Everything You Don't Want to Know About Acting

Acting is a primary art form. Actress and acting coach Susan Batson of the Susan Batson Studio, one of the most respected acting schools in New York City, speaks of this in her classes. Acting truly is an art.

Even as actors and actresses dedicate themselves to this art, there may be some things that are unclear. Perhaps you are afraid that asking someone about them will signal that you aren't as committed to your art as you truly are. Here are some things that actors are often curious about, yet they don't always ask.

What are the odds of becoming a working actor? Well, not good. Most actors are unemployed, and many more actors don't act for a living, although they are working in Hollywood. They still must have side jobs. That's a fact. Perhaps it's something that many aspiring actors ignore. However, it can't be discounted. It's a reality. Let it motivate you to focus on getting acting work every day. There are definitely obvious exceptions, and you can be one of them.

Is an agent really necessary? For beginning actors in Hollywood, yes. You will not be able to get into auditions for even one-line scenes on a television show without an agent. However, if you want to do small theater in New York City, seeking an agent immediately isn't necessary. In fact, if you only want to do small scale productions at first, don't seek out an agent. An agent only makes money when you do paid work, and he won't encourage amateur productions. If you're not ready to work and compete on a professional level, don't look for an agent. An agent should be sought the minute you think you're ready to compete for professional jobs as an actor.

Will I lose work if I don't do nude scenes? Maybe, but that can be a good thing. If you do a nude scene for your first project, it can be difficult to turn that down later in your career. A director can say, "You did it for their project, why not mine?" It's oftentimes not a good idea for a beginning actor, but it depends on the individual. That's a personal decision that should be made, and your career will adjust accordingly.

Do I have a better chance of winning auditions if I get a degree first? Well, that's debatable. Hollywood is a gamble. Even talented and Harvard-educated actors struggle. Many actors with all of the advantages-including the clout of having a famous, successful actor parent and unlimited resources for self-promotion-don't win auditions. It's always a good idea to get as highly educated as possible, and it will definitely help with the side job that actors often take.