The Performing Arts Industry

What is the Performing arts industry?

Performing arts is the term used for a collection of different arts performed in front of an audience. They primarily focus on drama, dance, music, opera and theatre. However, they do also include performances such as magic, stand-up comedy and circus arts. This means there’s an overlap in the performing arts with the film and media industries. 

7 skills you need to succeed in performing arts | Prospects.ac.uk 

Performing arts have always been around throughout human existence. But the performing arts as we know it today started off with ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Back then, performances were a way to honour deities or tell mythical stories through dance, music, and ritualistic performances. These performances were often held in grand amphitheatres, showcasing the skills and talents of the performers to large crowds.

The History of Performance Art: - Performing Arts (performingartsmusic.org) 

The importance of health, safety and wellbeing when working in the Performing arts industry

As a performer, in my case an actor, it is very important that I maintain my physical and mental wellbeing. As actors we rely mainly on the capabilities of our bodies in order to perform, and as such it is vital that we make sure we are fit and healthy enough to sustain a career in the performing arts.

Nutrition.

One part of making sure an actor is maintaining their energy levels is by making sure they're getting enough nutrients throughout the day. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how talented you are if you don’t know how to sustain it and unfortunately for many aspiring actors, the industry tends to focus all its training on nurturing their artistic expression, while neglecting the physical demands put on them as performers. This can set them up for failure when they eventually start booking roles in the future. Acting is a physical skill that puts big demands on the body as well as the mind. Actors might be required to perform for two or three hours at a time with only short breaks in between, you'll often be on your feet with a lot of movement involved. All this requires stamina and energy, which is ultimately dependent on the fuel that you put into your body.

Actors can tend to struggle with eating well, for a variety of reasons. For a start, performance schedules can disrupt normal eating habits, as they are so busy they can simply forget to eat and they may also feel like they don’t have the time to prepare proper nutritious meals. This means that actors end up resorting to food that's quick to make/ eat such as sugary snacks that will only provide a quick spike of energy, but won't sustain them throughout the performance. This along with actors often partaking in intense physical activity for their performances can blunt their hunger signals which can cause performers to feel like they’re not hungry until they are in the middle of a performance, when it is not possible for them to stop and refuel. Pre-performance nerves can also dull the appetite, making it difficult to supply the body and brain with enough energy to perform well. This can be very bad for performers, as not having the right amount of energy especially on performance days could impact the quality of the performance you give. Which for an up and coming actor could mean people won't see you as being as talented as you are and could potentially impact your ability to get future work.

Performers tend to also underestimate their energy demands and may not realise how much they need to eat to sustain their energy. A lot of performers, especially women, have to deal with conforming to outdated and ludicrous ideals of what their bodies should look like leading to them to restricting their calorie intake, which can then lead to them developing an eating disorder, or disordered eating. This can be really detrimental to their health, not only leading to a lack of energy which they need being in such a high energy industry, but because it can cause them to become malnourished which if left too long can cause permanent organ damage and eventually, death. With actors being physically active during performances it can cause their hunger signals to dull which can cause performers to feel like they’re not hungry until they are in the middle of a performance.

What Is Disordered Eating? (eatright.org) 

A strategy to help me maintain good nutrition.

A strategy to combat poor nutrition is by timing your meals. Though actors understandably don’t want to feel too full from a big meal when they are performing. But on the other hand, eating too far in advance or not enough can lead to fatigue and poor concentration which will affect the quality of your performance. Depending on each person's metabolism, it is recommended to aim to eat a balanced meal between three to four hours before the event. Including lean protein for stamina, fibre to keep you full and whole grain carbohydrates that provide a slow release of energy rather than a surge followed by a crash is also recommended. An example of a good meal might include grilled chicken or fish, leafy greens such as spinach or kale, and sweet potatoes or whole grain brown rice, followed by berries and natural yoghurt sweetened with a little honey. Also having some light snacks every couple of hours, such as a banana or a handful of nuts will help to maintain energy levels. It is especially important to time your meals when you have a big performance or important rehearsal coming up. 

