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Actor : Salary and conditions

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Case studies

  • Equity , the trade union for professional performers and other creative workers, negotiates minimum wages for its members, with minimum rates depending on the type of employment, location and number of performances. Equity members are entitled to a subsistence allowance while touring.
  • The Equity minimum rate for theatre performers is set at £372 per week. Subsistence-level rates usually depend on whether the performer has to relocate. Performers in London's West End are guaranteed a minimum salary per week of circa £470. Minimum rates for television, film and radio work vary widely.
  • The Equity membership fee (which includes a one-off joining fee) is payable on a sliding scale as a percentage of the previous tax year's gross earnings from your professional work (including royalties, repeats and residuals). If you are currently studying on a higher education full-time course in performance or a related subject lasting one year or longer, you will be eligible for student membership. Graduate membership is also available after graduation from a National Council for Drama Training (NCDT)  or Council for Dance Education & Training (CDET)  accredited course.
  • Non-Equity actors are often expected to work for much less than the Equity minimum rate and are prepared to do so, seeing the experience as a way into the profession.
  • Many actors sign up with an agent, who may be able to negotiate higher wages, but will take 10-25% of earnings as a fee. The percentage taken varies according to the type of work, e.g. theatre or television. The quality of agents varies considerably, and securing an agent is itself a competitive process, involving networking and often inviting agents to see you perform, or sending them a ‘showreel’ of your TV or film work.
  • Very few people become wealthy through acting, although for some the rewards can be immense. Earnings are not necessarily linked to experience and there is sometimes little relation between how hard you work or your talent and how much you earn.
  • Working hours may be long and unsocial. While on tour, an actor may be travelling and setting up scenery during the day and performing at night. Television and film work also often involves very early starts and late finishes.
  • Actors usually work indoors in theatres or television studios, although some contracts will require actors to work outdoors, for example some film and television work and street theatre.
  • Actors are usually self-employed for tax purposes. Not all employers pay National Insurance contributions. Many actors employ an accountant. Accurate record-keeping skills are essential.
  • Drama schools usually accept equal numbers of men and women, although they receive more applications from women. Generally, there are more opportunities for men than women in mainstream theatre.
  • The lifestyle implications are considerable. Time spent away from home is an inevitable part of the job. Disruption to home and social life is unavoidable. Many actors leave the profession because of difficulties finding work.
  • Actors may find themselves working all over the UK and touring abroad. Auditions are usually held in London or other major cities and actors will often be required to attend them at very short notice.
 
AGCAS
Written by John Watts, University of Surrey
Date: 
August 2011
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