Jobs for Actor:
An actor communicates a character and situations to an audience through speech, body language and movement. This usually involves interpreting the work of a writer under the instruction and support of a director, although some work may require the actor to improvise the reactions of a character to a situation.
Work varies enormously: from live stage performances of the classics and community theater, to soap operas, radio work and film parts. An actor's role may also involve education, training or therapy, as well as entertainment.
An acting career inevitably incorporate periods unemployment, underemployment and alternative employment.
Typical work activities:
Work activities vary from actor and even for the same actor, depending on the contract. However, activities include varying combinations of the following:
There is no standard career progression for an actor. Some actors spend their whole career moving from one acting contract to another, performing similar work, without gaining extra responsibility or a significant increase in pay. Success with one contract does not necessarily lead immediately to more work and you may move between theater, television and film. You must be prepared for the ups and downs and the lack of security which is inherent in the profession.
Work varies enormously: from live stage performances of the classics and community theater, to soap operas, radio work and film parts. An actor's role may also involve education, training or therapy, as well as entertainment.
An acting career inevitably incorporate periods unemployment, underemployment and alternative employment.
Typical work activities:
Work activities vary from actor and even for the same actor, depending on the contract. However, activities include varying combinations of the following:
- job seeking and networking;
- attending meetings with an agent;
- preparing for and attending auditions;
- learning lines and rehearsing;
- researching reading material or undertaking activities to help prepare for a part;
- discussing interpretation and delivery with other members of the company and the director;
- performing for a live audience;
- performing in a studio or 'on location' for film, television, internet and radio broadcast;
- doing voice-overs for advertisements or recording 'talking books' for CDs;
- managing the performance area, costumes and props;
- undertaking activities associated with touring, such as driving a van, 'get-ins' and 'get-outs' at theaters, liaising with venue
- managers and accommodation provides, keeping records for company managers;
- working as a walk-on or extra for television or film.
It is essential to realise that, on a average, actors spend about 80% of their working life 'resting', so it is important to have other ways of being occupied and generating an income.
Career development:
