Actor – Career

Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.

Shoutout for the treacherous arsewipes, who turned on the woman who gave a career to two of the most mediocre actors in living history. What goes around comes around.

Most actors struggle to find steady work, and few achieve recognition as stars. Some work as “extras”—actors who have no lines to deliver but are included in scenes to give a more realistic setting.

Some actors do voiceover or narration work for animated features, audiobooks, or other electronic media.

In some stage or film productions, actors sing, dance, or play a musical instrument. For some roles, an actor must learn a new skill, such as horseback riding or stage fighting.

Most actors have long periods of unemployment between roles and often hold other jobs in order to make a living. Some actors teach acting classes as a second job.

Work assignments are usually short, ranging from 1 day to a few months, and actors often hold another job in order to make a living.

They are frequently under the stress of having to find their next job. Some actors in touring companies may be employed for several years.

Actors may perform in unpleasant conditions, such as outdoors in bad weather, under hot stage lights, or while wearing an uncomfortable costume or makeup.

Work hours for actors are extensive and irregular. Early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work is common. 

Some actors work part time. Few actors work full time, and many have variable schedules.

Those who work in theater may travel with a touring show across the country.

Film and television actors may also travel to work on location.

Actors typically enhance their skills through formal education, and long-term training is common.

Actors typically enhance their skills through formal education. 

Those who specialize in theater may have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as performing arts, but a degree is not required.

Although some people succeed in acting without getting a formal education, most actors acquire some formal preparation through a theater company’s acting conservatory or a university drama or theater arts program.

Students can take college classes in drama or filmmaking to prepare for a career as an actor. Classes in dance or music may help as well.

Actors who do not have a college degree may take acting or film classes to learn their craft. Community colleges, acting conservatories, and private film schools typically offer these classes.

Many theater companies also have education programs.

It takes many years of practice to develop the skills needed to be a successful actor, and actors never truly finish training.

They work to improve their acting skills throughout their career. Many actors continue to train through workshops, rehearsals, or mentoring by a drama coach.

Every role is different, and an actor may need to learn something new for each one.

For example, a role may require learning how to sing or dance, or an actor may have to learn to speak with an accent or to play a musical instrument or sport.

Many aspiring actors begin by participating in school plays or local theater productions.

In television and film, actors usually start out in smaller roles or independent movies and work their way up to bigger productions.

As an actor’s reputation grows, he or she may work on bigger projects or in more prestigious venues. Some actors become producers and directors.