Actors typically work weekends and evenings. They spend many hours in repetitive rehearsals and memorizing lines. Once the show opens, they usually work more regular hours, about 30 per week. Acting requires persistence, talent, and hard work. Actors spend a lot of time waiting to audition and to hear about parts.
Actors sometimes travel extensively.
They work in heat from the lights. When on location, they work in varied weather conditions. Many actors face long periods of unemployment and low wages during their first years. They also must cope with frequent rejection. Actors may belong to one of many unions.