Is It Possible to Make a Living in Theater?

The dream of treading the boards as a professional theater actor is one shared by many. However, the practicality of making a living in theater acting is a question that looms large. The truth is, it’s more complicated than a simple yes or no answer. A lot of factors also contribute to whether you’ll be able to make a living in theater as an actor. So if you’re asking, “Is it possible to make a living in theater?” Read on!

The Reality of Theater Acting as a Career

Income Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for actors was approximately $20.43 in 2020. However, these figures can be misleading as they don’t account for the sporadic nature of acting work. The BLS also reports that many actors work part-time, with the number of hours worked varying greatly from week to week.

Employment Opportunities

Theater acting jobs are highly competitive. Data from the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents professional theater actors and stage managers in the United States, shows that only about 15% of its members are working at any given time. This indicates the challenges actors face in finding consistent work. If you’ve ever lived in a major city like NYC or L.A., you know that getting acting work can be challenging, as you have to audition against many others for a role.

Factors Influencing Earning Potential in Theater

Geographic Location

The location significantly impacts opportunities and earnings. Cities like New York and London, with vibrant theater scenes, offer more opportunities but also come with intense competition and higher living costs. However, there is also increased competition from other actors. Sometimes, professional actors get known in smaller cities such as Philadelphia, and can work more consistently.

Type of Theater Production

Earnings vary widely between productions. Broadway actors, for example, can earn a substantial income, with the minimum weekly salary being over $2,000, according to Playbill. However, actors in smaller, regional theaters often earn much less. The best way to make consistent and higher income in theater is to book touring or Broadway productions. Not only do these pay higher wages, they often run for longer than regional productions.

Union Membership

Unionized actors typically earn higher wages. The Actors’ Equity Association sets minimum wage standards for its members, providing them with better financial security compared to non-union actors. However, if you’re a non-union actor, there might be more roles available to you and you may be able to work more consistently. Joining AEA as an actor needs to be thought through carefully, as you should build up credits, experience, and connections as much as you can when you’re non-union.

The Cost of a Theater Career

Expenses

It’s important to not just think about how much you can earn as an actor in theater, but also the expenses you’ll have. Pursuing a career in theater acting often incurs significant costs, including headshots, travel for auditions, acting classes, and possibly maintaining a flexible job that allows for auditions and rehearsals.

Job Insecurity

The inconsistent nature of theater work means income can be unstable. Actors often go through periods without work, necessitating savings or supplementary income sources.

Supplementing Income

Side Jobs

Many theater actors supplement their income with other jobs. Especially with inflation and rents in major cities and across the world rising, it’s important to have survival jobs with flexibility if you want to pursue a job in theater.

Diversifying Skills

Actors often diversify their skills to enhance employability. Skills in singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments can open doors to more roles in musical theater or variety shows. Additionally, many actors also teach acting classes or workshops, leveraging their expertise to supplement their income.

The Role of Training and Education

Investment in Training

Investment in formal training, such as attending prestigious drama schools, can significantly impact an actor’s career prospects. However, this education often comes with a high financial cost. A report from The Stage highlighted that graduates from top drama schools generally have better chances of securing continuous acting work.

Balancing Passion and Practicality

Passion for the Craft

The emotional and artistic rewards of theater acting are often a significant draw. The passion for performing can sometimes outweigh the financial uncertainties. I assume if you’re reading this, then you are very passionate about acting, and it’s important to keep cultivating that passion throughout your career.

Practical Considerations

However, practical considerations are crucial. Financial planning, budgeting, and having a clear understanding of the economic realities of theater acting are essential for sustainability in this career. Passion alone isn’t enough. You need a plan. And thankfully there are a number of survival jobs and opportunities now, especially with remote work, that make pursuing your passion more realistic and sustainable.

The Bigger Picture

Economic Contribution of Theater

The theater industry is a significant contributor to the economy. Broadway alone contributed over $14.7 billion to New York City’s economy and supported 96,900 jobs during the 2018-2019 season, according to a report by The Broadway League.

Advocacy and Change

There is ongoing advocacy for better pay and working conditions for theater actors. Unions like Actors’ Equity are at the forefront of this, negotiating better contracts and seeking to improve the overall economic well-being of actors.

Conclusion

Making a living solely from theater acting is challenging and often requires supplemental income sources. While the passion for the craft is a powerful driving force, it is essential to approach this career with a balanced view, acknowledging both the artistic fulfillment and the financial challenges involved. With strategic planning, diversification of skills, and a bit of luck, a career in theater can be both rewarding and sustainable.

Advice for Aspiring Theater Actors

Be Realistic: Understand the financial realities and plan accordingly.
Diversify Your Skills: Develop skills that enhance your versatility in the theater world.
Network: Networking is important for getting cast consistently and can affect your income and opportunities.
Train Consistently: The fact is, acting anywhere is competitive. You need to be at the top of your craft to get cast.
Practice Self-Care: Creatives can sometimes be blinded by their passion and think that not taking care of themselves is part of being a “starving artist”, but you should practice self-care and continually invest time in recovering from stress and practicing mindfulness.

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Actors, www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/actors.htm.
Actors’ Equity Association, www.actorsequity.org.
The Stage, ‘Acting in the UK’ survey report, www.thestage.co.uk.
‘Cost of Living for Actors’ report, Theatrical Guild, www.ttg.org.uk.
“Regional Theater Pay Study,” American Theatre Magazine, www.americantheatre.org.