How many years does it take to become an actor/actress?

Question

averaging 2 hours of daily practice..

Answer 1

One should study acting 10 to 12 years. Actually, actor training is ongoing.

There are always new teachers with whom one can work and learn something new.

Acting is an art and one should always keep up one's craft.

I have been acting since I was 10 years old, but, still am not adverse to taking acting classes when I hear of a great teacher that can enlighten me in an area in which I am unfamiliar or weak.

Answer 2

I suspect you want to know how long it takes to become a professional actor. The answer can be anywhere from "ten minutes" to "forever". Breaking into acting professionally involves a lot more than skill, talent, and effort. It also involves being in the right place at the right time, and relentless self-marketing to increase the likelihood of that. You go to many auditions, take a lot of crummy roles, take a lot of classes, network with a lot of people, and generally get your face known.

Do all that, and you may get offered a job with the first casting director who likes your face. Or you may labor in obscurity for the rest of your life. But being good certainly increases your chances.

If you want to know how long it takes to become a _good_ actor, I can be slightly more concrete. A lot depends on your initial talent. I've known people who just pick up a script and sound wonderful. They're blessed with an intuitive understanding of the craft. However, even they are usually lacking in some aspect of the craft, whether it be characterization, breath control, body awareness, getting rid of bad physical habits, understanding technical aspects of the stage/film, etc. Such people will often become what I consider a "good" actor with a year or two. Some take longer, and some just never seem to get it.

To become a "great" actor, however, will take your whole life. As an actor you must always strive to get better and better. Even actors who are good in their 20s won't usually become great actors until they reach middle-age.

Answer 3

I'm not sure I understand your question. Dictionary.com defines 'actor' as " a person who acts in stage plays, motion pictures, television broadcasts, etc.". Following that defitinition, it wouldn't matter how many hours. Audition for local community theatre, and before long you'll hopefully get in something (some shows are so desperate they'll take absolutely anyone; talent or no) and then you will fit the definition of 'actor'.