Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 12/8/2008

Question
what are the challenges and benefits of being an actor??

Answer
Hi Andrew,

Such a complicated question!

The advantages: Seeing new places, the thrill of performing, the license to be and behave differently than you maybe would get to in real life, recognition (fame),possibly money, special treatment, free "lunch", gifts, free time, knowing you have entertained someone: the people that had a hard day and want to escape, the people who need a laugh, the sick or old who can't get out or who will never get out to the places or time periods you show them. To know you made them think, or find emotions, to be part of pop culture.

The dis-advantages: Unless you become an A-list star, low, infrequent pay, struggling to pay bills, struggling to have a stable life, keep relationships (mostly for guys), struggle to get work, listening to parents criticisms of your choice of career path...etc.

Then there's the expenses, which may or may not lead to results: Photos (headshots@ $300.00 and up, average cost every other year or so) clothes, low-pay jobs that allow flexibility to jump and run to auditions, gas, travel expenses to get jobs (although hotel and meals are usually paid after you get the job) resume costs, healthcare (if you have those day jobs that don't pay well but offer flexibility. Class tuition, as you always need to be taking them to stay sharp and keep fresh and network with others..

You also have frustration, discomfort (sometimes you are cold, hot, tired, bored to tears, anxious, etc. You also may deal with some of the "bad apples" in the biz, like everywhere else, who treat you disrespectfully, are rude or just don't care. You will have deep lows for any "highs" you have along the way.

Should you become famous, you trade privacy and anonymity for living in the public eye. Anything and everything you do is news sold to the highest bidder. Everyone sees what you do, with who, and even a trip to the fast food place is known. People will ask you for your autograph when you are eating or having a private moment with your loved one. Some will try to pick fights with you out of jealousy, stalk you if they are nuts, friends could sell you out or decide they don't want to be your friend anymore, while "cling-ons" will smile at your face and want to be friends because of who you are, and what you have. People will date you for the same reasons, and should you break up, they could sue you for paternity, etc. The worst thing is being famous and wealthy for a while, then being broke and with no savings, having to be your own security guard, because you can't pay anyone.
Sometimes the "exotic" location may be some seedy backwater area you wouldn't ever choose to go to willingly...these are all possibilities....

Best, Taylor