Show Business is the term that is used to describe the putting on of entertaining performance for consumers to enjoy. Show-business can be a brutal business for actors and actresses. For starters, there is a great deal of competition with other actors. There is lots of rejection, as actors audition for different acting jobs. There are scammers; people who attempt to swindle money from actors or their parents. And, there are people in the industry who try to take advantage of actors, sometimes sexually.

The Areas of Show Business

There are many different areas for actors to get into the business. There are extras, or background performers, voice-overs, theatre, commercials, television shows and movies, to name the main ones.

Extras
Movie extras, or background performers, are actors and actresses who usually don't have a speaking role, and instead, perform in the background of a scene to give the illusion that a scene is real. Extra work is great for beginning actors looking to gain experience.

Voice-Over
Actors who perform their acting on the radio are sometimes known as voice-over artists. They perform in radio spots are as the voices of cartoon characters.

Theatre
Actors can perform on stage in theatres, either on Broadway, or in Off-Broadway or off-off Broadway productions.

Commercials
Actors can perform in television commercials, which are a great place to start for beginning actors, or actors who are not yet household names.

Television Shows
Actors can perform in television shows, such as Soap Operas and sitcoms.

Movies
Acting in movies is the most widely known area of show business. There are many different types of movies that actors can perform in, such as independent films, made-for-tv movies, student films and big-budget, blockbuster movies.

How Do I Get Started In Show Business?

Some actors are lucky. They may be just walking down the street, when a director approaches them and asks them to be in a movie. The next year, they are instant celebrities.

While this occasionally happens, it is very rare. The reality for most actors is much, much different. Getting into show business requires thick skin and toughness, determination and perseverance.

The easiest way to get started in show business is to stay exactly where you are, in your own local community. Actors can get started doing local community theatre in their area and taking acting classes. Additionally, in most cities there are local talent agencies that actors can join.

Getting started in the local community is a great way for an actor to prepare for the rigors and competition in a larger market like Hollywood or New York.