• Actor Job Description

    An actor is someone whose job is to represent a character on stage, in a motion picture or in a television production. Their job involves studying the script of a story to understand a character and playing the character using speech, body language and movement to entertain, inform or instruct an audience. The actor also familiarizes himself with the roles of other cast members.

    An actor should be enthusiastic, creative, perceptive, self-assured, disciplined, diligent and detail-oriented, and have the ability to memorize lines. They should have critical-thinking, self-learning and research skills, and the willingness to keep developing their acting skills. They should also be friendly and able to relate to a wide range of people and work well as part of team.

    Pursue a career in acting if you are insightful and creative, and have a natural talent for performing and entertaining.
  • What does an Actor do?

    Actors may do some or all of the following:

    • apply and prepare for acting auditions
    • collaborate with other actors, directors and other show production members
    • study scripts to understand their character and memorize the speaking parts
    • research their character and take cues from director on how to portray the character
    • act out their role for in front of a camera or on stage
  • Where does an Actor work?
  • Working Conditions

    Actors may work long and irregular hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays. They work indoors in studios and theatres and outdoors on locations. They may travel for work and be away from home for long periods of time.

  • What is Required to Become an Actor ?

    There are no formal educational requirements to become an actor, but a degree or diploma in performing arts or a similar discipline is helpful in obtaining acting skills and experience.

  • Modules

    Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you’ll be taking in college may include:

    • Voice Culture
    • Spot Memory
    • Body Language
    • Acting on Cue
    • Emoting and dialogue delivery
    • Working with other actors
    • Improvisation
    • Characterization and Role Analysis
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Actors need to have:

    • patience
    • charisma
    • friendliness
    • courteousness
    • tactfulness
    • perceptiveness
    • self control and discipline
    • dependability and punctuality
    • adaptability and versatility
    • determination and persistence
    • confidence and assertiveness
    • physical fitness and stamina
    • good memory
    • good attention to detail
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • analytical skills
    • networking and promotional skills
    • performing and presentation skills
    • multitasking skills
    • research skills
    • the ability to memorize information quickly
    • the ability to visualize a story
    • the ability to follow directions and stick to instructions
    • the ability to relate to a wide variety of people
    • the ability to maintain good concentration for long periods of time
    • the ability to work well under pressure and manage stress
    • the ability to accept and respond well to criticism
    • the ability to memorize lines
    • the ability to work well as part of a team
    • the ability to modulate their voice
    • the ability to improvise
    • knowledge of human behavior
    • knowledge of different cultures
    • knowledge of film production techniques
    • knowledge of the theory and history drama

References

Should I be an Actor ?

Take our career test to find out if this career is ideal for you!



Alternative Careers
  • Dancer
  • Musician
  • Film Director
  • Film Producer
Share this Page

If this is your profession and you would like to add to or amend any of the information on this page, then please get in touch with us at mail[at]careersome[dot]com