Since its inception, the world of acting has been graced by legendary performers. Actresses have consistently delivered spellbinding performances, from Academy Award winners like Katharine Hepburn and Frances McDormand to TV series legends like Angela Lansbury and Claire Danes. While the industry term for performers has shifted towards "actor," women in this field undeniably face distinct challenges.
The good news? A successful acting career is within reach for those with unwavering commitment, dedication, and perseverance. The acting profession encompasses many opportunities, allowing you to showcase your talent in television commercials, impressive stage plays, thrilling films, engaging live events, and so much more.
This comprehensive guide is your key to becoming an actress. We'll explore the exciting world of acting, including the essential job duties, the steps you need to take to secure roles, the importance of an acting portfolio website, and the tools you'll need to navigate the industry.
We'll also shed light on the realities of an actress's career, including educational requirements and salary expectations.
The Role of an Actress
Actresses are the heart and soul of the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with their performances on screen and stage. Their roles are diverse, ranging from dramatic protagonists to comedic sidekicks. The life of an actress often involves long hours dedicated to rehearsing scenes, memorizing lines, and perfecting their craft.
Professional actresses work in various settings, from intimate dinner theaters to grand stages and repertory groups. Their responsibilities extend beyond performance, as they are often tasked with memorizing scripts, conducting in-depth character research, and rehearsing with precision.
How to Become an Actress in 7 Steps
If you're passionate about acting and aspire to grace the stage or screen, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps necessary to kickstart your journey. While there's no formal education requirement, formal training can significantly enhance your skills and open doors to opportunities. So, how to become an actress?
1. Hone Your Craft: Building a Solid Foundation
To establish a strong foundation, consider pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree in theater or drama (for example, Master of Fine Arts in performing arts). This formal education can provide valuable insights into acting theory, stage management, voice and diction, and stagecraft. However, it's important to note that a degree is not a mandatory requirement.
Regardless of your educational path, acting classes are essential for honing your skills. They offer a platform to develop your craft, receive feedback from experienced coaches, and connect with fellow aspiring actors.
2. Cultivate Your Brand
Building a solid personal brand is crucial in the acting industry. Create a professional resume that showcases your acting experience, training, skills, and a professional headshot. Leverage social media to establish a robust online presence and connect with industry professionals.
As you gain experience, compile an acting portfolio website with headshots, a demo reel showcasing your acting range, and a bio highlighting your career journey. This portfolio website will be a valuable tool to showcase your talents to potential agents, casting directors, and producers.
3. Research Roles and Gain Experience
Explore online resources to identify acting roles that align with your interests and strengths. Determine the type of acting you'd like to pursue (film, theater, etc.) and start gaining experience by participating in community theater productions, student films, independent movies, or even background acting.
4. Auditioning
Be well-prepared for every audition. Research the character, memorize lines, and arrive on time with a positive and confident attitude. Remember, the acting industry is highly competitive, so don't be discouraged by rejections. View them as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward. Websites like Casting Workbook, Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks regularly update listings for casting calls.
5. Consider Representation
An agent can streamline your acting job search by scheduling auditions, negotiating contracts, and leveraging their industry connections. Research carefully to find an agent who aligns with your goals and career stage.
6. Building Your Network
Cultivate a network of actors, directors, producers, and industry professionals. Attend film festivals and events, and consider joining organizations like Women in Film (WIF), WP Theater, or Women in Media to foster connections and access professional development opportunities.
7. Set Realistic Goals and Stay Resilient
Building a successful acting career is a long-term commitment. Be prepared to face challenges, stay dedicated to your craft, and remain open to feedback. Also, remember that financial stability is essential, so be prepared to have a day job or side hustle while pursuing your acting goals.
Interesting Read: How to Become an Actor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Average Salary for an Actress
The average hourly wage for actresses in the United States is $11, ranging from $7.25 to $37.50. However, it's important to note that this is a wide range, and the actual salary can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Experience level: Established actresses with extensive experience and a strong track record can command much higher salaries than those just starting in the industry.
Geographic location: Salaries can differ depending on the work location. Major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago often offer higher pay rates than smaller markets.
Specific role: An actress's salary can also be impacted by the type of role she plays. Lead roles in major films or television shows typically pay significantly more than supporting roles or guest appearances.
Challenges Faced by Women in the Acting Industry
Gender Pay Gap
The median salary for men is higher than that for women, and Payscale reports that the difference between the earnings of women and men has reduced (albeit only a tiny proportion). In 2024, for every $1 that men made, women made $0.83.
