Time is ticking! As the calendar year nears a close, the entertainment industry begins to ramp up its releases in an effort to create a “fourth quarter frenzy.” This is the time of year when studios start to release their big budget films and award-winning documentaries in the hopes of attracting Oscar buzz. Additionally, television networks air new episodes of their most popular shows and music labels release holiday albums. It’s a busy and exciting time for show business!
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When Thanksgiving (in the United States) and the December holidays roll around, show business undergoes a metamorphosis of sorts. Theaters go dark on certain days and television and film production shuts down.
For actors, the fourth quarter is make-or-break time. The pressure is definitely on and you have to be at your absolute best — mentally and physically. There’s no room for error. Actors need to be prepared for anything no matter what time of year, but in the last three months of the year, your goal is to secure a job for the new year. You might get a call to audition for a role that you’re totally wrong for or you might have to go out on dozens of auditions before finally landing a role. It’s all part of the game.
How do actors make a living during the holiday shutdown?
You need to set yourself up for the new year by preparing for the fourth quarter holiday season. This is the time when you audition for holiday-themed shows and movies, and start to learn your lines. You also start to promote their upcoming projects and attend holiday parties.
“What?! Attend parties? I don’t have time for holiday parties.”
No? Well guess what? Good old fashioned word of mouth helps keep you in the spotlight, even if you’re not working. To create a buzz for yourself, you need to network with the right people and get your name out there.
Another way to do this is to get involved in independent films or web series. These projects are often easier to get into and can be a great way to build your acting portfolio. Plus, if the project is successful, you’ll get some good exposure. So even though the big studios are shut down, you still have an opportunity to work on your acting chops with indies and web series.
But I want a break!
Okay, then. 
During the holiday season, many actors take a break from filming and auditioning to spend time with their families. Some use the time to volunteer or participate in charity events.
Many actors also use the holiday season as an opportunity to catch up on sleep and relaxation. With the hectic schedules that we keep, the holidays are often one of the only times that we can get a chance to recharge our batteries.
But even though you may be taking a break from work, you still have to stay in shape and keep your vocal chords warmed up. Most actors will still attend acting classes and workshops during the holiday season, as well as make sure to do some type of physical activity every day.
Recharge but not for too long.
Show business is a tough business. It’s hard work and long hours. And it’s not just the actors who have to put in the work. The crew, the writers, and everyone else who works on a show have to be dedicated and committed to their craft.
There are a lot of people who want to be actors, and only a few who actually make it. Those who do make it have to be talented, hard-working and sometimes lucky.
For every actor who makes it big, there are hundreds who don’t. So of course, you want to recharge during the holiday season, but if you take a break for too long, other hungry-for-work actors are more than happy to take your place.
Taking a rest from work can be the death of your career so it’s important to make sure you don’t take too long of a break. Here’s why:
1. You might lose your edge. If you take too much time off, you might not be as sharp when it comes to your craft. It’s important to keep up with your skills so that you can be ready to jump back into work when the opportunity arises.
2. You could miss out on opportunities. The industry is always changing and if you’re not working, you might miss out on some great opportunities. It’s important to stay in the game so that you don’t miss your chance at success.
3. You might get rusty. If you take too much time off, it’s easy to get rusty and out of practice.
The fourth quarter is a crucial time for you as an actor and show business in general. A lot of money is made during this time and it is important to take advantage of it. You should make sure you are prepared and have a plan to make the most of this quarter.
