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TalentBank.com The
Soaps
The Soaps
I think I should audition for Soap Operas. I heard that soaps are an
easy and good way to get started in the business, but I also heard that it could
hurt your career. What is the real deal with the Soaps?
SOME FACTS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THE SOAPS
Soaps are a great way for the actor to sharpen and refine his/her instrument and
skills. Due to the fact that there are so many soaps being shot in NYC, soaps
are great door openers for hopeful film-bound actors in NYC.
In LA, soaps are also good opportunities for exposure and work as well as
improving skills, but the pay rate is significantly lower compared to NYC and
your chances of making it into film or primetime television from the soaps seems
to be much better in NYC.
There are many different kinds of roles that you can be cast for in soaps:
Contract Roles - These are the shows main characters as well as any other
regulars on the show. This actor is guaranteed a certain number of appearances
each week. This actor even gets paid if the actor doesn't appear. But, they
cannot quit until the contract is up.
Non-Contract Roles - These are the actors that appear on the show from
time to time. These actors are free from contracts and may work according to
his/her life.
The Day Player - This actor appears on the show for one day. If the Day
Player is used repeatedly, over and over, it then becomes a Non-Contract
Recurring Role. If they then become essential to the story line, the actor may
be asked to sign a contract.
The "Under Five" - This is a role where the actor has
under five lines to speak.
The Extra - No lines
Why should you be in Soaps?
1. You can get a professional credit that you can use on your resume.
2. If you work at least three days under AFTRA's jurisdiction (even as an
extra), you qualify for membership in equity, if you choose, after one year of
joining AFTRA.
3. The money is very good.
4. If you say even one word of dialogue, (an "under five") and are
slso in, or then join, AFTRA for one year, you are automatically you are
automatically eligible to join SAG if you choose. You can also be in AFTRA for
one year and become an extra for three days to join Actors Equity.
You will usually get called in for a reading by the casting director if your
look is right. There are many other roles available other then contract roles,
so give it a shot. You never know. But realize the truth about the casting. In
many cases, it is based on looks, not talent. Although a contract will not be a
factor unless the actor in bringing something significant to the table, such as
talent.
Now, if you feel that contract work is what your level is and this is your
realistic situation, extra work and under fives, in some cases may actually hurt
your chances of getting contract work. Some say it will, some say it won't. I
would say mostly not, but that is just something for you to decide on yourself.
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