Nutrition And Hydration Tips For Actors And Acting Students (actupnorth.com) 

Nutrition Tips for Performers to Prevent Fatigue and Injury | Spotlight 

Hydration.

Making sure to stay properly hydrated will enhance your mental and physical performance while also delaying fatigue. Moving around and speaking more often than you would naturally can soon cause you to feel dehydrated, particularly under hot studio lights. This can make you feel tired and dizzy, and reduce your energy levels and mental clarity. It can also make your joints feel stiff, making it more difficult to move around gracefully and use your body language to full effect. Keeping hydrated decreases your risk of injury and helps keep joints lubricated. Simply put, when you meet your hydration demands, you will be able to perform better and for longer.

When you exercise, you sweat. It’s one of the body's thermoregulatory responses to help cool you down. But when you sweat, you lose electrolytes which are key for maintaining fluid balance in the body for optimal hydration and performance. Meaning you should consider topping up with electrolyte tablets if you tend to sweat a lot, research indicates that some people sweat more than others. This means they will lose more sodium and often other electrolytes when they sweat and may need to pay more attention to their hydration needs. Though sweat rate is different from person to person. But it’s important for everyone to stay hydrated, failure to consume enough water and electrolytes will increase your risk of dehydration.

A strategy to help me stay hydrated.

To help stay hydrated I will aim to drink small amounts throughout the day around 8 to 12 cups of fluids to stay well-hydrated. You should avoid downing a lot of water at once, this is because the body struggles to process sudden intakes of a lot of fluid and you will just end up with a full bladder needing to go to the toilet. Leading up to performances, they recommend drinking at least two or three cups of water and/ or an electrolyte-enhanced drink two to three hours before. During performances, you should make sure you’re staying hydrated during the breaks with at least one cup every 20 minutes.

Nutrition And Hydration Tips For Actors And Acting Students (actupnorth.com) 

Nutrition Tips for Performers to Prevent Fatigue and Injury | Spotlight 

How do electrolyte tablets help hydrate your body? | STYRKR 

Physical Fitness.

As an actor it is important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle as it is crucial to your performances and overall success in the performing arts industry. In today's fast-paced and competitive environment, actors must be at their best physically and mentally. Being physically fit and active will make it easier for actors to perform with high energy while maintaining their focus for extended periods, all while they execute demanding scenes, stunts, and fight sequences. Being physically active also comes with the added benefits of improved coordination, strength, and flexibility, which means you'll be able to bring more life and authenticity to your performance, making it more engaging for your audience. This is important whether you are performing on stage, in front of the camera, or executing an intense action scene. Being as physically fit as possible allows actors to have the energy and endurance to tackle any scene with relative ease and perform at their best for longer hours, which is essential in bringing your character to life and sustaining a career as an actor.

Fitness training and working out can help improve your overall physical performance, but it can also help you in a lot of other ways as well. For one it has been proven that exercise can positively impact your mental health. Actors are often subjected to a lot of pressure and stress and by staying physically fit, it can massively help actors to maintain a positive outlook and help them stay motivated to achieve their goals. 

A second thing exercise and being physically active positively impacts is your confidence. Having a physically fit body can boost your confidence and help you feel more self assured, both when you are performing and when you aren’t. By maintaining a healthy body weight and being in good physical shape, it’ll help you perform with greater ease and with less self-consciousness, allowing you to perform your best.

Thirdly, being physically active can help you with your physical appearance. Unfortunately, the arts still tend to have preference towards people, who in their eyes, are more physically attractive. Which for a lot of actors could be a critical factor in their success. So maintaining a physically fit body can help your skin look healthier and tone your appearance which can help you to stand out to casting directors and audiences. Even though it’s unfortunate that the industry still holds appearance in such high importance, it’s something that can’t really be avoided if you’re wanting to make a career in the industry. Though of course there are plenty of people working in the industry that don’t look conventionally attractive, that maybe aren’t the most physically fit either. But not being physically fit can massively restrict the types of roles offered to them, typically being the “comic relief” or the “fat friend”. 