Source: PayScale
Vanity Fair reported that Jennifer Lawrence, an Oscar-winning actress, got paid $5 million less than Leonardo DiCaprio for Netflix’s Don’t Look Up. She even said in an interview with Vogue, “It doesn’t matter how much I do,” she said. “I’m still not going to get paid as much as that guy…”
Scarlett Johansson told Cosmopolitan that she is “proud” of earning as much as her male co-stars but emphasized that it is crucial to keep fighting for equality in Hollywood.
Sexual Harassment
The MeToo movement brought to light the pervasive culture of sexual harassment and abuse within the entertainment industry. While significant progress has been made, the survey conducted by WIF in 2023 indicates that this issue persists.
While the percentage of respondents reporting abuse or misconduct has decreased since the height of the MeToo movement, it remains alarmingly high. This underscores the ongoing need for systemic change and increased support for victims.
The years following MeToo have witnessed a growing de-stigmatization and public solidarity for victims. Resources such as SAG-AFTRA's safety hotline and WIF's Hot Line provide essential support to those who have experienced harassment, abuse, or discrimination.
The introduction of intimacy coordinators has also played a crucial role in creating safer environments on set. These professionals help ensure intimate scenes are filmed with consent, respect, and appropriate safety measures.
Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Actresses often face pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, which can negatively impact their careers. While the industry is gradually shifting away from demanding actresses to lose weight for roles, there's still work to be done.
Beyoncé, a global icon, has openly discussed the body shaming she faced early in her career. Despite these challenges, she embraced her body and used her experience to empower others.
Similarly, Kate Winslet has been vocal about her pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. Her experiences highlight the harmful effects of body shaming and the need for the industry to prioritize talent and diversity over superficial appearances.
Ageism
Ageism remains a significant challenge for actresses in the entertainment industry. Studies consistently show that older female characters are underrepresented on screen, limiting career opportunities for actresses beyond their 30s.
The 2022 study by Dr. Martha M. Lauzen revealed that most female characters in top films are in their 20s and 30s. This lack of representation for older actresses can hinder their ability to secure roles and contribute to prematurely ending their careers.
Source: TheRinger
Disproportionate Amount of Roles
While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in speaking roles across various media platforms. A 2023 study by Dr. Lauzen revealed that women constitute only 45% of speaking characters on original streaming shows and 44% on broadcast series.
The disparity is even more pronounced in the film industry. In 2021, male characters outnumbered female characters by nearly 2 to 1, and 85% of films featured more male than female leads.
Limited Representation Behind the Camera
Despite progress in other areas, women's representation in behind-the-scenes roles within the film industry remains strikingly low. The Celluloid Ceiling report, tracking women's employment in the top 250 grossing films for 25 years, reveals that women comprised only 24% of directors, writers, producers, editors, and cinematographers in 2022.
The report highlights the persistent gender gap in these roles, with women particularly underrepresented in cinematography and directing. While there have been slight improvements in some areas, the overall progress has been slow.
Conclusion
The acting industry presents unique challenges for women, but with determination, perseverance, and a strong support network, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and succeed. You can pave your path in this exciting and fulfilling field by honing your craft, building your brand, and actively seeking opportunities.
Ready to start your acting journey? Create your professional acting portfolio website with Pixpa. It helps you showcase your talent, connect with industry professionals, and advance your career.
FAQ
1. How do I become an actress with no experience?
So, how to become an actor? Starting as an actress with no experience requires determination and strategic steps. Enroll in acting classes to hone your acting skills and learn the fundamentals if you are serious about this professional and really want to become an actress. Participate in community theater, student films, or indie projects to build your resume. Networking is key—connect with other actors, directors, and industry professionals. Creating an online presence, like an actress portfolio website, can also help you showcase your talent to casting directors.
2. How do actresses get started?
Actresses often start by building a solid foundation in acting through formal training, such as acting schools or workshops. They gain experience by participating in local theater productions, short films, and commercials. Building a portfolio with headshots, a resume, and a demo reel is essential. Many actresses also move to major entertainment hubs like Los Angeles or New York for more opportunities. Networking and staying proactive in seeking auditions are crucial steps in getting started.
3. How to make an acting portfolio website?
To create an acting portfolio website, choose a website builder like Pixpa, which offers customizable acting portfolio templates for creative professionals. Your website should include high-quality headshots, a resume, a demo reel, and an "About" section highlighting your journey and skills. Ensure the website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized to attract casting directors. A well-crafted portfolio website helps you present yourself professionally, stand out in the competitive acting industry and become a successful actor.