What Defines a Working Actor?

I’ve been casting for many years, and I realize that popular opinion has changed regarding what it means to be a working actor. One of the realities of the internet is that it has diminished boundaries, enabling information to virtually reach a massive number of people. This has resulted in having a broader understanding of many cultures, including unmasking what it takes to be an “everyday” working actor.

Insights: Lessons From Terry Berland

Acting is about upkeep and nurturing your skills as a performer.

Have professional headshots and regularly update your acting resume.

Have a team behind you, and understand acting from a business perspective.

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Previously, the definition of a working actor was pretty black or white. This meant: you are working when you book something, are on set or in a TV show or in a film. When that gig was over, you were basically looked at as an out-of-work actor.

The Modern Definition of “a Working Actor”

The culture of the definition of a working actor has changed. I believe the modern definition partially gained respect due to the number of videos circulating on the internet of celebrities and professional actors sharing personal inspirational words, including past struggles and how they overcame negative thoughts.

One video I watched was Michael Keaton’s Audition Mindset Acting Tips.

In this short video, Michael stunningly talks about how he changed his mindset regarding what it means to be a working actor. He says he used to focus on the job at the end of the audition. At some point, he turned his thought process around to understanding that an audition is the job. Therefore, every time he auditioned he was working.

Being moved by this professional actor’s thought-provoking inspirational video, I would like to take this a step further and share what I and many other casting directors feel is the definition of a working actor.

What it Means to Be “a Working Actor”

Acting is a craft that takes ongoing nurturing. I feel an actor is a working actor when they are actively working at the craft of acting. Which includes the following:

Taking Ongoing Acting Classes

Every week you are delving in and actively honing your craft, working at peeling the layers away to be the best that you can be at any given moment. Acting classes, of course, can include theatrical, commercial and voiceover; as well as audition workshops. One of the secrets to career longevity is regular training and honing your acting technique.

Have Professional Photos

Your photos are professionally catered to whichever acting venue you are pursuing in your acting career. Photos for each venue vary a bit (e.g., A film actor’s headshot is different from that of a stage actor’s).

Update Your Professional Resume

Acting resumes are different from business resumes. Whether you are a seasoned actor or transcending from business, high school or college acting, your resume will constantly be changing and updated as you evolve.

You can find examples of acting resumes all over the internet or in my book, Breaking into Commercials (The Complete Guide to Marketing Yourself, Auditioning to Win and Getting the Job). Look at several examples of resumes and choose the layout that resonates with you.

Be Registered on Professional Industry Casting Submission Sites

Make sure that you are registered and actively participating on these sites. That includes being vigilant about submitting for casting calls, confirming casting appointments, self-taping, confirming in a timely manner and going to in-person auditions and callbacks when requested.

Have the Proper Equipment to Audition

Countless auditions are self-taped nowadays. This is the new normal, which means you need to make sure you know and have the proper equipment for competitive self tapes. It is not an expensive proposition.

Have a Team Behind You

Have an agent or seek agent representation.

An agent is part of your team. Communicating and feeling in partnership with your agent is important.

Be Responsible and Knowledgeable About the Business of Acting

Keep current and be dependable regarding auditions, avails and bookings.

In a nutshell, you are a successful working actor being a focused self-employed entrepreneur putting thought and investment into your career; devoting time to maintaining your craft of acting so that you can bring characters to life. Actors are no different than all people in their own business who have to prepare, maintain and plan in between paying gigs.