What do they do?
Are you a bit of an extrovert? Do you think all the world’s a stage(and actually know where that line comes from)? Then you could become an Actor.
There are various different types of jobs for people looking to break into the acting industry, from live theater and touring productions to television radio and feature films.
An Actor’s day-to-day activities will vary widely, but typical responsibilities will include:
• Learning lines and attending auditions
• Meeting with agents to discuss prospective parts
• Rehearsing parts once they have been secured
• Performing
• Recording voice-overs for non-live roles
Is it right for me?
To become a successful Actor, dedication and resilience are absolutely essential. Lots of Actors spend a good deal of their time between jobs, so you may need alternative employment to support yourself until your next role comes up.
You will often also need to be confident, especially when attending so many auditions. And in order to seek acting as a profession, having an agent is almost a pre-requisite.
A good Actor will be:
o Great at communicating with all kinds of people
o Punctual and reliable
o Excellent at working in a team
o Thick-skinned to deal with all the criticism
o Determined
What's it really like?
Being an actor can be tough, as I feel like I'm constantly trying to line up more work and there isn't the same job security you might get in other roles. Having said that, the buzz of winning a part is fantastic. I also love being able to pretend to be other people and getting the chance to express a range of emotions when I inhabit that character. Meeting lots of interesting fellow Actors is another highlight, as is spending nearly every day working at a craft I truly love.
