Actor
(Movie Star, Film Star)
Fact Sheet
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Preparing in a dressing room prior to a performance |
Actors portray roles in both live and recorded, or filmed, productions. In the live performance area, an actor may perform in theatre, opera or variety. In the recorded medium, an actor may perform roles in theatre, film, radio, television, or in commercials.
Duties and Tasks
Actors may perform the following tasks:
- study scripts, learn a part and interpret the role through speech, gesture and various other performance skills
- attend auditions for parts in productions, performing prepared or improvised pieces - rehearse parts by memorising lines, cues and movements
- undertake extensive research for certain roles and productions
- under the guidance of a director, act the part of the film, television, stage or radio character in front of live audiences, cameras or microphones
- attend costume fittings
- sing and dance when required
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of the PERFORMING ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a performing arts subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed standing up for periods of at least two hours at a stretch.Jobs requiring standing for long periods have been excluded.
Included are jobs in the visual and graphic arts, in the crafts and in the performing arts, such as music, theatre, radio, film & television, as well as general entertainment and sporting jobs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Work Conditions
Actors need a great deal of patience and commitment, as most productions require long rehearsal schedules and many hours of memorising lines outside the rehearsal periods.
Personal Requirements
- determination
- self-confidence
- good memory
- stamina to perform at peak level
- ability to cope with changing situations