What Percentage of Actors Fail And How To Avoid It

 

If you're an aspiring actor, you're probably wondering what your chances of success are. The entertainment industry can be incredibly competitive, and only a small percentage of actors make it to the top. But what is that percentage, and what can you do to increase your chances of success? In this article, we'll answer those questions and more.

Understanding the Failure Rate of Actors

First, let's talk about the failure rate of actors. It's important to note that "failure" in this context doesn't necessarily mean that an actor never works in the industry. Instead, it refers to actors who struggle to make a living solely through acting.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for actors was $20.73 per hour in May 2020. This means that half of all actors earned less than this amount, while the other half earned more. However, it's important to note that this figure includes both successful and struggling actors.

In reality, the failure rate for actors is high. According to the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), approximately 90% of actors are unemployed at any given time. Additionally, only 2% of actors make enough money to support themselves solely through acting.

Why Do Actors Fail?

There are many reasons why actors may struggle to find work and achieve success. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Lack of Experience

One of the biggest reasons actors fail is simply because they lack experience. In order to succeed in the entertainment industry, you need to have a strong resume and plenty of credits to your name. This can be difficult when you're just starting out, but there are ways to build your experience.

2. Lack of Training

Another common reason actors fail is because they lack proper training. Acting is a skill that requires practice and development, and if you're not taking classes or working with a coach, you may struggle to improve.

3. Lack of Preparation

Acting is a craft, and like any craft, it takes time and effort to master. Actors who don't take the time to prepare and hone their skills may struggle to find work.

4. Lack of Networking

Networking is essential in the entertainment industry, and actors who are able to make connections and build relationships often have more success. Actors who don't make an effort to network may find it harder to get noticed by casting directors and producers.

5. Poor Networking Skills

Networking is essential in the entertainment industry, and actors who are able to make connections and build relationships often have more success. If you're not comfortable networking or don't know where to start, this can hold you back.

6. Lack of Persistence

Success in the entertainment industry often comes down to persistence. Actors who give up after a few rejections are unlikely to make it in the long run. It takes time and effort to build a career as an actor, and those who are willing to put in the work are more likely to succeed.

7. Poor Attitude

The entertainment industry can be tough, and actors who have a poor attitude or are difficult to work with may struggle to find work. It's important for actors to be professional, easy to work with, and willing to take direction.

8. Bad Auditions

Finally, actors may fail because they simply don't perform well in auditions. Auditions can be incredibly stressful, and if you're not able to handle the pressure, you may struggle to land roles.

9. Lack of Business Skills

Acting is not just a creative endeavor; it's also a business. Actors who don't have a basic understanding of the business side of the industry may struggle to find work, negotiate contracts, or market themselves effectively.

How to Avoid Failure as an Actor

Now that we've discussed some of the reasons why actors fail, let's talk about what you can do to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you avoid failure as an actor:

1. Get Experience

The more experience you have, the better your chances of success. Look for opportunities to act in local theater productions, student films, or other low-budget projects. This will help you build your resume and gain valuable experience.

2. Take Classes

Acting classes can be incredibly helpful, even if you have some experience. Look for classes in your area or consider taking online classes. This will help you improve your skills and develop your craft.

3. Network

Networking is essential in the entertainment industry, so make sure you're putting yourself out there. Attend industry events, reach out to other actors and industry professionals, and make connections wherever you can. Attend workshops, and seminars to meet other actors, casting directors, and producers. Build relationships with these individuals to increase your chances of getting noticed.

4. Prepare for Auditions

Make sure you're prepared for auditions by practicing your monologues and scene work. Consider working with a coach to help you improve your audition skills.

5. Be Persistent

Finally, don't give up. The entertainment industry can be tough, but if you're persistent and committed to your craft, you can eventually achieve success. Remember that even the most successful actors faced rejection and failure before making it big. Stay focused on your goals and keep working towards them. Rejection is common in the entertainment industry, but it's important to stay persistent and not give up on your dreams. Keep working on your craft, continue to build your resume, and network with others in the industry.

6. Build Your Resume

Gain experience by participating in local theater productions, student films, and other low-budget projects. This will help you build your resume and gain exposure.

7. Learn the Business Side

As an actor, you are also a small business owner. It's important to learn the business side of the industry, including how to market yourself, negotiate contracts, and manage your finances.

8. Stay Positive

The entertainment industry can be tough, but it's important to stay positive and focused on your goals. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't let rejection or failure get you down.

Additional Resources

If you're looking for additional resources to help you succeed as an actor, here are a few websites to check out:

  • Backstage (https://www.backstage.com/) - Backstage is a popular website for actors, featuring casting notices, audition tips, and industry news.

  • Actors Access (https://www.actorsaccess.com/) - Actors Access is a casting platform that allows actors to submit themselves for roles and receive notifications about auditions.

  • SAG-AFTRA (https://www.sagaftra.org/) - SAG-AFTRA is a labor union representing actors, voiceover artists, and other entertainment professionals. They offer resources and support to their members.

  • The Actor's Handbook (https://www.theactorshandbook.com/) - The Actor's Handbook is a comprehensive guide for actors, featuring advice on everything from auditions to contracts.

Conclusion

While the failure rate for actors is high, it's important to remember that success is still possible. By gaining experience, taking classes, networking, preparing for auditions, and staying persistent, you can increase your chances of success in the entertainment industry. Remember to stay focused on your goals and never give up.

FAQs

1. What is the success rate for actors?

  • Only 2% of actors make enough money to support themselves solely through acting, according to SAG-AFTRA.

2. What is considered a failure in the acting industry?

  • "Failure" in the acting industry refers to actors who struggle to make a living solely through acting.

3. How can I build my experience as an actor?

  • Look for opportunities to act in local theater productions, student films, or other low-budget projects.

4. How important is networking for actors?

  • Networking is essential in the entertainment industry, and actors who are able to make connections and build relationships often have more success.

5. What should I do if I'm struggling to find work as an actor?

  • Keep working on your craft, gain more experience, and continue to network. Don't give up on your dreams.

6. Is it necessary to have an agent to succeed as an actor in NYC?

  • While having an agent can be beneficial for securing auditions and negotiating contracts, it's not necessarily required to succeed as an actor in NYC. There are many opportunities for actors to gain experience and build their careers without representation, especially in the early stages of their careers.

7. How important is social media presence for actors in NYC?

  • In today's digital age, having a strong social media presence can be helpful for actors in NYC. Social media can be used to showcase your work, connect with other industry professionals, and promote upcoming projects or events. However, it's important to maintain a professional image and avoid posting anything that could potentially harm your career.

8. How do I know if a casting call is legitimate?

  • It's important to do your research before responding to any casting call. Check the legitimacy of the casting director or production company by doing a quick online search, and be wary of any calls that ask for payment or personal information upfront.

9. What type of headshot should I use for auditions in NYC?

  • A professional headshot that accurately represents your look and personality is crucial for auditions in NYC. It's important to invest in a high-quality headshot that is updated regularly, as this will be the first impression casting directors have of you.

10. How do I balance my day job with my acting career in NYC?

  • Many actors in NYC have day jobs to support themselves while they build their careers. It's important to find a job that is flexible enough to allow you to attend auditions and other industry events, and to prioritize your acting career while still maintaining financial stability.