The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about the business of show!
Over the last year there have been a number of articles bemoaning the fact that drama schools don’t fully prepare their students for the reality of the profession. Now to be honest it does depend on which drama school you attend. I can state for a fact that Drama Centre, Rose Bruford and Dorset School of Acting are horribly honest when telling their students what to expect.
So just in case you are under the false impression that once you have completed your 3 yrs at drama school everything would paparazzi and red carpet premiers here are the cold hard facts…….
After accruing debts of up to £40,000 whilst training, the average income for a jobbing actor (one that at least gets work) is £5000 per annum. This is of course if you are lucky enough to get a job. Ladies, it is grimmer for you as there are at least 7 female actors to every 1 male actor and there are 7 more roles written for men than women! All this with the fact that there is 90% unemployment and only the top 5% of the remaining 10% who are in employment are working in high profile jobs like West End, TV and Film.
It is an arduous journey to success in this business and you have to be made of stern stuff if you hope to last. But if this hasn’t put you off then you are made of the right stuff and good luck to you.
Just remember your training will not be in vain, at least you will be able to recall an actor’s perrenial line, “Do you want fries with that”!!!
The Dorset School of Acting have just opened applications for their 2yr Accelerated Course in Acting & Musical Theatre training brilliant and talented performers for a career in Acting AND Musical Theatre on stage or screen. Check out the course at:
