Being+An+Actor

Being An Actor!

Tasks & duties Actors may do some or all of the following: 0.	audition for parts in performances on stage, in film or on television 0.	study scripts to understand the part they are playing 0.	research their character 0.	memorise and rehearse their character's lines, cues and physical movements 0.	discuss their character with the director and the other actors they work with 0.	act out the role for an audience or in front of a camera improvise parts of their character's personality or actions during rehearsal or in front of an audience.

Specialisations Actors may specialise in stage acting, television shows, film, adverts or voice-overs.

Skills & knowledge Actors need to have: 0.	knowledge of how people behave and speak so that they can create believable characters 0.	the ability to project their voice to fill a room 0.	knowledge of body language and movement 0.	knowledge of a variety of books, plays, and poetry 0.	knowledge of different cultures 0.	skill in interpreting and analysing roles 0.	small business skills, including the ability to market and promote themselves 0.	creative ability 0.	memorising skills 0.	research skills 0.	good communication and listening skills. Other skills, such as playing a musical instrument, singing or dancing, are also useful.

Personal Qualities Actors need to be: -1.	disciplined and motivated -1.	confident in themselves and their ability, and dedicated to acting -1.	creative and imaginative -1.	observant -1.	able to accept criticism and work well under pressure -1.	able to take direction -1.	able to work well as part of a team able to turn up to productions prepared and on time.

Physical Requirements Actors should be reasonably fit and healthy, as the work can be physically demanding. They should also have clear speech.

Entry Requirements There are no specific entry requirements to become an actor. However, if you want to approach an agent it is preferred that you have some acting experience. This could include participating in acting workshops or completing a degree at university, or at a performing arts school.

Secondary Education A good level of spoken English is important, and subjects such as drama, history, social studies, and maths are useful. Participating in extracurricular activities, such as theatre sports and debating, is also useful.

Training on the job Actors gain many skills on the job. There are also part-time and full-time courses and workshops available through performing arts schools, polytechnics and private tutors.

Useful Experience Useful experience for actors includes: -1.	amateur acting -1.	modelling -1.	dancing -1.	most performing arts -1.	any sport or other pursuit that involves teamwork. Because acting involves playing all sorts of characters, any life experience is also helpful

Working Conditions Actors work indoors in places like theatres, television and film studios, and radio stations. They may visit libraries and archives to research information about their role(s). They also work outdoors on location.

Workplace conditions vary widely depending on the production and what the script calls for. Indoor conditions may be hot and noisy, while outdoor filming takes place in all weather conditions. The work may also be repetitive.

Actors may need to travel a lot due to location filming or if they are touring with plays and productions.

Equipment Depending on the production, actors may use costumes, make-up and stage props.

Hours Actors work irregular hours and may have long periods without work. When they are working, their hours are often long and irregular. Actors may also need to work evenings and weekends, and may need to be on call.

Contact with people Actors work in groups, usually under the supervision of a director. They have regular contact with a range of people including: -1.	the public -1.	booking agents -1.	writers -1.	directors -1.	producers -1.	lighting and sound technicians wardrobe designers.

Pay There are no established rates of pay for acting. Pay varies according to ability, as well as frequency and type of employment. Actors may work in amateur theatre and perform for no money. They often need to combine their work with other forms of employment, as acting work may be irregular.

Career Progression Actors may progress into related roles such as writing, producing or directing. There are also opportunities to move into corporate entertainment.