Don't Let An Actors Salary Fool You

Well you've heard what they say, nothing can me more glam than life as an actor. Think about it, the fame, thousands of screaming fans admiring you and asking you for your autograph, and oh! of course, I almost forgot, all of that money that comes as part of the package. Many people dream about this fortune and lavish lifestyle but sit tight because I'm about to drop a bombshell that might knock you into next week, and then some.

The shocking truth is that many actors are struggling and finding it difficult to pay their rent let alone live up to the 'stereo typical' fantasy lifestyle that most people perceive. Acting is a very hard game to master and if your sole purpose is to come into this profession just for the money then I urge you to think again because unless you have a true passion for this craft, you may find yourself banging your head against a brick wall waiting for the next part to arrive that will pay you the mega dollars that you've been yearning for.

So How Much Is An Actors Salary?

Simply, how much any particular actor does make will be determined by many factors, such as: what level the play or film is considered to be, how many roles they have already been in, and for stage acting, the length of time spent in a said role.

In the first instance, the level of the play is decided by the professional quality of the said theater. For instance, everyone knows of Broadway, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when a person thinks about theatre and making it big on stage. This is probably the highest level where the actor would make the most money. Stepping down from there is off-Broadway, followed by off-off Broadway. Though all are professional theaters, with each progressive step down, is a bet that the salary will decrease. In addition to theatre, film also has levels, from television stars, to television movie stars, to the big screen and again each progressive step will be followed by a different actors salary.

An Actors Experience

The next thing to discuss is the experience of the actor. How many roles an actor has had may or may not directly impact an actors salary in a said role. However, the more experienced actors have a better shot at getting a higher role because they have had more practice, they know what’s expected of them. Also, an actor may be seen in a play or movie and be asked to take a role for a set actors salary if the directors find that they need this particular actor to fit the part based on their talent and their looks. This is why the more performances an actor does on the stage, the better, because there is more chance to be seen by other directors. It’s also why a film star wants to do their best, because another director may watch the movie they are in and decide to ask them to be in a movie they will be directing as well. These pointers are all so commonly overlooked unfortunately with just not enough people doing their research.

A West End musical or perhaps a Broadway show may go on for a number of years with the same actor playing the same part. Occasionally an actor may get bored after awhile and decide to try for another play down the line. The ones who stay in the show however; over the years will accumulate a larger salary for the role that they play than someone who is just joining the show for the very first year. Along with this, comes the size of the role. Someone who is playing the lead will probably be making a significant amount more than someone in the chorus of the show.

Obviously, there are many factors to determine when deciding upon a career, not just the money to be made. Once it’s determined that this is the path to follow, an actors salary may be small to begin with, but in this profession, it can grow along with the talent and passion in the world of an actor.

The thing to remember is not to just jump right in without really doing your homework first. Also, be sure to have another string to your bow. This is very important so that if things aren't going your way you can always have a back up plan in place to ensure your lifestyle isn't compromised.