An actor’s job is to bring to life characters created by playwrights and scriptwriters. They interpret their role with guidance from a director, and perform either in front of a live audience, usually in a theatre setting, or for a TV, radio or film broadcast. A live theatre performance has to be accurate every time, whereas pre-recorded film, radio or television productions can involve numerous ‘takes’ (recordings) before the director is satisfied.
A great deal of an actor’s working life is spent rehearsing and preparing for performances. They attend costume fittings and also spend time in make-up. In the theatre, actors may perform the same role for weeks, or even months. They also need to research their characters, learn their lines and attend auditions.
A successful actor must be able to work well with other actors and all members of the production crew.
Most actors spend periods of time out of work and have to work hard to find their next job. It helps to be versatile. Skills such as singing and dancing can make it easier to find work. Stunt performers, variety acts, comedians and mime artists are also part of the acting profession.
Theatre actors in smaller companies may be involved in administration and staging the performance.
Hours and environment
An actor’s working hours may be long and irregular, and may include evenings and weekends.
Actors may work indoors in a theatre, community centre or concert hall or in TV, radio and film studios. Studio and stage lighting can make indoor locations hot. For film and TV, actors may work on location, which could be anywhere in Ireland or overseas. Outdoor filming can be very uncomfortable and usually involves a great deal of sitting and standing around, waiting for lights, props and sets to be organised.
Rehearsal facilities and dressing rooms can be fairly basic, particularly in small venues.
In some roles, actors may have to wear uncomfortable make-up, prosthetics or costumes for long periods of time.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
According to Irish Equity empirical evidence estimates that the average income of professional actors from their work as actors is under €15,000, with half earning €8,000 or less.
Some small-scale productions work on a profit-sharing basis and pay depends on the success of the production.
Skills and personal qualities
Actors need:
- talent
- to be self-disciplined and hardworking
- to work well in a team
- a strong, trained voice
- a lively and creative personality
- stamina and good physical fitness
- self-confidence and resilience
- to be adaptable and versatile
- a good memory for learning lines quickly.
Interests
It is important to be interested in:
- performing for an audience, or in front of the camera
- the art of acting.
Getting in
Most jobs are based in large cities – close to theatre, concert, studio and audition venues. However, there are opportunities throughout Ireland and overseas, such as in regional and touring theatres or on cruise ships.
There are opportunities in:
- theatre, such as in the Abbey,The Gate and The Olympia Theatres in Dublin, regional theatres and touring companies
- film, television, radio and multimedia productions
- commercials
- theatre in education
- clubs and variety
- corporate productions.
Many actors work for very little, especially at the beginning of their careers. Most acting jobs are short term. Many experienced actors may need to do other work to supplement their income. A recent survey found that nearly half of those working in the Irish performance industry earned less than €7,000 a year from the profession.
Most actors undertake some form of training, either at drama school or on part-time courses. Drama schools have links with agents, casting directors, production companies and broadcasters, giving students the chance to be seen by potential employers.
Professional actors are usually represented by an agent who takes a commission. Finding an agent willing to take on a new performer is often the first step in an actor’s career.
Self-promotion is important. Actors need ‘headshots’ (photographs), ‘demo’ (demonstration) tapes, and showreels. Many actors register with casting directories, such as Spotlight .Some have their own websites. Other casting websites (some of which charge a subscription fee) include:
Equity’s website has a job information section for its members. Information about auditions and castings can also be found in The Stage.
Entry routes
There is no set route to becoming an actor and it is possible to enter the profession without formal qualifications. Some start in stage crew jobs, others may simply attend auditions. However, most have gained some experience in school, college or other amateur productions and nearly all professional actors have trained, often in specialist drama schools some of which are listed below.
The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art
Training
Actors must continue to develop their skills throughout their careers. Skills are developed on the job, through rehearsal and performance, and this experience is catalogued on a CV rather than in the form of certificates. Sometimes actors need to take further voice and music training through classes and workshops, or learn new skills, such as fencing or horse riding, in order to perform a particular role. The director will sometimes arrange training for this.
Getting on
An actor’s prospects depend on talent, self-discipline, the right image, contacts and luck. They may be offered more important roles, or get to choose their roles, through hard work and consistently good performances.
Some actors may consider studying postgraduate courses in related fields such as scriptwriting, directing, teaching and dramatherapy. These subjects may be useful to branch out into other areas of the profession or to build a more attractive profile for small-scale theatre companies.
Useful Links:
The Irish Film & Television Network