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What is an Actor?

Job Description: Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.

What Do Actors Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Write original or adapted material for dramas, comedies, puppet shows, narration, or other performances.
  • Dress in comical clown costumes and makeup, and perform comedy routines to entertain audiences.
  • Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
  • Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
  • Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
  • Construct puppets and ventriloquist dummies, and sew accessory clothing, using hand tools and machines.

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Qualities of an Actor

These are the skills Actors say are the most useful in their careers:

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Types of Actor Jobs

  • Ensemble Member
  • Ventriloquist
  • Thrill Performer
  • Ring Conductor
  • Movie Stunt Performer

What Kind of Actor Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 63,800 jobs for Actor in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,400 new jobs for Actor by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Actor are Utah, Georgia, and Iowa. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Nebraska, or Idaho. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools & Technology do Actors Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Actors:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Linux
  • Facebook
  • FileMaker Pro
  • YouTube
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Website development software

Becoming an Actor

Learn what Actor education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become an Actor?

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Where Actors Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Actors work:

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Are you already one of the many Actor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Donald Judge via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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