Only the most talented will find regular employment. Earnings Minimum salaries, hours of work and other conditions of employment are covered in basic collective bargaining agreements between producers of shows and unions representing the various 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, each actor or director may negotiate an individual contract that provides for a higher salary than that specified in the basic agreement. Eight performances amount to a week's work on the stage, and any additional performances are paid for as overtime.
Actors usually work long hours during rehearsal.
Once the show opens, they have more regular hours, working about 24 hours a week. Television actors also receive additional compensation for reruns. Television actors also receive additional compensation for reruns. Earnings from acting are low because employment is so irregular. Therefore, many actors must supplement their incomes from acting by holding other jobs.