And so finally, being physically fit is crucial for actors looking to succeed in their careers. By improving endurance, enhancing physical performance, promoting mental health, increasing confidence, and maintaining a better physical appearance, actors can put themselves in the best possible position to succeed. Whether through regular exercise, a balanced diet, or other physical activities, actors should prioritise fitness and strive to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Benefits of Physical Fitness for Actors: Improved Performance & Success (everythingcinemaproductions.com) 

A strategy to help me stay physically fit.

The best way to become and stay physically fit is to find an exercise routine you enjoy. You can stay physically fit by basically doing anything, whether it's dancing, yoga, swimming, running, or weightlifting. I personally prefer to do weightlifting, running and swimming. Choosing activities that bring you joy and make you eager to continue to exercise regularly, will help you out massively in being consistent with sustaining your physical fitness. Variety keeps things interesting and prevents it from becoming monotonous. Incorporating strength training is very useful for actors as it’s crucial for that actors maintain their strength. Focusing on functional exercises that target multiple muscle groups, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks will help to build and maintain your strength. Resistance bands and bodyweight exercises can also be effective tools to build strength, even in limited spaces. Engaging in activities that elevate your heart rate will help boost your stamina. Anything that includes movement can help you improve your stamina, this could include brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or dance-based workouts. You should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio each week. Stretching will not only help prevent injuries but also enhance your flexibility, enabling you to move with better ease. You should incorporate stretching exercises into your routine, such as yoga or dedicated stretching sessions before and after workouts. Mind-body exercises like yoga, Pilates, or tai chi can help improve your posture, balance, and body awareness. They also foster mental clarity, reducing stress and anxiety that can hinder your performance. Just as important as exercise is proper rest and recovery. Giving your body the time to recuperate between workouts will ensure you avoid overtraining and any possible injuries. Quality sleep and a balanced diet are essential components of your recovery. Hydration is also key to maintaining overall health and performance. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during intense physical activities.

Acting with Strength: Simple Tricks to Stay Physically Fit and Perform at Your Best (everythingcinemaproductions.com) 

Sleep.

Sleep is an essential part of life, helping to promote your physical and mental recovery, so you're ready for the next day. But it is also very important for actors to make sure they're getting the right amount of sleep as it can help them in their career. For one it helps our brains with learning and memory formation. This means that it basically gives our brains the opportunity to process the information we've learnt in the day. Which for an actor could be the lines from a new monologue, notes from the director or some complex choreography. Things you've learned throughout the day should feel more solidified in your mind and body after you've had a good night's sleep. Getting a good night's sleep also helps with how we function during the day by ensuring we have a clear head and that we are fresh and energised for when it comes to rehearsals or live shows. Meaning we will be ready and able to learn and adapt.

Though There is a balance to getting the right amount of sleep. If you have too much sleep or too little, it can have negative effects. So as an actor, it’s essential to understand the role sleep plays and to make sure we're getting the right amount. 

If you get too much sleep it can lead to you feeling lethargy, groggy and it can increase inflammation. Which can affect your body, vocal chords and overall performance ability. It causes brain fog, impairs learning and will disrupt your internal clock.

Though if you don't get enough sleep it can lead to you having slower reaction times. Which can increase the risk of you getting injured. Along with that, lack of sleep will also impair both your learning and memory consolidation. This would make learning new work and remembering that work and what you’ve practised in rehearsal very difficult. Not getting enough sleep will also compromise your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness and injury, which means that your body won’t be able to adapt and build strength and stamina in response to your training and rehearsals. Lack of sleep can also cause poor mood, decreased energy and motivation, irritability and can increase your stress. Which is not good when you're in the middle of a performance or when you're training.

