Answers from The Working Actor

13 Ethics and Etiquette

Because of the wide variety of their professional interactions, career actors must develop an expert knowledge of the protocols of the business—what is and is not considered appropriate—as well as their own personal policies—the ways they choose to conduct themselves and the codes to which they subscribe.

Having clarity about these ideas is particularly important, because challenging situations arise quickly; decisions need to be made on the spot. You’re committed to a play and get offered a lucrative television gig; what do you do? You are asked to do something that violates union regulations; how do you respond? What do you say if someone asks your opinion of a script you hated? Know your ethics and etiquette in advance, ...