in the background) will help you grow as an actor.




3. Volunteer for student films and make your own short videos. On-camera experience is key for film actors, so dive into small film projects. Local film students and indie filmmakers are often casting short films and web series – and they love newcomers. These gigs usually don’t pay (maybe you’ll get free pizza), but they give you a feel for acting in front of a camera. You can find opportunities on school bulletin boards, online forums, or by networking with young filmmakers. If you can’t find a project, create one with friends: shoot a scene or a skit with your phone. The goal is to get comfortable with the camera and start building footage of yourself acting. Who cares if it’s low-budget? You’re gaining experience and showing initiative, which is what counts.




4. Work as a Background Actor to get on-set experience. Background acting (being an Extra in movies or TV) is a great way to observe the pros and get a taste of a real film set. You won’t have lines, but you will learn how productions work – and you’ll earn a little money, too. Sign up with local casting agencies or websites that specialize in extras casting, and keep an eye out for any film or TV shoots in your area. Yes, there’s a lot of waiting around when you’re an Extra, but use that time to watch the lead actors and crew in action. You’ll pick up set etiquette and make connections with other industry hopefuls. Sometimes an Extra gig can even lead to bigger things, as one actor’s story shows:




“Background opened up doors for me to get my SAG vouchers… By working on background, I met another actress who referred me to her agent.” – Gerald Isaac Waters
5. Invest in a professional headshot. When you start going to auditions, a quality headshot is a must-have. This is the calling card that casting directors and agents see before they ever meet you. It should be a well-lit, color photo of your face (typically from the chest up) that genuinely looks like you. No, your friend’s iPhone pic or a filtered selfie isn’t enough – it’s worth paying a photographer who specializes in headshots for actors. A great headshot can make you stand out in a pile of submissions. It shows your personality and type at a glance (are you the funny best friend? the action hero?). If money is tight, seek out an affordable photographer or a local photography student, but make sure the result is high-quality and professional. First impressions matter!




6. Put together an acting résumé. Just like any job, acting gigs often require a résumé. As a beginner, you might worry you have nothing to list – but you probably have more than you think. Your acting résumé will include any performances you’ve done (that school play, that student film role), your training (classes, workshops, drama camp), and special skills (accents, juggling, sports, musical talents – anything that might be useful for a role). Keep it to one page and use a clean, simple format. Don’t pad it with irrelevant info; it’s fine if it’s short. The key is to show you’re taking this seriously. Even listing a couple of projects and training programs tells casting directors that you’re actively learning and working. Update your résumé as you gain experience.




7. Create a demo reel (even if you DIY it). A demo reel is like your personal highlight film – it lets people see you act on screen. For beginners, this might be a one- to two-minute video with a few scenes showcasing your range. If you’ve done some student films or online skits, gather your best clips from those. No footage yet? No problem. Film yourself doing a short monologue or a scene with a friend. The production quality doesn’t need to be Hollywood-level; shoot in good lighting with clear sound, and that will do the trick. Make sure the reel jumps straight into your best moments (casting directors often decide in seconds). As you get more professional work, you can update it, but a well-done DIY reel is perfectly fine to start – it shows casting folks what you look and sound like acting in front of a camera.




8. Find auditions and start self-submitting. Now it’s time to put those materials to use and actually go for roles. Sign up on casting platforms (like Backstage, Casting Networks, or Actors Access) and fill out your profile with that shiny new headshot, résumé, and reel. These sites list tons of casting calls for student films, indie movies, web series, local theater, and even commercials. You can also join Facebook groups or online forums for your local film community – they often share casting notices. When you spot a role that fits your age and type, submit your stuff and/or follow the audition instructions. At first, you’ll be going out for smaller projects, and that’s perfect. Every audition is good practice, even if you don’t get the part. Don’t be discouraged by rejection – it’s all part of the process. Keep refining your audition skills (take an audition technique class if you can) and keep putting yourself out there. Eventually, those auditions will lead to a “Yes!” and you’ll land that first role.




9. Network in your local film scene (and consider an agent). Who you know can be as helpful as what you know in the entertainment world. Be friendly and professional with everyone you meet in classes, on set, or at theater productions – today’s classmate could be tomorrow’s Director casting a project. Attend local film festivals, workshops, or mixers if you have them; introduce yourself and show genuine interest in others’ work (networking is just making creative friends!). As you build a bit of experience, you might also reach out to talent agents in your region. A local agent can submit you for roles you might not hear about on your own, like regional commercials or bigger projects coming through town. When approaching an agent, you’ll typically send your headshot, résumé, and demo reel, and maybe meet for an interview or audition. Not every beginner needs an agent right away, but it’s something to consider once you have some training and credits. Whether or not you have representation, keep in touch with the people you work with and support their projects – a good reputation and strong relationships can lead to referrals and auditions down the line.




10. Stay persistent and keep improving your craft. An acting career is a marathon, not a sprint, so prepare for the long haul. You will hear “no” many, many times before you get a “yes.” Don’t let rejection sap your passion – every actor goes through it. Instead, use it as fuel to get better. Continue to take classes, watch performances, and practice your skills (from voice exercises to learning new accents or techniques). If opportunities aren’t coming your way, create your own: put on a showcase with friends or film a short scene to share online. Most of all, stay positive and hungry. The ones who make it are the ones who didn’t quit. As actor Simu Liu advises:




“You need to constantly improve your craft, leverage your network and relationships, market yourself, curate your image, and meet deadlines. Hold yourself to that standard.” – Simu Liu

If you want to learn more about how to become an actor, there are a variety of professional and online resources worth checking out.

Local Organizations

Depending on the location, in-person acting organizations provide local actors with resources, including networking events, casting calls, and access to training. Most major cities in the United States, including some smaller towns, have local theater companies full of resources and opportunities.

Unions

As mentioned, the main union for film, television, and commercial actors is the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). They mostly handle negotiating base rates for actors, but their website also provides extensive information, event schedules, and links for aspiring actors. Actors who pursue stage or theater work can check out the  Actors’ Equity Association.

However, membership is not automatic. If you want to become a union actor, research the qualifications necessary to join SAG or AEA.

Online Resources

Each acting market has its own online casting websites where actors can create a profile with their headshot, resume, and reel. You can use these sites to submit for roles and send your profile to agents and managers when you’re looking for representation. Several of the main sites are Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks.

MasterClass is another online resource where industry professionals conduct online classes for students. Some of their teachers include A-list actors like Natalie Portman, Helen Mirren, and Samuel L. Jackson.