The effects of too much or too little sleep can impair your career, your progress and your health. Though the right amount of sleep varies from person to person, adults are recommended to have at least seven to nine hours each night. It’s vital for actors to prioritise uninterrupted, high quality sleep. Because in a sense we are athletes and in order for our bodies to adapt and recover, we may often need more sleep than the average adult. This means you might find yourself on the higher end of that spectrum, possibly needing nine or ten hours of sleep. When you do get healthy sleep you will fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night. You will wake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. You should feel more focused, fresh and have optimal energy throughout the day. And your sleep pattern will be in line with your internal clock and your routines.

Tips and tricks to help me improve my sleep.

There are tips and tricks that will make sure I am getting the right amount of sleep. First I will stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends and days off. I will try and avoid all screens and light before bedtime. I will allocate myself at least 30 minutes of wind down time before bed every night. During this I could read, listen to a podcast, journal, or do any other relaxing activity that will tell my body and mind that it’s time to sleep, and I will make sure to avoid screens during this time as well. I will create a relaxing and comfortable sleep environment for myself, making sure my bedroom is quiet and dark for better sleep. And I will avoid caffeine, alcohol or heavy meals close to bedtime, as this will confuse the body and can keep you up.

Why Sleep is Important for Actors | Spotlight 

Mental Health.

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. According to the APA, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experience it in some form. What’s more, 54.7% of adults with mental illnesses don’t receive treatment. Mental illness is categorised as something that causes disturbances in thinking, emotions, and behaviour and can impact anyone at any age, including actors. Knowing about the complexities and knowing when to seek treatment is an important thing for any actor to know. A 2015 survey of 782 actors conducted by the University of Sydney found that respondents experienced higher rates of mental illness than the general population. Suffering particularly with anxiety and depression, a lot of them often rely on “alcohol and drugs to cope with the pressure and burden of their roles.” 

Demands of acting hurting performers' mental health - The University of Sydney 

Due to the nature of an actor's job and life, there are many reasons as to why actors may be more susceptible to having a mental illness. One reason may be because of stress. Actors' jobs can be very stressful at times and stress for anyone can accelerate or exacerbate almost any mental disorder.

A second reason could be because of just how much rejection an actor has to endure throughout their career. The audition process can be brutal, especially when you’re often asked to prepare and perform pages and pages of material with sometimes very short notice, knowing that it’s highly likely you’ll never hear back from these people again. It’s a lot of highs and lows, sometimes more of one than the other at any given time.

Another reason why an actor could be more susceptible to mental illness is because they sometimes play characters with mental illnesses. According to University of Minnesota Medical School professor Michelle Sherman, Ph.D., “When you really get into character, your blood pressure goes up, your heart rate increases, and your mind and body can’t differentiate between reality and acting.” The act of becoming another person leaves an actor vulnerable, and as such, for an actor to get in character they have to open their mind and soul to the character and are at unique risk of taking on the mental anguish that the character has.

The exhausting nature of acting is a potential contributor to poor mental health. Spending all your energy performing all day, then taking a long commute home and trying to take care of everything else in your life can leave very little time to deal with your own issues. A job that involves increased physical demands, such as dance or stunt work, can increase your risk of injury. If an actor was to sustain an injury, it could negatively contribute to mental health. Many professional actors are self-employed, so if they were to sustain a physical injury, it could impact their ability to perform, or at least perform to the standard that they want or expect to. Which could cause a great deal of emotional strain.

Most actors feel the stress of financial insecurity. Most actors are going from gig to gig, where there isn't a guarantee that they’ll be able to earn enough to make a living just from acting alone. According to a study published in Nature Communications, only 2% of actors make a living from the profession, and 90% are out of work at any given time.

Actors and Mental Illness: Health, Advice, and Support | Backstage 

How to manage your mental health as an actor (perform.edu.au) 

Things that can help me to improve my mental health.

