However, employment may be somewhat affected by government funding for the arts-a decline in funding could dampen future employment growth in this segment of the entertainment industry. Workers leaving the field will continue to create more job openings than will growth. Earnings Minimum salaries, hours of work, and other conditions of employment are covered in collective bargaining agreements between producers of shows and unions representing workers in this field. Most stage directors belong to the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, and film and television directors belong to the Directors Guild of America. Of course, any actor or director may negotiate for a salary higher than the minimum.
Actors usually work long hours during rehearsals.
Once the show opens, they have more regular hours, working about 30 hours a week. Actors also receive contributions to their health and pension plans and additional compensation for reruns. Earnings from acting are low because employment is so irregular. Therefore, many actors must supplement their incomes by holding jobs in other fields. Some well-known actors have salary rates well above the minimums, and the salaries of the few top stars are many times the figures cited, creating a false impression that all actors are highly paid.