Nature of Work
Acting is an intensely competitive field. More than in any other, it is in acting that the demand is really insignificant in proportion to the supply. Luck of all kinds plays a major role in establishing a person in this profession. To be known to the right agent/producer/director/talent scout at the right time under favourable circumstance is an important as being talented.
Actors typically work long, irregular hours sometimes under adverse weather conditions that may exist “on location”. Evening work is a regular feature of a stage actor’s life. Flawless performance requires tedious memorizing of lines and repetitive rehearsals.
Despite its obvious drawbacks, the work is uniquely satisfying and few actors would contemplate doing anything else. People usually enter this career out of a love and desire for acting. The urge to perform is something you born with and if you have it you will not be put off by warnings about overcrowding in the acting world, the cut-throat competition and the precariousness of the life.
Work Environment
Actors have to contend with the heat of stage or studio lights, often heavy costumes and make-up, extreme weather conditions ‘on location’.
On television, actors are usually expected to deliver a good performance with vey little preparation.
Acting has been called an up-and-down profession both where employment and emotions are concerned. It is the memory of the ‘up moments’ that keep most people in the profession.
The workplace is usually chaotic, but once you understand how things move, you adjust to it and evolve your own way of dealing with the environment.
Physical and Psychological Environment
Outstanding acting talent with a ‘stage’ personality is a natural pre-requisite. Other important attributes for the profession are good health; an iron constitution; innate grace; coordinated movements with a good sense of rhythm; an arresting countenance rather than beauty or balance of features. They should possess a good memory to help them learn lines quickly.
A high degree ofimagination and sensitivity to get the ‘feel’ of a role and to interpret it; abundant self-confidence; lot of energy; unbounded enthusiasm and optimism are other useful qualities.
Aspirants should have the resilience to bounce back from trying times and the harsh criticism from colleagues, producers, directors, mentors and critics. An aptitude for dancing and singing; a good, well-modulated voice with proper diction and intonation could be the ‘icing on the cake’.
Study/Training
Complete exposure, training and education in acting are possible through degree/diploma courses in drama/acting available in the country in many important universities and institutes. Such courses are available or approached through aptitude tests, provided the candidate fulfils the minimum educational requirements.
Educational requirements for these acting/drama courses are successful completion of the Plus tow or equivalent level of education. A good command over language is essential, preferably Hindi and English or regional languages and English or Hindi. In certain cases, admission into the bachelor of Performance Arts (BPA) is after matriculation.
Full-time formal acting courses normally last 2 to 5 years depending upon the level of entry.
Admission is through audition, interview, and aptitude testing. Previous participation in drama productions at the school level and/or with amateur organized groups is either preferred or a prerequisite depending upon the institution.
The entrance test may include a written component to assess an applicant’s knowledge and awareness of the world of theatre, films, television, as well as his/her power of expression in a languages. The practical component of the aptitude test would call for an oral analysis of plays provided, enactment of dramatic passages, display of skill in dancing, singing, playing of instrument, yoga, etc.
These are indication to help you to be neatly prepared for the selections to drama courses. While a formal course is helpful to understand and study techniques, refine skills and learn the ropes of the profession, it is in the actual workplace that real education starts.
During the course students are trained in voice production, diction, movement, mime, verse-speaking, play analysis and play construction techniques for the various media. Initially this background work is given more emphasis than actual acting.
Later on in the course more time is spent on acing and stagecraft such as stage designing, scene painting and carpentry, scenery changing, light designing and set designing. Students are trained in the art of makeup and also learn about different types of drama and acting techniques. Those who plan to do a full-time course should ensure that the course provides a good blend of theory and practical training.
Although one can learn the techniques of acting, star quality possessed by great performers cannot be acquired.
Employment Prospects
Prospects are not very bright except for the exceptionally talented and lucky few. The sudden invasion of the satellite television network, however, has widened opportunities significantly. Our film industry is also a very big one.
Recently there has been a noticeable revival of interest in theatre too. Innumerable opportunities exist but the number of aspirants is so high that there are very few who are well established and have carved out a niche for themselves in the acting profession. The range of fees charged is so wide, and good luck and timing are so important, that there is little point in trying to give an idea of salaries.
Those who are able to make a place for themselves are generously compensated – this is a major attraction for aspirants.
Career Progression
Many of our talented actors/actresses who could or could not become big names have diversified from acting to competing for shows, contests, awards ceremonies, anchoring and hosting television shows and film-oriented entertainment programmes as well as anchoring even educational programmes and have been highly successful and popular. Some have gone into direction, production, coaching or celebrity management.
In acting growth or existence of opportunities does not mean much since there are always many more actors than are roles whether in theatre, television, films or radio.
The imitation or basic development of a character for presentation to an audience often seems like a glamorous and fairly easy job. In reality, it is demanding, tiring work requiring a special talent and to be contemplated by those who feel they could not possibly be happy doing anything else.
Being an overcrowded profession almost all actors require a second source of income.