Directors and producers come from different backgrounds. Actors, writers, film editors, and business managers often enter these fields. Producers often start in the industry working behind the scenes with successful directors. 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 or specialized roles.
A few actors move into acting-related jobs as drama coaches or directors of stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions. Some teach drama in colleges and universities. The length of a performer's working life depends largely on training, skill, versatility, and perseverance. The large number of people desiring acting careers and the lack of formal entry requirements should continue to cause keen competition for actor, director, and producer jobs. Only the most talented will find regular employment.