About Actresses

Being an actress can be an exhilarating profession that involves interpreting a writer's work in a dramatic or comic fashion, which is intended to entertain or inform an audience. An actress needs to possess poise, a stage presence, and the ability to engage an audience. She also must follow direction. Other related skills that broaden her appeal to directors and producers are the ability to sing and dance. It is well-acknowledged that facial features and attractiveness--as well as body type and size--greatly influence an actor's ability to land certain major roles, whether in Hollywood or on Broadway. These factors should not prevent or hamper her ability to work in smaller, less demanding venues, however.

Avenues

A working actress may appear on television shows, movies, music videos, or live in front of an audience on stage. Perhaps only her voice--known as a voice over--is used for an animated or radio project. Books on tape are another option for voice over work. Some actresses break into show business using their craft to inform or instruct an audience by means of commercials or training films. Other opportunities to perform can be found in dinner theater, on cruise lines, and at theme parks.

Experience

Although the primary locations for an actress to find high-profile work are Los Angeles and New York, performing in local and regional theaters can give an aspiring starlet the opportunity to gain experience and feedback. Whether performing in front of a large audience or just for friends and family in a local production, acting allows the actress to delve into complex characters, which can require some research into character traits, circumstances and motivations. Smaller roles help to sharpen her skills. Performing in a small-scale independent film could be a step in the right direction to bigger roles.

Work

While most actresses struggle to find steady work, very few become well-known and experience true stardom. Many actresses rely on talent agencies or managers to find work, negotiate contracts and plan career moves. Those who are fortunate enough to earn a place in the cast of an occasional production, work long, irregular hours playing supporting roles, making cameo appearances (a brief appearance with only a line or two of dialogue) or playing extras (actors with no lines to speak). Some actresses let go of the idea of being famous. They decide to pass the love of acting on to the next generation as high school or university drama instructors. Others go into community theater or teach in public programs.

Characteristics

Because acting work is mostly unsteady, an actress needs patience and commitment to the craft as the constant pressure to earn a living can become a distraction. An actress must be committed and dependable. She must attend rehearsals faithfully, as well as put aside her personal issues and deliver a flawless performance. She must do this even in less-than-desirable conditions. The possibility also exists that an actress may be called upon to travel from town to town, perform in adverse weather, and--in the case of film--be prepared to wait long periods before performing.

Considerations

Actresses, much like many working in other areas of the dramatic arts, experience long winters of unemployment and face frequent rejections. Whether formally trained by a university or acting school, intense competition for limited roles still boils down to talent, experience and more than a bit of good fortune. Because of the uncertainty of work and paying rent, a struggling actress may turn to more steady non-acting employment to sustain herself until fortune smiles upon her at last. Once successful, an actress can potentially earn money she only dreamed of previously, inspiring and passing the dream on to the next generation.