When Should an Actor Accept a Role?

This may seem counter-intuitive to some, especially when we’re just starting out in our careers, but an actor does not have to take every role that (s)he is offered. So when should an actor take a role?

In my opinion, there are three reasons for an actor to accept a role. Ideally, all three will be present in the project, but that’s not always the case.

Without further ado, I give you PEC.

1. The PAY. We all want to get paid for doing what we love. Unfortunately, this is not always an immediate given unless you are incredibly lucky or really young when you start. However, you must determine how much this reason factors into your decision on whether to accept a role. If it’s a big deal, you shouldn’t be auditioning for things that don’t pay. That’s not fair to anyone. But, if the lack of Benjamins in your pocket doesn’t matter to you, and you want to do it, more power to you. Personally, there are projects that I will do without compensation, and there are projects that I know I’ll only do if there is at least some monetary offer.

2. The EXPERIENCE.This reason covers a lot. It can be a role you’ve always wanted to play, a theatre you’ve never performed at, or a genre you’re not comfortable with. It can be about stretching yourself or resume building. It can be about a boy or a girl you like. It could be because if you spend one more second in the city you’ll scream. Only you know what experiences are right for you when they knock on your door.

3. The CONNECTIONS.The world is big, but the theatre and film community, especially in Chicago, is not. For example, I didn’t have to audition for the past two projects on which I worked. I got the calls because the directors had seen me in a peer’s project and liked what I did. As much as this introvert resists, acting, like life, sometimes comes down to who you know. Get in the habit of googling those attached to the project. Something that doesn’t look great on the breakdown suddenly takes on a whole new light once you watch the director’s reel on vimeo or check out the producer’s IMDB page. The internet is your friend. Do your research. Also, don’t be a jerk. It will get back to people.

Which matters the most? Right now, I am more interested in finding projects that have the potential for both Experience and Connections. Someday I’m going to reach a point where I require all of PEC for every project that I take on, but that’s not my current reality. However, over the past few months, I’ve gone from being only an Experience girl, to looking for the Connections too. Let yourself grow. It’s good business.

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