Actors Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Video creation and editing software

Tasks
	Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
	Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
	Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
	Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
	Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
	Attend auditions and casting calls to audition for roles.
	Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
	Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, make-up, and props.
	Sing or dance during dramatic or comedic performances.
	Read from scripts or books to narrate action or to inform or entertain audiences, utilizing few or no stage props.

Skills
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	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.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Knowledge
	Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
	Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   10   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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