You only THINK it is YOUR acting that is ‘getting the girl’ ( cliche alert! ), and your weighty ego blocks you from seeing that it is the woman who has manipulated YOU. You have no idea, as a pre-programmed male who probably doesn’t care for honest self-analysis, just how much information your body/face expressions are telegraphing to insightful and intuitive women. You might as well have a neon light blinking on your chest that says,”This t-shirt owned by an over-confident sucker!”

They get drinks. They get laid. And all it takes is telling you that you’re funny, smart, and cute.

It’s not your game to win Mercutio. For dudes like you, it never has been.

Spot on regarding the financial vacuuming of actors though. I’ve met actors who spent years, got the degree, love the work but are still wooden and superficial.

Here’s hoping that’s not the case for you, dear Mercutio. Be careful you don’t wind up having to change that carefully chosen handle of yours to ‘Lothario’ one day.

Actors get to be their own directors in class, basically doing whatever they want (not what it’s like in real life).

Personally I think classes are important but any activities related to putting elements in place to be in some kind of production seems more important than working on skills you already use in your everyday life.

I disagree with you about classes. There are lots of really great actors who went through very rigorous training (Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, the list goes on), but I do agree that a purely academic training doesn’t prepare you for the real world.

Being an actor is an amazing job. Tough, but amazing. I’ll be looking out for you in the future!

Thanks for very quick follow up – much appreciated!
Yes, I meant last years’ strike – interesting they use different rates based on delivery method – sounds rather outdated and unfair: the effort remains the same?

Became a fan of yours on FB – wishing you all the best!

As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule: There are some great acting schools out there, too. I looked for one that has working performers as the instructors, has a connection to the community, and focuses on movement. My year at Dell’Arte changed my life and made me a better actor. Granted, this school is focused on live performance and the actor as creator, but maybe it’s right for you…

Having said that, performing and improv ARE the way to become an actor.

Also, check out the AoM community page. There is an “actors” group. Join in!