Actors

Career summary

#no alternate titles

Actors perform in the following settings:

• Stage plays
• Movies
• Television
• Radio
• Educational films
• Commercials

Actors perform to entertain their audiences, to communicate an idea, or to create an image. They use their voice, body movements, and facial expressions to portray the characters. Some actors sing and dance in performances.

Before a performance, actors read scripts, memorize their lines and cues, and rehearse their scenes. They must be able to project their roles to the audience.

Actors may perform alone, but most work with other actors in groups. Not all actors have large roles, and only a few become stars. Actors may play supporting roles with few lines. They generally get work by trying out, or auditioning, for a part. Extras perform in non-speaking roles.

Narrators read voice-overs for movie and television scenes. Actors may teach acting classes when they are not in rehearsal or performance.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agents and Business Managers
• Announcers
• Dancers
• Models
• Producers and Directors
• Professional Makeup Artists
• Singers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to actors.

• Perform in stage plays, movies, television, or commercials.
• Work closely with directors, playwrights, and other actors.
• Attend auditions and casting calls.
• Entertain and communicate with people by playing dramatic roles.
• Research characters and history to play character accurately.
• Use voice, gestures, and body movements to play characters.
• Express ideas and create images.
• Read scripts, memorize lines and cues, and rehearse roles.
• Sing or dance.
• Read voice-overs for movie and television scenes.
• Work as a supporting actor or extra in small parts with few or no lines.
• Teach acting classes.
• Perform solo or with other actors.
• Promote productions by giving interviews.

Common work activities

Actors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Establish and maintain relationships
• Think creatively
• Perform for or work with the public
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, actors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Speak in front of large groups on a regular basis, usually when performing "live."
• Have a high level of social interaction. They work closely with other actors, technicians, and related workers.
• Communicate with colleagues and associates by face-to-face discussion daily. They also communicate by phone and e-mail on a weekly basis.
• Nearly always work as part of a cast and production team.

Physical work conditions

• Actors work both indoors and outdoors, although most work is inside in theaters. Film and some television actors occasionally work outdoors. Stage, radio, and most television actors are more likely to work indoors.
• Work physically close to other actors, often within inches.
• Occasionally wear costumes.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work.
• Must avoid errors. Errors can affect their performance as well as those of other actors.
• Make decisions that affect others, such as cast members and directors, on a weekly basis.
• Make some decisions without consulting the director, but usually seek advice and direction first.
• Set some tasks and goals without consulting others, but usually ask a director, cast mate, or agent first.
• Work in a very competitive atmosphere.

Hours/travel

• Usually work evenings and weekends.
• Often work long hours. Once a show opens, stage actors usually work about 30 hours a week.
• Travel when shows are “on the road.”
• May work part time or full time.

Physical demands

Actors frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for actors to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for actors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Actors need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Dramatic Arts

Other programs of study to consider

• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
• Dance
• Directing, Theater Production, and Theater Arts
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Film Studies
• Modeling
• Playwriting and Screenwriting

Training

To work as an actor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete formal training; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most actors receive formal training of one sort or another. Training is available at many two-year and four-year colleges. It is also available through acting schools and acting workshops. Many actors complete a bachelor's degree in theater or dramatic arts. If you would like to teach acting at a college or university, a graduate degree in fine arts or drama is required.

Actors often attend workshops at acting conservatories or work with private drama coaches. Many also develop skills in song, dance, and other performance skills.

Work experience

Work experience is helpful in becoming an actor. Acting in high school and college plays, working at college radio stations, and performing with local theater groups is good preparation for this occupation. You could work with local and regional theater groups or summer stock, on cruise lines, or in theme parks to help develop your skills. This experience also earns you credits toward membership in one of the actor's unions.

On-the-job training

Most actors learn their craft through long-term, on-the-job training. They learn by doing and getting feedback from directors. You gain skill by taking on increasingly difficult and varied roles.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements .

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Chorus
• Dance
• Drama
• Public Speaking
• Stagecraft

Many actors are self-employed. To help you monitor your finances and taxes, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for actors with proven acting ability. Auditions, or tryouts, are usually held to fill roles. Formal training is important, but employers prefer actors with talent and experience. Some actors are members of unions. Being a member of a union is necessary to work in some locations. Some actors are represented by agents. For a percentage of the actor's fee, agents help actors get auditions that might lead to potential jobs. Film extras are usually hired through casting agencies.

Many actors seek auditions or interviews both locally and out of town. Others may be contacted directly by producers or directors. It is necessary to get as much experience as possible. Experience in summer stock theater is preferred. Experience in high school and/or college productions is also valuable.

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Tips

Training in singing is helpful. Patience while looking for work is important. Formal training at established institutions may be helpful for entry positions. Study with professionals; get as much experience in different theatres as you can. Keep honing your skills, be a triple threat (act, sing, and dance) and you will be more likely to be hired. Learn a professional attitude.

Costs to workers

Actors often have expenses which can include supplies such as makeup, special wardrobes, union dues, moving costs, housing costs at remote work sites, and additional classes to keep current with changes in the field. There are also expenses in keeping one's resume and photo portfolio current. Traveling to auditions can be expensive as well.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Actors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Actors may be paid by the show, week, day, or hour. Actors usually do not work full time. In addition, they may face long periods of unemployment. Because pay can be low and work intermittent, many actors work a second job to support themselves.

Some professional actors belong to unions. Minimum wages are determined by union contracts. Well-known actors earn much more than minimum wage.

Actors who belong to a union and work more than a set number of weeks per year receive benefits such as health insurance and a pension fund. Actors who do not belong to unions generally do not receive these benefits. Self-employed actors must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 25% of actors are self-employed.

While actors work in all states, the majority of them work in California and New York.

Major employers:

• Movie and TV production companies
• Performing arts companies

National outlook

The demand for American films from American and foreign moviegoers continues to mean work for actors. Some companies are creating movies or shows that go directly to the Internet. This may lead to increased work for actors. Small- and medium-sized theater companies find it difficult to get funding and will see slower job growth.

Competition for jobs will be strong. The glamour of acting and the lack of formal entry requirements attract many people to this occupation. Only the most talented will find regular employment.

Other resources

Actors' Equity Association 
165 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
212.869.8530

American Alliance for Theatre and Education 
718 7th Street NW
Washington DC 20001
202.909.1194

American Association of Community Theatre 
1300 Gendy Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
866.687.2228
817.732.3177

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists 
5757 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90036
855.724.2387

American Society of Cinematographers 
PO Box 2230
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Artist Trust 
1835 - 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
866.218.7878
206.467.8734

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

SAG-AFTRA 
5757 Wilshire Boulevard, 7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
855.724.2387

Showbizjobs.com 

Society for Cinema & Media Studies 
640 Parrington Oval
Wallace Old Science Hall, Room 300
Norman, OK 73019

Theatre Communications Group 
520 - 8th Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212.609.5900

Washington Filmworks 
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

Writers Guild of America, West 
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
800.548.4532
323.951.4000

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Actors (27-2011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Actor (150.047-010) 
• Clown (159.047-010) 
• Comedian (159.047-014) 
• Impersonator (159.047-018) 
• Magician (159.041-010) 
• Mime (159.047-022) 
• Narrator (150.147-010) 
• Puppeteer (159.041-014) 
• Ring Conductor (159.367-010) 
• Stunt Performer (159.341-014) 
• Ventriloquist (159.044-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Arts Professional