The life of an actor is not an easy one. It looks glamorous from the outside since most people only think about the actual process of acting on a film or TV set. They don't think about the amount of time spent at auditions, the money that goes into acting classes and headshots and the (sometimes) negative feedback from others.
Are you interested in becoming a professional actor? If so, take this quiz to see if acting is the right career choice for you!
Are you okay with not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from or when you will have another paycheck?
For most actors, consistent work is not something that normally happens. If you are looking for a steady paycheck, this might not be the job for you.
Do you like being rejected on a regular basis?
You don't hear back from a casting director if you don't book a job. You either don't hear anything or you see an announcement online about the actor that landed the part you hoped to book. If you can't handle the constant rejection when it comes to booking acting roles, you might consider another line of work.
Are you willing to make the choice between paying for headshots and acting classes instead of essential items?
Sometimes actors have to make the choice between paying for items crucial to their chosen profession (such as acting classes and headshots) or buying a new couch or new tires for their car. If you would rather spend any extra money you have on advancing your career, you might be suited for the acting world.
Are you okay with being judged on your physical appearance?
There are many times that the final decision for a role is not based on your acting ability. The casting director is often trying to "mix and match" actors in order to achieve a certain look among the characters. You might be too tall or too small for what the casting folks have in mind. You might have too much hair or not enough hair. You might look more like a brother or sister than the possible love interest of the other actor or actress. Being judged on your looks is a big part of the audition process and you have to accept that fact if you want to make it as an actor.
Can you handle criticism?
It is the job of casting directors as well as producers and the director on set to give you feedback about your work. If you are the type of person who thinks that every choice you make is the right one at all times, you either have to learn to accept criticism or find a line of work where nobody will give you any sort of guidance or direction. I don't know if such a job exists but maybe you can find it.
Are you prepared to disappoint your family and friends?
No matter how much you plan ahead, there will be a time when your manager or agent calls with a last minute audition or booking. Actors often have to miss dinners, birthdays and holiday trips home because of the last minute nature of the industry. There will be many times that your family and friends will be upset with you and discourage your choice of such an unpredictable career. Being an actor means giving up precious time with them as you follow your dreams.
Does the thought of your friends living a normal life make you jealous?
Hopefully, you will be happy seeing your friends get married, have a steady job and buy a house where they will raise a family. Does the thought of having a "normal life" make you jealous or does it not seem appealing at all? If seeing your friends raise a family while having a regular job makes you jealous, you might not be cut out for the life of an actor.
Is acting the only career choice that makes you happy?
If the thought of being an actor makes you smile and brings you happiness, you have made the right choice so get out there and kick some acting butt!
How did you do on the quiz?
If you scored 7 or 8 points, you are ready to live the life of an actor.
If you scored 5 or 6 points, you might want to think twice before moving to Los Angeles.
If you scored 4 (or below) points, stay home because the uncertain life of an actor is not for you.
This actor is still working hard to succeed in Hollywood.
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