Is it possible to be an occasional film or TV actor without devoting your life to the profession?

Question

I am currently a third-year Electrical Engineering and Computer Science student at a top engineering school. While I love many aspects of engineering, I have also always loved acting. Even though I've participated in high school and college plays, I have never taken an acting class.

I don't want to make acting my profession, per se. I would like to be in some movies or some shows, while being an engineer (or whatever I choose to be) most of the time. Is that possible, without dedicating many years to studying and progressing in the acting world? If possible, how would I break into the acting world?

Answer 1

As a working actor in Los Angeles, I would tell you that the likelihood of being anything outside of an extra in movies and television with no commitment is very slim. Some amount of training is a necessity, if just for resume purposes. While you could get into student films, features and television tend to require a higher level of committment.

Despite what the previous answerer stated, most of the people you see on television and movies ARE working actors. They may have a flexible day job, but most will have jobs they can either leave frequently or one's they don't care about. Auditioning is rigorous and very difficult, if not impossible, to do having a 9-5 job.

It is always possible to be "discovered" and many actors don't have a ton of formalized training to begin with, but all will eventually. Even the biggest stars have acting coaches. If you want to work in Hollywood you have to be on your toes, know your craft, and do alot of networking. Unlike auditioning in college, almost all Television and Feature work will mandate that you have an agent and you be a member of the union (SAG). You cannot even see the casting breakdowns generally, only agents do. Theatrical and Commercial agents are very picky and the majority of them won't sign you, once again, unless you are SAG.

How do you become SAG? You must either be hired by a production company as a starring actor OR you must obtain 3 SAG vouchers doing extra work (yes, even some extras are in the union). For some this takes years, but it IS the most common route to the union. Background work means long days usually (averaging 10 hour days) at low pay (non-union background starts at $52/8 hours, union starts at $122/8). Not something easily done if you want to work full-time as well.

My suggestion? Find some community theatre and get your acting bug out there. This business is cutthroat and very few make it, none that I know that are successful have acting as a "secondary" carreer. If you are serious, however, get some classes, and be prepared to spend money (headshots, mailings for agents, mailings to casting directors, postcards, etc).

Answer 2

It's possible but unlikely.

It's not so much the experience, which counts for something but not everything, but the investment of time needed to go to auditions, which happen during the workday. Sometimes I've been to auditions that I have to be free in a day or two days notice to be able to do a shoot.

And shoots can run from 7 or 8 in the morning to 10 at night, or later.

To be considered even for extra work can require an agent.

I suggest looking for any local colleges or universities that have a film department (many with strong Art programs will also have some film or video going on). Send them information about yourself and your interest in doing some film work, along with a headshot if you've got one. There may also be local filmmakers who are looking for extras -- I got to be a zombie once, which was fun, as well as other unusual roles.

Most of those projects don't pay, but they can add to your resume and help build a network of friends.

Answer 3

Sure, lots of actors do bits parts in movies & TV shows.

I'd start with being an extra or background actor, so you can build some working experience. Network & make contacts. Maybe take some acting classes on the side at community colleges.

You can also do voiceover work, if you get the right training and contacts. Hang around studios & places where movies are being created. Find actor/acting organizations/clubs/Yahoo Groups/etc.
Go to auditions/casting calls.

How much work you get is dependent on how persistence you are.

Answer 4

No one makes acting their profession. Even if they are a professional actor there is no guarantee that they will keep getting work.

The best thing you can do is look around for agencies that do extra work.

NOTE: To hold down a real job and to act in shows or movies is really hard. If you can do EECS research in your own schedule than by all means go out and act up a storm. If you are on the education schedule than you can do shows at community theatres near by your school, but making money off of acting that way would be hard.

Best of luck!

Answer 5

Sure. Every time I see a "Character part" on TV or the movies I realize those people must have day jobs. The 450-pound Scot who appears on a commercial for something or other currently, and was in one of the Austin Powers abominations comes to mind. Every once in a while a show/movie will need someone who is really homely; the actor does his/her bit and goes back to waiting tables or hanging sheet rock.

The people who demonstrate "Veg-a-Matic" machines in commercials aired at 11 pm on channel 412 don't go back to star in summer blockbusters. That is acting, sort of.

Start with comunity theatre, live in Los Angeles and go to lots of auditions. Keep your day job, though, and expect LOTS of competition.

Answer 6

Maybe a roll without lines, like a by passer, but only in a small film (nothing with big names, popular producers, etc.).

I'm trying to be known in the acting world, although I'm still young. Start with some classes, then auditions for local plays, and build your way up.

Answer 7

I have been in and out of the Entertainment business since I was 9 years old you can definitely do it part time, and if you ever want to do it full time you \will know when that time is I have friends that at this point do it as a hobby.