How Much Does it Cost to Become an Actor?

How to become an actor without going broke. The costs of starting an acting career can vary widely. How much does it cost to become an actor? Let's talk about the things you can expect to spend money on in your first couple years as an actor. Your startup costs, so to speak.

LIST OF SELF TAPE TOOLS FOR ACTORS:

BEST ACTING BOOKS AND RESOURCES:

MORE HELPFUL VIDEOS:

Video Sections:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Cost of acting classes
5:12 Cost of headshots
7:04 Cost of casting websites
9:05 Cost of self taping equipment
10:57 Cost of demo reel editing
11:46 Cost of agents and managers
12:51 Cost of joining SAG-AFTRA
13:54 Cost of relocating
15:53 The real cost of an acting career

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[VictorXimenes]

I dropped out of Economics School on my 3rd year in Brazil so i could move to New York and become an actor. Your videos are a life safer, inspiring and knowledgeable. Thank you for giving us beginning actors directions.

[hpac]

Starting my acting journey at a ripe old age of 35..been a single dad to my son..he's chasing his dreams.. I thought I'd chase mine too. For him and myself. Your videos are very helpful thank you !!.. I'm scared I'm nervous I'm excited

[justleena_x]

I saved about 18.000$ now and I plan on moving from the UK to Atlanta next year when I saved some more money, I have to say your videos are absolutely amazing I started acting with 13 but I never knew how to get bigger thanks to you I was able to make a plan for myself and gain confidence in what I do. since everyone said I won't success. thanks to you I got more hope and more confidence Thank you<3

[qa_arts]

I would risk this to peruse my acting career.I am 14 and Im still in 8th grade and I will save money for this.

[kennethgrace]

I will watch all your videos to become a actor no matter how long it takes

[oliviagrace]

i’m 14 and going into high school. i’ve been passionate about acting for many years now, even though i am just getting started. videos like these are so so helpful and i cannot wait to start my career. i’m planning on being in the drama club at my school, and taking classes online because i live in a small town in ohio with no acting classes available. i’m so excited to start and so thankful for people who help by making videos like this so thank you so much!

[eyecandy]

This video was great, and extremely insightful, but as a child, I'm not sure if I'd be able to apply most of these to any potential career in acting because they require so much money and effort. I would love if you could be able to make a specific video on how minors should persue acting.

[Generationrhino]

so be rich to start off and then get ready to be poor haha

[ericfortisjr.]

Kurt, this channel and you’re motivation is very moving for myself, and I’m sure for many others as well. I want to thank you for blowing a little wind to our spark, which then turns to our flame. I will make sure to contact you, and grab some chow with you, once I am fully into my acting career. Thank you in advance. - Eric Fortis Jr.

[shyamparsadneupane]

sir, I didn't knew that you are on the movie venom . I just knew that . so, congratulations and sorry for wishing you late . lots of love

[Regularblackgirl]

Great video! It’s so worth it to pay for quality classes and headshots

[miguelcontreras]

What really interests me about being an actor is not money or fame, what i want is live the experiences that this industry can offer you...

[sharonmwende]

I'm willing to do anything for my career.

[electra_gift]

Love your videos man this proabally the best tips I’ve gotten for acting

[girlygirlrulez]

Backstage is great for getting short films and student films but that’s really it
If you need a reel do backstage before AA or CN

[ADifferentVibe]

One thing about relocation costs: it's not just saving around 5K-10K to go to a larger market for this career. I live in LA and I would go as far to say don't move to the larger market unless you have a JOB (full or part time) that lets you afford to live there. A real job that you can make a living. It could be real estate, finance, whatever you like and can do that is not part of this industry. It's stable so you can keep the lights on and audition for acting roles.

I'm sure a lot of people are committed to act but many actors don't feel the sacrifices until they are in it or what they hoped to accomplish doesn't pan out in their timing. Good to great working actors book 12-15% of their auditions - a lot are mentally worn out by close to 90% rejection rate -- are actors starting out ready for that? Like I said before, add to that either finding a job or being in a job they're not crazy to support themselves...are they ready for it? If you can afford the experiences above, then welcome to the show business and best of luck.

[shelbygill]

I'm so happy I found you and Houde School of Acting. Being in Cleveland, always being a fan of photography and movies and feeling like actually being an actress is something I feel in my body I can do, finding your videos and Houde classes have made me so happy, especially when I was unemployed during the height of COVID. It really helped me remember what the point of life is, and that's to do what ignites a fire in you. Thank you so much for making videos encouraging people to take the risks and put the work into this field! Beyond helpful.

sincerely, a fellow clevelander! ^_^

[onyxrain]

Dude these videos are badass and downright inspirational, thanks so much.

[ClarkeIllmatical]

The filmmaking and acting world is going to be upended by people like yourself. Social media is changing the way we learn. Honestly, your channel makes you stand out as an actor and I'm sure you'll get roles by being seen on Youtube.

[jojomarshall]

Thank you!!! I was getting discouraged and GOD SENT ME TO YOUR PAGE. You sir are freaking Omg thank you. New subscriber. I've already shot 2 movies and on my 3rd. 2 months in 😊