Exercise has been proven to positively impact mental health, which is especially important for actors who are often subjected to intense pressure and stress. By staying physically fit, actors can maintain a positive outlook and stay motivated to achieve their goals. Mind-body exercises such as yoga, Pilates, or tai chi can help improve your posture, balance, and body awareness. They also foster mental clarity, reducing stress and anxiety that can hinder your performance. Continuing to do things like sleeping, exercising, eating a healthy diet, doing hobbies, are all important to maintaining good mental health

You should educate yourself financially. In this industry, it’s best to think of yourself as a business person as well as an actor. You can alleviate financial stress by learning about money and how it works. You need to understand income and expenses, along with agent’s commissions, invoicing, and other business terms. You should also aim to become a saver. A lot of actors tend to spend all their money when they first become successful only to regret it later on, when it’s taken longer than expected to get work again. Instead you should plan to alleviate the possibility of future financial stress by putting some of those earnings aside.

Having some other non-acting work can help to promote positive mental health. Some actors falsely believe you have to give up everything to pursue an acting career. An actor’s life is mostly project to project. You might get a bunch of work over a couple of weeks or months, then nothing for three or four months. For the time’s you don’t have work you should have another job. An income will help alleviate any financial stress and  will give you self-confidence and stability until you get your big break.

You should aim to get good sleep. Though this can be a challenge for actors as they sometimes are required to perform at night. The adrenalin rush of performance can stay with you when it’s really time for bed. You should allocate yourself at least 30 minutes of wind down time before bed every night. During this you could read, listen to a podcast, journal, or do any other relaxing activity that tells your body and mind that it’s time to sleep. If, on the other hand, you have to get up for an early morning shoot, plan ahead. Be disciplined about getting to bed on time the night before. 

Keep up with your old friends. To help protect your mental health, a social support network is vital. When you are focused on building a career, it can be easy to leave behind the friends who know you best. It’s great to have friends in the industry as they will understand your highs and lows. But it’s also great to have people who knew you before all this started. One of the most powerful, scientifically proven methods for alleviating depression and other mental illnesses is human connection. So, if you’re ever feeling down you should reach out to those closest to you. You can do this by making contact with a friend, catching up for a coffee or a beer, getting out the board games or whatever you prefer. You shouldn’t forget to reach out to family too. Having a connection with anyone will help remind you of what it means to be alive and loved.

It’s important to have people you can trust to fall back on, both personally and professionally. Action may be needed to make sure you are well rested and that you have the support and space they need to address mental health concerns. You should make sure that you aren’t over exerting yourself and getting completely burnt out physically and mentally every week. You should give yourself time off to recharge and rejuvenate, especially after a difficult or emotional role. And you need to try and be honest and open about your mental health struggles, and reach out for help before your symptoms become too severe. Therapy and medications can be highly effective in helping with your mental health struggles.

Actors and Mental Illness: Health, Advice, and Support | Backstage 

How to manage your mental health as an actor (perform.edu.au) 

The Roles and Responsibilities in the performing arts industry

The Accessibility of Employment Opportunities in Acting

The performing arts is an industry where until you're well known and famous, it is a never ending fight for employment and even then, it can still be a struggle. Pursuing a career in acting is a dream for many, including myself, but the path to success is a very challenging one. The journey to becoming a successful actor requires not only talent and skill but also persistence, networking, and a lot of luck. Though there are many reasons why it's so hard to get into acting, these include:

The acting industry is very competitive. With thousands, hopeful of getting a limited number of roles. This intense competition makes it challenging for actors just starting off to break into the scene. Standing out among so many talented individuals requires exceptional skills and a unique presence. Success in acting often depends on who you know. Building a network of industry connections can open doors to auditions and roles. However, establishing these connections takes time and effort, and can be particularly challenging for anyone just starting off without any industry contacts.

Why Is It So Hard to Get Into Acting? — Southside Performance Studio 

Having an agent.

Having a good talent agent or manager can significantly impact an actor's career. Agents and managers have the connections and knowledge to help actors find auditions and negotiate contracts. However, securing representation can be challenging, especially for those just starting out. As an actor you're likely to work freelance through an agent who will put you forward for auditions and castings. Agents usually take a fee of about 10% to 25% from your earnings.

