Actor
Comprehensive Sites
Acting Workshop OnlineThousands of links are available from this page, which includes categories on acting training, theater groups, casting, and an actor’s weekly trade paper. Contact information is also provided to important organizations, such as the Actors’ Equity Association.
Backstage.comBackstage.com is an all-inclusive actor’s resource for getting started in the world of acting. At this page, you can locate training programs, union and non-union job opportunities, and details on such topics as promoting yourself as an actor or finding an agent.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: ActorsFollowing a general description of the acting career, you can find a printer-friendly version of employment information, minimum weekly salary, related occupations, and union work.
Occupational Titles
Actor/Actress
Character Actor
Dramatic Reader
Performer
Accredited Academic Programs
ActingSchools.comHere you will find a comprehensive directory of acting schools in the United States, with listings by state and phone and e-mail contacts posted. The list includes the most well-known academic programs, as well as theatrical workshops and studios.
National Association of Schools of TheatreThe National Association of Schools of Theatre recognizes 135 colleges and universities as centers of excellence in the theatre world. Potential students can peruse information on the profession of acting and what being a member school means in the world of acting and theatre.
PerformingArtsSchools.comPerformingArtsSchools connects to drama schools, theater programs, and academic departments. You can locate schools by state or region or search the database by school type, specialty, or program.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Actor/ActressPayScale includes a page for actors and actresses that displays median hourly pay rate by employer type. Your job profile can be narrowed down by providing information on job location and years of experience in the field.
U.S. Department of Labor: Occupational Employment/Wages, ActorIf you want to find out employment stats on acting, just go to this site, which includes mean wage estimates and a list of industries with the highest published employment. This site also offers the ability for you to create a customized table including a list of all industries with employment in the acting occupation.
Professional Organizations
Actors Equity AssociationThe foremost labor union represents more than 45,000 actors and actresses and is an important information source for finding out about contract negotiation and other organization benefits.
American Alliance for Theatre and EducationA national voice for theatre education, conferences, networks, publications, and organization events can be found at this site. The organization is a potential networking source for aspiring acting students and professionals.
American Association of Community TheatresHere you will find a website that recognizes the interests of community theatre across the United States. Member benefits and services include information on national festivals and a multitude of ideas, inspiration, and practical benefits, such as discounts on theatre-related products and services.
American Federation of Television and Radio ArtistsNational information and links to local chapter information are available at this page, which is the national labor union for artists in entertainment and media. Union benefits, a legislative center for young performers, and a talent agency bulletin can all be accessed from the site.
Screen Actors GuildYou will want to check out the nation’s largest union representing working actors. Member services, industry services, contract rate sheets and digest summaries are available to everyone in the areas of theatrical film, television, commercials, and new media. An eligibility checker will help you determine if it’s time to take the next step to membership.
Job Opportunity Sources
Actors Equity Association: Casting CallsEquity principal and chorus roles for all types of contracts are posted at this page, including auditions for outdoor drama, off-Broadway, and special productions by city and region. Links to mapquest and character information are also available.
Auditions.netOpen casting calls are available through this page after signing up for an online newsletter. The collection of auditions is collected from the internet and categorized by role and audition type.
Indeed.com: All Actor JobsA search engine for jobs is available at this page, which asks what you’re interested in, as well as where you’d like to work. Results returned to you include job descriptions from several major employment databases.
Playbill: Casting and JobsYou’ll find Playbill’s online casting service here, with thousands of jobs in the world of theatre.
Publications
Backstage.com: The Actor’s ResourceIf you subscribe to Backstage, you will be able to access thousands of job postings, as well as online audition submissions, a resume manager, and daily casting updates. Theatre bulletins and breaking news are provided in addition to an online products and services directory that includes headshots, chats, and details on locating an acting teacher.
Online Forums & Blogs
Actors Blog NetworkBlog categories include auditions, casting, headshots, and news from theatrical performers.
Career Videos
ActingBiz: Video ClipsThe actor video series at this page explores the art of acting and provides footage of the casting process through interviews with well-known screen and television actors. You can connect to tips for the beginning actor and other resources on breaking into the acting world.
CareerOneStop.com: Actors Career VideoCareerOneStop portal allows you to use Media Player or Real Player to hear and see a backstage look at the world of acting and requirements for success in the field.
