Sabrina Flynn, Grade 11
UWC Mostar
Theater and acting have been around for quite a long time. Obviously, as the years went by, the industry changed. We went from small plays to silent black and white films to movies accessible almost anywhere, anytime. Technology is so present nowadays that we forget the long and difficult process it took to get to where we are now. Another long and difficult process present in the industry is the one of getting a job. I am surrounded by quite a few people very interested in theater, and that would want to live out of it, and therefore, I know how hard it is to be successful in this career. Undeniably, some people get rich and get great life out of this career path, but many people need to give up on that dream and find another path to walk on. Why is it so hard to succeed?
To start off, these days, social media is everywhere. This generation is used to being judged, liked, and commented about. Unfortunately, many people start believing their value is based on the number of followers they have. We can’t blame them when they need to have followers to be chosen for a role. Of course, there are exceptions, but it is unquestionable that now, some producers choose their actors based on their social media accounts, their posts, their followers. A lack of social media will actually make you lose value to a casting director. It might seem easy for some to put all their life on the internet to get to their dreams, but they should not have to do it.
Another problem is the pressure to fit society’s beauty standards. You can’t be too fat, but not too skinny either. You shouldn’t be too short, but not too tall either. With pressure from the audience, often producers now try to show more body diversity; that is progress, but it is not enough since it is easy to recognize which actor doesn’t really fit in. Some people want to be actors but don’t want to be forced into looking perfect.
A challenge also faced by people trying to make it into the industry is the fact that they need connections. People who personally know actors, producers, or directors have a lot more opportunities. Even if you need the talent to be able to enter certain doors, it helps to have open doors all around you. Additionally, it helps if you started at a young age and slowly made your way to the top, but how are we supposed to truly know what we want to do in the future when we are only kids? These things are not always in our control.
In addition, you need to have enough money to dare to dream of being an actor. Theater school, an agency, being part of a union of artists, auditions… These things add up, but there is no certainty that money will come in even while trying your best. Besides, it is not always affordable to live in a place where you have more chances of making it, such as Hollywood. What if you just don’t have that money available?
What if you are not into social media because you prefer not always comparing yourself to others? What if you don’t fit someone’s definition of good-looking, well-shaped? What if you didn’t start when you were eight years old? What if you are unable to risk not getting paid? You may be extremely talented, hard-working, and determined, there is no guarantee that you will make it.
On top of that, even if you do manage to get a role, once the contract is over, you can’t know when the next one will be. Starting as an actor is not easy, but even once you are settled, there are many challenges you must face. For example, liking the art of theater does not mean you want to be a superstar. You do not necessarily want people to know every personal detail of your life. Yet, if you are a successful actor, you often have to give up your privacy.
Are all these sacrifices really worth it, one might think? Sadly, many people don’t think so, and with that thought in mind, they leave their dream behind.
To start off, these days, social media is everywhere. This generation is used to being judged, liked, and commented about. Unfortunately, many people start believing their value is based on the number of followers they have. We can’t blame them when they need to have followers to be chosen for a role. Of course, there are exceptions, but it is unquestionable that now, some producers choose their actors based on their social media accounts, their posts, their followers. A lack of social media will actually make you lose value to a casting director. It might seem easy for some to put all their life on the internet to get to their dreams, but they should not have to do it.
Another problem is the pressure to fit society’s beauty standards. You can’t be too fat, but not too skinny either. You shouldn’t be too short, but not too tall either. With pressure from the audience, often producers now try to show more body diversity; that is progress, but it is not enough since it is easy to recognize which actor doesn’t really fit in. Some people want to be actors but don’t want to be forced into looking perfect.
A challenge also faced by people trying to make it into the industry is the fact that they need connections. People who personally know actors, producers, or directors have a lot more opportunities. Even if you need the talent to be able to enter certain doors, it helps to have open doors all around you. Additionally, it helps if you started at a young age and slowly made your way to the top, but how are we supposed to truly know what we want to do in the future when we are only kids? These things are not always in our control.
In addition, you need to have enough money to dare to dream of being an actor. Theater school, an agency, being part of a union of artists, auditions… These things add up, but there is no certainty that money will come in even while trying your best. Besides, it is not always affordable to live in a place where you have more chances of making it, such as Hollywood. What if you just don’t have that money available?
What if you are not into social media because you prefer not always comparing yourself to others? What if you don’t fit someone’s definition of good-looking, well-shaped? What if you didn’t start when you were eight years old? What if you are unable to risk not getting paid? You may be extremely talented, hard-working, and determined, there is no guarantee that you will make it.
On top of that, even if you do manage to get a role, once the contract is over, you can’t know when the next one will be. Starting as an actor is not easy, but even once you are settled, there are many challenges you must face. For example, liking the art of theater does not mean you want to be a superstar. You do not necessarily want people to know every personal detail of your life. Yet, if you are a successful actor, you often have to give up your privacy.
Are all these sacrifices really worth it, one might think? Sadly, many people don’t think so, and with that thought in mind, they leave their dream behind.
Image Citation: www.backstage.com/magaz
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