Even if you have an agent, it’s always helpful to be proactive and to market yourself. This is beneficial to both you and your agent. After finding the audition or job, you can have your agent handle the negotiations and other details. Allowing an agent to see that you are marketable and bringing money into the agency will keep your name on the top of their list for future submissions. If you don’t have an agent, then searching for jobs on your own will be the only way to continue working in the industry.

Why Is It So Hard to Get Into Acting? — Southside Performance Studio 

Auditions.

Auditions are a critical part of an actor's journey, but they can be a gruelling and disheartening part of the process. Actors will often face multiple rejections before landing a role. Getting noticed at casting calls and auditions can be difficult, especially if you don’t fit the typical profile for the roles being cast. Typecasting is another issue where actors are repeatedly cast in similar roles, limiting their opportunities to showcase their versatility. The audition process demands not only talent but also resilience and the ability to handle rejection constructively. The acting world is full of rejections, and only those who persist through the tough times will ever make it. Every rejection is a learning opportunity, and maintaining a positive attitude and determination is key to eventual success. 

Why Is It So Hard to Get Into Acting? — Southside Performance Studio 

Is my height a disadvantage?

As I am below average height for a male, it may mean I'll be at a disadvantage when it comes to being cast for certain types of roles. Some roles are height-sensitive. Meaning they require actors to be a minimum height. For those roles, my height can act as a barrier. Characters like athletes, security guards or secret service agents, will naturally require actors who have a certain physical presence, rooted largely in their height and stature. Though being a shorter actor is not also without its advantages. Sometimes being shorter will actually work in my favour. Being shorter, means you can more convincingly play younger characters for far longer than a taller actor can. If you’re 29 years old with a baby face and a short frame, you can still successfully play a 17 year old, But someone who's over 6 feet tall won't be able to.

Acting Magazine Does Height Matter for Acting?  - Acting Magazine 

Is my weight a disadvantage?

With me also having gained some weight over the last couple years, the odds are at the moment I wouldn't be cast as a lead. Though with the extra weight, I am more likely to get cast for certain supporting role characters. In some circumstances my build may even give me an edge up on someone who is of average weight. In a way it could help me to stand out from the norm. The bottom line is that there are roles for actors of all shapes and sizes. While I might occasionally lose out on a role due to my height or weight, I may also receive roles because of that.

If You Are Overweight, Does It Hurt Your Acting Career? - Project Casting Blog 

Performers Rights

There are protections offered to performers known as ‘performers’ rights’. These provide several rights for performers in relation to their performances. A performer can be anyone who acts, sings, delivers, plays in, or otherwise performs a literary, dramatic or musical work. This can be actors in films, voice-over artists featured in adverts or backing vocalists singing on a record.

A recording of a performance is ‘released’ when it is first published, played or shown to the public. Rights in unreleased performances last for a 50 year period. The period begins from the year in which the performance occurred. If during this 50 year period a recording of the performance is released, then the following rules apply:

• If the recording of the performance is not a sound recording, the term of protection extends to 50 years from the date of release; or

• if the recording of the performance is a sound recording, the term of protection extends to 70 years from the date of release

Sometimes performers will want to prevent certain uses of their performances. Performers’ rights prevent people from:

• making recordings of, or broadcasting, a live performance

• making a recording directly from a broadcast of a live performance

• making a copy of a recording of the performance

• issuing copies of a recording to the public

• renting or lending copies of a recording to the public

• uploading the recording to the internet where it may be viewed by the public

Performers’ rights can also help to ensure that performers receive payment for their work. For example, when sound recordings of a performance are played in public, the performer should receive payment. This is also the case when sound recordings are made available to the public, for example, in a broadcast.

Performers' rights - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Legal Responsibilities as a Self Employed Actor

Self-employed actors in the UK will have to manage their own financial aspects and are responsible for tax and National Insurance contributions. There are millions of self-employed people across the UK. Actors will only need to register as self-employed once their income exceeds £1000 in a tax year, after which they need to submit a tax return. Once your turnover reaches this amount, you will need to set up as a sole trader by registering for Self Assessment with HMRC and need to register by 5 October after the end of the year you become self-employed. 

