Reasons NOT to pursue acting

So many young hopefuls leap into this industry each year for any number of reasons. Some approach the biz very pragmatically, some have delusions of grandeur. Here are five of the wrong reasons:

#1 Money

Did you read my last post where I included a link about how much a true "working" theater actor makes annually? It's less than $8,000 a year. That's more than some people's bills in a month. If you're looking for some extra cash, try picking up an actual part time job with benefits.

#2 Fame

Seeking fame is the ultimate worst reason to pursue a career in acting. Those who do achieve moderate success (i.e. enough to pay their bills and then some), are character actors or a what's-his-face/what's-her-face. Chances are, you'll go to your grave without ever winning any major award or achieving any name recognition. If you are willing to work hard in another field, your odds of success and recognition are much, much higher.

#3 Talent

I hear a lot of people who get into acting because they "love" acting, or they're a "great actor." Introspective fallacy. Talent plays a very minor role in any casting decision, so even if you fancy yourself the next Marlon Brando or Meryl Streep, actual talent will only get you so far. Oh, so many actresses are so "talented" and talk themselves up ad nauseum, but humility goes a long way in the entertainment business.

#4 No other options

So, you've reached a point in your life where you have tried everything else and you happened to land on acting, because "how hard can it be?" Maybe you don't have any professional experience or technical know-how to pursue something else. Maybe you jumped into acting straight out of high school, or maybe you never even finished high school. 

My advice? Find something else. Find anything else. I don't care if it's dolphin training. Pick something else, and research the steps to achieving your goals. I guarantee it will be much more feasible and rewarding than trying to be a working actor.

#5 Desire

This wishy-washy, post modern "you can do anything you set your mind to" is a load of hogwash. 

You know what has always been a dream of mine? To be a cartoon character. No, not to be the voice of a cartoon character, but an actual cartoon character. Yeah, not gonna happen. 

Every little boy or girl dreams of being a princess, a movie star, a firefighter or an astronaut. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is the world can't survive solely on movie stars, astronauts, firefighters and princesses. We need all sorts. 

At some point you need to really look at yourself and your skills and evaluate, is acting really the best path for me? 

So, why should you choose to pursue acting? 

Well, it comes down to whether or not you have evaluated the risks. If so, are you willing to make the sacrifice? If yes, who am I to stop you? 

But, you've been warned. 

Break a leg out there!