I have recently been considering getting a tattoo. Nothing huge, just a small simple one on my ribcage, but I am terrified of doing anything to jeopardize my career. Most online articles regarding actors and tattoos pertain to film, and I am primarily focused on stage. As long as it was small and not in a typically exposed area, would it be a problem in terms of casting? I would assume that if I ever had to wear a bikini or bra top in a show I could cover it with makeup, but you never know. Are there cases of people in tours, broadway etc that were fired once the director found out they had a tattoo (especially if it was in a typically hidden place and they might not have seen it at first)? I’m not really sure of my type, but I don’t typically play “tough” characters so a tattoo would probably not help me fill a niche or anything like that. I understand being an actor my appearance matters and for that reason am not getting a nose piercing, but I also feel that personally, as an artist I care about self expression and do not want to completely lose or hide myself to try and be more “hirable”
If anyone has any knowledge or advice regarding actors with tattoos that would be greatly appreciated!
I was just having this conversation with my son yesterday. He is in a show where tattoos do not have to be hidden nor do earrings and nose rings. This is not the case in most shows… period pieces and Disney shows make you cover them up.
Disney (at the parks) doesn’t allow tattoos to be covered up with make-up. They can be covered with some costumes, but having one that would show makes you ineligible for some characters. Example, a female with a torso tattoo might get to be Cinderella but not Ariel.
I don’t know about the stage shows or cruise ships, but Disney is pretty strict. My daughter doesn’t have a tattoo because of this and because I said if she got one I’d stop paying for her college expenses. She graduates in Dec and any pull I have will be over, but Uncle Walt still rules supreme.
You may want to consider whether you will be doing shows wearing costumes where the tattoo will be visible but not a good fit for the role that you will be playing.
Not familiar with Disney policy, but LOTS of girls working on Broadway and national tours have tats. Maybe not giant sleeves, but definitely a little ink here and there. If it’s coverable with makeup, it’s not a big deal.
I know lots of actors with tattoos and none of them have ever had an issue with casting. Certainly, none have ever been fired for having one. They can easily be hidden with make-up but even that isn’t a big deal in most situations. It’s true that Disney can be strict about things like this but they also are not considered a great employer by many who have worked for them.
Almost all of my son’s immediate friend group – male and females – went out freshman year and got tattoos from the same studio. (On a dare? Not sure but there was certainly BFA classmate solidarity involved and possibly some alcohol.) The ones I’ve seen are small, single images/graphics or words, and usually located in a “hidden” area but not always – some wrists, ankles, forearms. My son’s is just below his armpit so mostly covered when he’s in a t-shirt. None of them have ever had an issue with auditioning or casting, but then none have Disney aspirations that I’m aware of.
@maMTma that is definitely helpful/reassuring! If you don’t mind me asking, what program was this? I know some discourage getting piercings and body art.
@MThopeful99 – Ithaca. I’m not sure if the program ever weighed in on the question of tattoos at the time, but it might have come up during their senior year “getting ready to launch” seminars and similar pre-professional training.
You’ve answered your own question. You know it would be dumb to get one. Can you imagine losing a great gig or casting choosing a non-tattoo body over you because of this? Talent is a dime a dozen. Don’t make it easier to get rejected.
Yes, except people who have actually been on Broadway have answered saying it’s no big deal. In a business where ownership of ones body is a dicey subject at best, especially for women, little things like hidden tattoos can be very empowering. Every employer and potential employer is going to have an opinion on, and often try to exert control over, actress’ bodies, and if a little flower or gremlin or whatever tucked in some semi private place makes that easier to tolerate for the actor, it’s a net positive.
I have to say I am not a fan of tattoos in general. BUT- I really like @NJNYvt 's comment above. It’s YOUR body. Actors/performers have to live enough of their lives with other people evaluating their physical selves - and it can get ugly. I have been up close and personal with young performers dealing with eating disorders and self harm impacted by all of the “judgement” out there. I would always advocate being smart (Maybe NOT a giant marking covering half your torso…) and recognize that there “could” be issues in specific situations (aka the disney caveat mentioned earlier) but everyone gets to make their own choices… even actors.
My daughter (sophomore @ CAP21/Molloy) was pretty bummed when her two sisters went together to get their noses pierced. She wanted one too. But since she probably will be playing young for a while, she decided to hold off until she thinks it won’t get in the way of being cast. It’s a personal choice, but you are smart to get opinions
It’s definitely less of an issue now for theatre and makeup covers up a lot. But, I ask myself what I would like on my body for the rest of my life…my house decor was very current and stylish ten years ago, but now I consider it dated. Neither of my kids find tattoos appealing, but lots of their friends discuss it. I suggest that they pick out something and then put that design in a drawer for 12-18 months…when they look at it again, is that absolutely their first pick still? We often grow and change our priorities and our image and they are expensive to remove. My niece and nephew are now about 30 and have lots of regrets about their design choices in tattoos. I think it’s important to ask yourself why you are getting it and if that will be important ten years from now. Just some food for thought.
My D is a member of various acting websites (Actor’s Access, 800 Casting, etc), and she frequently gets breakdowns specifying no visible tattoos. She gets some that want tattoos, but not many. Makeup can cover a lot, but it’s easier to add a fake tattoo than cover up a real one. Also, we have a friend who is a plastic surgeon & he says there are SO many over-30-year-olds who come to him for tattoo removal, and if they’re dark, they’re very difficult to remove. But my D wants a tattoo… 8-| We told her not while we’re still paying the bills! Mainly because what @loribelle said - styles change and what she thinks is cool now, is not necessarily going to be cool when she’s 30!
I don’t think there’s any issue with tattoos on actors, I’ve worked with actors from some of the “top” super selective schools who have tattoos, and they don’t seem to have any issues with them. I have also talked with the costumers I was working with about the issue, and they said as long as they were easy to hide they aren’t an issue for the costumers, I’ve also talked to some dance teachers (both college teachers and my personal teacher who worked in New York for years) and they all say that if they can’t see it it’s not their problem. Additionally if it’s something that means a lot to you, there’s no reason not to keep it with you always like that.
I got one over the summer (I got permission from my parents for my 17th birthday), its kind of small/medium and on my hip. It’s something that I had wanted for 4 years and won’t get tired of. I basically have to wear a bathing suit or some super low waisted pants for it to show.
And just a warning to any parents who want to forbid their child from getting a tattoo, that might not stop them. At least where I live, stick and pokes are pretty common. I have like 4 friends who have them, and you can get something small done in the woods or at someone’s house for about 20$. Though they probably won’t be using actual tattoo ink or a new needle. All of my friends got them because they wanted tattoos, and their parents wouldn’t let them get anything. As far as I know, none of their parents have found out, because they got them in discreet places. I was allowed to get one because my parents decided that they would rather let me get a tattoo at a time when they had some control, and they helped make sure that I got something I won’t regret, and did it in a safe manner.
I am not a fan of too much ink (but have you seen Ramin Karimloo??). D1 is planning to get a small tattoo “at some point” - won’t say when or where but it’s her choice. Best not to go crazy if you want to do film/TV. And I probably wouldn’t support a tattoo with the name of your college sweetie :))