As a sole trader, you work for yourself, meaning you can keep all the profits and are responsible for all the losses. But you must also follow certain rules on running and naming your business, although most actors trade under their name. You can be employed and self-employed, meaning you can still work a PAYE job alongside acting work. An actor’s income can fluctuate throughout the year, but you need to put money aside for tax so you have enough to pay your tax return.

This is a straightforward process and the first step is registering for Self Assessment, which is a system HMRC uses to collect income tax. You will need your National Insurance number and personal information, such as an address and contact details, to complete the process. 

Once you’ve completed the Self Assessment, you will get a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), a 10-digit number you receive in the post 10 days after registering. Keep the letter safe; you will need your UTR for your tax return. As a sole trader, you must register for VAT if your turnover is more than the current threshold. 

You must keep accurate records throughout the year which will make filing your tax return a much easier process. The information you need to keep records of according to HMRC are:

• All sales and income

• All business expenses

• VAT records (if you’re registered for VAT)

• PAYE records (if you employ people)

• Records about your personal income

• Your grants, if you claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – check how much you were paid if you made a claim

• You don’t need to send any of these records to HMRC when you submit your tax return, but you must keep all of them for at least five years after the 1 January submission deadline of the tax year, as HMRC might request to check your records at a later date. 

Key Dates for Filing Taxes.

A UK tax year, runs from 6 April and ends on 5 April. For example, the 2023/2024 tax year runs from 6 April 2023 and ends on 5 April 2024.

Tax Return Deadlines.

Paper tax returns need to be completed by 31 October after the end of the tax year.

Online tax returns need to be completed by 31 January after the end of the tax year. 

If your tax return is submitted after the deadline, HMRC will enforce penalties, the amount of which varies depending on how late the tax return is filed.

Tax Deductions.

Being an actor is not cheap and essential expenses such as headshots, classes and travel quickly add up, so it’s good to know that many of these are tax deductible. These are examples of things that are tax deductible: 

• Clothing, makeup and props, if bought for work in theatre, film, or TV performance. You cannot claim for something you wear to an audition.

• Travelling for research, such as train travel and petrol costs, including theatre and cinema tickets, and any books or plays used. 

• Assets that are purely used for business purposes, such as computers, mobile phones and software like Microsoft Office. Anything that is also used personally will only be allowable on the business use element.

• Household bills – if you use your home as a home office, then a percentage of certain household bills are tax deductible. More guidance on these can be provided by HMRC.

• Education and accreditations– relevant to your profession, such as acting/dance/singing classes or a course. 

• Subscriptions and memberships such as Spotlight.

• Agent fees.

What is the Tax Return Process?

There are two methods to file a tax return, either in paper format or online. 

Paper Tax Return.

A paper tax return needs to be submitted by 31 October following the end of the tax year. To submit a paper return, you call HMRC and request an SA100 form or download one from HMRC’s website.

Online Tax Return.

An online tax return has to be submitted by 31 January following the end of the tax year and you will need a Government Gateway account to do this. You will require your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number to register for an account. 

You can save your tax return as you go and come back to it at a later date if needed, but having all the records you need beforehand will make the process easier. Once you’ve filed your tax return, HMRC will calculate what you owe based on the information you’ve given. 

Do I Need an Accountant? 

It really is personal preference as to whether you feel the need to use an accountant or not to assist with filing your tax return. Some people prefer the reassurance of using a qualified professional, others find the process straightforward, especially if you keep detailed records of your income and expenses.

How Much Does an Accountant Charge?

On average, a typical tax accountant in the UK charges around £250 for annual tax returns like self-assessment tax. However, the actual fee depends upon so many different factors. You can also choose to go to an accountant specialising in performers. The Showbiz Accountant offers a flat fee of £350 for a tax return and Accounting 4 Actors will submit your tax return for £239 plus VAT.

