CareerZone Pennsylvania

Actors

Description

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions 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.

Job Zone

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Education Requirements

Long-term training - Necessary skills are acquired through on-the-job training or formal education lasting more than 12 months.

Interests

Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Knowledge

Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
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.
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.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Fine Arts	Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Skills

Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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.
Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Tasks

• Write original or adapted material for dramas, comedies, puppet shows, narration, or other performances.
• Prepare and perform action stunts for motion picture, television, or stage productions.
• Tell jokes, perform comic dances, songs and skits, impersonate mannerisms and voices of others, contort face, and use other devices to amuse audiences.
• Introduce performances and performers in order to stimulate excitement and coordinate smooth transition of acts during events.
• Manipulate strings, wires, rods, or fingers to animate puppets or dummies in synchronization with talking, singing, or recorded programs.
• Dress in comical clown costumes and makeup, and perform comedy routines to entertain audiences.
• Perform original and stock tricks of illusion to entertain and mystify audiences, occasionally including audience members as participants.
• Construct puppets and ventriloquist dummies, and sew accessory clothing, using hand tools and machines.
• Study and rehearse roles from scripts in order 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 in order 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 in order to audition for roles.
• Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements in order to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.

Wages

Data not available

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 540 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 540 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 0 openings due to growth and about 7 replacement openings for approximately 7 total annual openings. This occupation remained steady/constant.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• ActingA program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the achievement of naturalistic and believable behavior in imaginary circumstances. Includes instruction in voice and acting speech, stage dialects, movement, improvisation, acting styles, theatre history, script interpretation, and actor coaching.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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