Introducing the Job of Actor
A career in acting is the dream of many, often because of the glamour and glitz associated with it. However, acting is as demanding as any other career. It requires extraordinary talent and is physically and intellectually stressful. It offers minimum of security and often entails years of struggle. That said however, it can also offer a high degree of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Beginning a career at entry level, the roles and responsibilities of an actor are: An actor learns about the character offered to him and its relation with other characters through the script, the director's instructions and their own research in order to develop proper role interpretation. Working closely with the director, other actors and the writer, he refines his role interpretation. Next, he studies and rehearses the role, learning and memorizing dialogues from the script and using other cues given by the director. Finally, he portrays the role using speech, facial expression, body movements, actions and emotions. He also sings, dances or performs action stunts if required. After production, he may sometimes promote the production through interviews, stage shows and other means.
Level of Education Required
The Taylor and the Painter often contribute to the Success of a Tragedy more than the Poet. Scenes affect ordinary Minds as much as Speeches; and our actors are very sensible, that a well-dressed Play has sometimes brought them as full Audiences, as a well-written one.... But however the Show and Outside of the Tragedy may work upon the Vulgar, the more understanding Part of the Audience immediately see through it, and despise it.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)
To be a successful actor one requires a sharp insight into human behavior, ability to visualize things as well as the ability to come up with original, novel ideas about a given thing or situation. In addition, one needs a working knowledge of the dramatic arts, the ability to memorize dialogues and deliver them clearly and effectively as well as a good physical fitness including sharp near vision.
At a young age, one can begin training in acting by participating in the extracurricular activities at the school level. At a higher level, more than 600 colleges and universities across the US offer theater arts programs and many have special drama schools. Various acting schools located mainly in New York City, Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas also offer special training in dramatic arts.
In addition to developing acting skills, aspiring actors should study voice and speech, styles and mannerisms, etc. Learning skills like dance, stunts, fencing, horse riding, martial arts, etc. is often highly beneficial. Strong knowledge of play and film production can also help. In general, exposure to more and more areas of life experience widens the horizons of an actor.
Career Path
Some actors are discovered so to speak, but most begin with making the rounds to get a role. This includes finding out what plays or movies are scheduled for production, visiting and registering with casting offices, leaving photographs and profiles and attending auditions. In the beginning they often get small roles like that of the extras in films, walk-on parts in plays or voice-over jobs for television commercials. Many actors go to New York City or to Hollywood to find work. Other American cities like Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago and Washington are also developing regional theatres and repertory companies. Only some actors become stars, but most professional actors do get a steady employment. Besides acting, many also become successful directors or acting teachers. In near future, many new actors' jobs are projected to be available as old actors retire. However, competition for the available jobs will always be tough in the field.
The play seems out for an almost infinite run.
Don’t mind a little thing like the actors fighting.
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
Summary
When discussing the Actor Resume, acting demands a great deal of talent in addition to hard work. However, it can offer a great deal of satisfaction. While successful actors can make a fortune, less successful ones also are able to get steady and rewarding employment.
Learn more about a typical Actor Resume by visiting http://www.esampleresume.com/Actor.htm.