Bookkeeping.

Bookkeeping is the general day-to-day upkeep of your financial records and some performers find doing it themselves via a spreadsheet sufficient. Others prefer using accounting software such as Quickbooks or Zoho Books, which are affordable options to keep everything in one place, such as receipts and invoices. Setting up a business bank account is also an option, if you want to keep your performing income separate from your personal banking but it isn’t necessary.

Tax Tips for the Self-Employed Actor | Spotlight 

How to Market a Career as an Actor

When it comes to the performing arts industry, the actor is the product. And as with any product, marketing yourself well will increase the chances of the right casting director seeing you and offering you your dream role. But there are so many other performers, also trying to market themselves, so how can you stand out? What is the best way to market your acting career? According to Spotlight.com there are some things you can do to help market yourself, so that you're more likely to be noticed by casting directors and agents.

Create a Professional Website.

One really useful tool you can use to help market yourself is a professional website. Websites are really good at showing who you are and what you are capable of as it showcases all of your best past work and experiences in one place. It’s best to keep it simple as it will be easier for casting directors to look through and see if you are a good choice for what they are looking for. 

Social media.

One of the best ways to market yourself as an actor is to use social media. Most actors already have accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Your reach as an actor is a valuable tool for promoting yourself, but it can also have a direct impact on your casting marketability. Some actors are getting casted partly based on the size of their social media followings because studios know they can leverage an actor’s fanbase to sell their project. If you have a large following on social media, studios will look at that and see that you will be more likely to get a larger amount of people to see their project, over someone who doesn’t have that big of a following. Having talent is vital, but your ability and skill to grow an audience can enhance and boost your brand. When used properly to support your brand, social media becomes a powerful branding tool that can eventually open up multiple opportunities for work.

Don’t Overly Rely on Social Media.

Social media is a great way of showing people that you are active and present within the acting community. But it isn’t the best way to market yourself and it definitely shouldn’t be the only way you market yourself. A website will let casting directors know you’re professional and give them a guaranteed place to go when they need certain information about you. Social media can be a useful tool for networking, connecting with other creatives and promoting yourself, but it shouldn’t be the sole thing you rely on for marketing. Social media also comes with various restrictions on what you can post and how, which may get in the way of marketing yourself in the way that you want. This is why it’s also a good idea to have a professional website, where you have total control over what content is displayed and how the information you provide is interacted with.

Don’t Stop Developing Your Acting Skills.

Being able to successfully market yourself will hopefully result in you getting more auditions and self-taping opportunities. But there’s no point getting these opportunities if your acting isn’t good enough and isn’t going to earn you the role. What you should put your focus on first is working on your craft and trying to improve your skills. Marketing can be fun and exciting, especially when it involves social media, but it’ll all be for nothing if you let all your hard work, honing your craft fall to the wayside during the process. You should keep practising, keep learning. Then when you’ve gotten the opportunities you’ll be able to showcase yourself at your best, which means you can market yourself to everyone showing them you at your best.

Marketing in the past.

This is all massively different to how you used to have to market yourself only 25 to 30 years ago. Technology has advanced so much that it lets casting directors view all your past work in only a few minutes, they can make a judgement on whether you’d fit the part without ever having to see you in person. Before this technology however, actors would have to call in to a service and speak to a live operator several times a day to find out about audition opportunities, now that can all be seen online within seconds. Later there were message machines, pagers, cell phones, the Internet, and then the Internet on your cell phone. This advancement in technology has made the process of marketing yourself and finding auditions so much easier, and cheaper. It used to cost a lot of money to get professionally done headshots and send them to directors for a chance at an audition. Now it can just be sent on an email, which costs nothing.

How Has Technology Changed Your Acting Career? (backstage.com) 

How to Market Yourself as an Actor | Selling your Brand as a Performer (stagemilk.com) 

3 Social Media Marketing Tips For Actors 2023 (nickdunning.com) 

My Plan to Market Myself