Talent, experience, and business acumen are very important. Directors and producers come from different backgrounds. Actors, writers, film editors, and business managers often enter these fields. Formal training in directing and producing is available at some colleges and universities. As actors', directors', and producers' reputations grow, they work on larger productions or in more prestigious theaters.
Actors also advance to lead roles.
Some actors move into acting-related jobs as drama coaches or directors of stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions. A few teach drama in colleges and universities. The length of a performer's working life depends largely on training, skill, versatility, and perseverance. Some actors, directors, and producers never retire, but many leave the occupation after a short time because they cannot find enough work to make a living. Job Outlook Employment of actors, directors, and producers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.