What does it mean to "sell out"?

I've been thinking about this a lot since I graduated from college. I've been trying to figure out what I want as an actor and as an artist. I know I don't want to be a sell-out, but I can figure out exactly what that means. What makes an actor a sell out? Doing a big-budget jukebox musical (not a lot of social meaning)? Having your own clothing line? Becoming a spokeperson for Mastercard or some other product?

What do you all think?

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Even if one feels they have stayed true to their morals and upbringing, I believe no matter what, every one who achieves a degree of success will be called a Sell-Out by someone they know.

I think it's unavoidable.

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God i hate thats term

We would all love to do small interesting independent theatre where we can experiment with characters more etc etc etc but we also have to pay the Rent

Ive done tons of small shows which i love amd have the best time in but then ive also done Tours or London stints in Fame, JCS, Joseph etc.

Does that make me a sell out.....No, that keeps a roof over my head

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I agree with all of the previous posters.
I think the bar has been set very high (or low) by today's standards.
One would have to do something overtly commercial (and offensive) to be a "sell out" today.

to "sell out" means there are no tickets left.

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"Sell Out" means that you are essentially giving up your independence as a creative artist in exchange for money. When you think about sell outs, it generally is someone (or a group) that had a very popular and acclaimed career that signed on to a big money machine where the end product is controlled by that big machine (like a big studio, record label, etc.)

I wouldn't worry too much about "selling" out, deary. Everyone sells-out to some degree, regardless of profession. Even someone like a Stephen Sondheim has to make conessions to the market.

I'd focus on finding work as an actor. Every sensible actor realizes at some point that if someone is willing to pay you to perform...you take it!

The more you work, the more money and recognition you have.. the more money and recognition you have..the more choices you get in selecting what you will and won't do.

But if you start off with the "this is beneath me attitude," you may miss out on that tampon commercial that would have paid you big bucks and allowed you do that rinky dink play you love so much.

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I worked hard to get where I am today.

YOU sold out.

TheatreDiva90016: Agreed! I only wish I had something to sell, so I could sell out!

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See Metallica after the black album. A perfect example of "selling out."