Acting is not just a fun and glamorous game of pretend; it’s a business. In fact, working actors have to run their lives a bit like an entrepreneur running a business. A lot of people dream of becoming entertainers but don’t know the real struggles that come with it. Bold TV was joined by “Days of Our Lives” star Victoria Konefal, and she gave some valuable advice to aspiring young actors.
How to get started
As a young actress who already has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, Konefal says that the number one piece of advice she can give is to stay true to yourself and your performance. She says that casting directors want to see the individual, not just an idea of a performance, so you should give your all in the way only you can as a performer.
She also says that you shouldn’t give up or lose hope. You will hear a lot of no’s, but you don’t want to miss that one yes. Social media has made it easier for some but a lot more difficult for others when it comes to getting started. Influencers and online content creators are getting a lot more acting roles, and their popularity gives them a boost over some trained actors. This can be an obstacle for the actor looking to make a name. But if you’re coming in from the other side, maybe you can use this to your advantage.
How to make money
As an actor, you become your business. Konefal admits that the way you brand and present yourself is extremely important, just as it would be important for you to brand and present your business in a specific way. You have to look and dress appropriately for the job that you want, but you also have to build a team and a company around yourself to pick up other aspects of your business. You have to hire people that you trust and know your worth as you make money in the acting world.
It’s more than the glamour
A lot of young people dream of getting into acting, becoming famous and living a glamorous life, but it isn’t that easy. There is a lot of rejection in the audition process. Plus, you can’t forget the business side. This is the part that gets a lot of people into trouble. Entertainers have seen financial hardship and even courtrooms because they overspend, fail to take care of their finances and neglect the tax process. Plus, they enter into contracts and agreements that don’t do them any favors. So, make sure you take off your rose-colored glasses before starting a new career because the business side is where things really can go wrong.
