Journey to Becoming a Theater Actor - Award Nominee - Michael Perrie Jr.​

In this episode of the My Career Shop Podcast, we explore the world of theater acting with our guest Michael Perrie Jr., a Helen Hayes–nominated actor known for his dynamic performances on stage and in film. This conversation is designed for students, career changers, and anyone curious about what it actually takes to build a successful career as a theater actor.

Michael breaks down his journey in the performing arts—from discovering his passion to earning professional roles, navigating auditions, mastering emotional expression, understanding the differences between film and theater, and sustaining a long-term career on stage. He also shares practical, step-by-step guidance for aspiring actors, including education options, where beginners can find opportunities, expected earnings, essential skills, daily routines, and what personality types fit (or don’t fit) this field.

If you’ve ever wondered what life as an actor really looks like behind the curtain, this episode provides a clear, honest, and detailed look into the profession.

Guest: Michael Perrie Jr.
Visit his website: https://www.michaelperriejr.com/
Trailer to the Conspiracists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc6BegrlxQE

Chapters

• 0:00 Guest’s Introduction
• 1:03 Difference between film acting and theater acting
• 15:01 Value of emotions in the line of acting
• 30:33 Different characters Michael has played during his career
• 36:38 What inspired Michael to get into theater acting?
• 41:14 Steps to become a theater actor
• 49:07 Educational path for getting into acting career
• 57:17 What degree/program shall one pursue?
• 1:00:51 Where to find job opportunities as a beginner?
• 1:03:12 What is an ensemble
• 1:06:19 Salary difference between ensemble & principal actor
• 1:09:05 Earning potential at different levels of acting
• 1:13:29 How much do actors usually work?
• 1:23:35 Skills needed to be a theater actor
• 1:29:26 Who is not a good fit for this career?
• 1:34:12 Are there any physical requirements?
• 1:39:12 Helen Hayes nomination experience
• 1:42:09 A day in the life of a theater actor
• 1:56:56 How many people are there on the set?
• 1:58:54 How do actors maintain the same tone?
• 2:03:37 How to deal with stage fright?
• 2:07:42 Biggest challenges in theater acting
• 2:23:39 Best career advice
• 2:24:12 Worst career advice