Actors

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.

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.

1. Study and rehearse roles from scripts in order to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.

2. Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.

3. Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other in order to develop role interpretations.

4. Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.

5. Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.

6. Attend auditions and casting calls in order to audition for roles.

7. Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements in order to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.

8. Work with other crewmembers responsible for lighting, costumes, makeup, and props.

9. Sing and/or dance during dramatic or comedic performances.

10. Read from scripts or books to narrate action or to inform or entertain audiences, utilizing few or no stage props.

11. Promote productions using means such as interviews about plays or movies.

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.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Education: 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.

Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Actors. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Actors, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In US the average wage for this occupation was:

$9 for entry level workers, and $25 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 8,870 Actors employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 9,460  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 60 job(s) each year, and a total of 180 job openings each year.

Actors, producers, and directors - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators - Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of mediums and techniques, such as painting and sculpture.

Floral Designers - Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.

Talent Directors - Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

Music Composers and Arrangers - Write and transcribe musical scores.

Singers - Sing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.

Models - Model garments and other apparel to display clothing before prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, retail establishments, or photographer. May pose for photos to be used for advertising purposes. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.