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Actors and Actresses entertain audiences through such activities as portraying fictional and actual persons in dramatic productions, imitating well-known persons, and telling jokes and humorous stories. They perform on television, radio, stage, and/or in motion pictures.  

JOB DUTIES 

Actors and Actresses may:

Become familiar with the characters in a script and their relationships to other characters in the script

Memorize their characters' lines, gestures, and cues   

Interpret and rehearse their roles, under the guidance of the director  

Perform their roles before a live audience, a microphone, or a camera    

Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, makeup, and props  

Promote the production through various media

Attend auditions and casting calls in order to audition for roles 

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The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Actors and Actresses generally specialize in stage, screen (movie), or television productions. Some very talented or well-known actors and actresses accept only certain types of roles. They may specialize in these areas:  

150.047-010  ACTORS/ACTRESSES entertain audience through such activities as portraying fictional and actual persons in dramatic productions, imitating well-known persons, and telling jokes and humorous stories. They perform on television, radio, stage, and/or in motion pictures.  

150.047-010  DRAMATIC READERS entertain an audience by reading and interpreting roles, relying mainly on changes of voice and inflection (voice tone changes), to portray different characters. They select, edit, and adapt material such as plays, articles, and letters into one cohesive presentation. They also plan the staging, approve the costumes, and memorize and rehearse the script.  

159.047-018  IMPERSONATORS entertain by imitating another person or type of person, animal, or inanimate (lifeless) object. They usually copy the mannerisms, form, expression, dress, voice, or sound of the character or thing they are impersonating.  

159.047-014  COMEDIANS/COMEDIENNES attempt to make an audience laugh by presenting humorous material such as jokes, comic lines, comedy dances, facial contortions, humorous songs, or impersonations.  

159.047-022  MIMES present serious, humorous, or satirical interpretations of emotions, dramatic actions, and various situations through body movements, facial expressions, and gestures. They do not speak.  

When not performing, some Actors and Actresses make television and radio talk show appearances, do commercials, donate their time to charity shows, and teach courses to aspiring Actors and Actresses.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Actors and Actresses work with other performers, technicians, costumers, makeup people, lighting experts, musicians, camera operators, and other personnel under the supervision and guidance of a director. They may work under a wide variety of conditions which are determined largely by the media in which they work and their professional stature. Those performing in stage productions may work in comfortable, modern theaters or in theaters that are cold and out-of-date. Backstage areas are often crowded and cramped and may also be dusty, dirty, and poorly ventilated. Those who perform in the movie industry and in some television films may be required to work on location at sites which are isolated and primitive.  

Work schedules are usually irregular and generally depend on the media in which they work. The number of hours they are employed per day or week usually varies just as the number of weeks they are employed per year varies. Legitimate stage performers usually have a 36-48 hour workweek with 8 performances, 12 hours of rehearsals, and memorization time. Hours for television and movie performers vary depending on the individual show or film. Most producers or directors try to establish a reasonable working schedule but unexpected delays often require long hours in order to meet deadlines. Weekend and evening work are often necessary. Actors and Actresses with road or film companies may work within a rigid schedule and spend considerable time in travel.  Costumes are usually provided by the employer.  

Actors and Actresses may belong to various unions depending on their specialization and the type of media in which they perform. Those who perform professionally may become members of one of the unions affiliated with the Associated Actors and Artists of America ( AFL-CIO ) such as the Screen Actors Guild ,  the Actors' Equity Association , or the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (AFTRA) . Those who are union members must pay periodic dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which bring recognition or appreciation from others  

• Activities concerned with communication of information or ideas  

• Activities which require imagination  

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties  

• Appear confident and at ease in front of an audience  

• Memorize lines, movements, and directions  

• Understand the meanings of words and ideas  

• Interpret and communicate feelings and ideas  

• Learn acting techniques  

• Work effectively with others  

• Accept criticism of your work constructively  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You are auditioning for a play. The producer wants you to cover a 20 foot area of the stage and you are auditioning with a 134 line script. How would you figure out how much space to cover per line?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

You will need to be able to read, understand, and memorize scripts, sometimes with very little practice time.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You will need to create a portfolio/resume with an accurate account of your past performances, talents, and skills.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

If you are asked to play the role of an elderly person and you are 20 years old, you need to consider the activities, likes/dislikes, problems, and emotions of an elderly person in order to play that role effectively.  

Actors and Actresses must have talent, creative ability, poise, stage presence, and the ability to affect an audience. Also, the speech and diction of Actors and Actresses must suit the stage, radio, or films. In addition, they may have to imitate or get rid of regional/foreign accents.  

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITI ES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation. Formal dramatic training, either through an acting conservatory or a university program generally is necessary, but some people successfully enter the field without it.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2500 PERFORMING ARTS , 2800 PUBLIC SPEAKING

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

169 THEATER & DRAMA

Programs in Theater and Drama provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in motion pictures, television, on the stage, or in teaching. Individuals who teach drama at the secondary schools must complete an approved teacher training program and obtain a Michigan Teaching Certificate .  

Listed below are a sampling of schools located in the State of Michigan that offer Baccalaureate, and Master Degree programs in Fine and Performing, including theatre and drama.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program   

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

E-Learning Courses and Programs    

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Participating in school or community presentations will provide valuable experience. Experience can also be obtained through postsecondary theater and drama programs. Speech contests, choral groups, and school debating teams can provide related experience. 

"Who You Know" is the key to interviews and Broadway is still the main road to Hollywood. The profession is difficult to enter. Registration with casting offices, agents, and agencies, producer's offices, unions, school placement offices, and especially networking is helpful in finding employment. Actors/Actresses need portfolios with professional photos of themselves. In addition, a resume of acting experience and special skills can give employers an overall picture of the Actor/Actress. A phone or answering machine is a must, as well as additional income. Many Actor/Actresses work as waiters/waitresses or in another profession until their career is established. You should also access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARN INGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Nationally, in movies and on TV, the minimum rate for Actors, Actresses, and Stunt Actors was $782 per day, or $2,713 for a 5-day week (2009). Extras earned a minimum of $323 per day (2009).  

Actors and Actresses who performed in commercials received this minimum amount for a 13-week session in which the commercial could be aired (2009):  

Because commercials are used so often, actors seldom receive just the minimum payment.  They also receive a residual payment for each 13 weeks that a commercial is used. Actors are also paid more depending on how many cities in which the commercial is aired and receive more for larger cities, such as New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. They are paid more for prime-time airing of commercials versus other times. Actors and Actresses who are on tour with a production receive a daily allowance for room, board, and local transportation. 

Most Actors and Actresses are covered by a pension fund, and a growing number have hospitalization insurance to which employers contribute. Actors Equity and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) members have paid vacations and sick leave.  

There are numerous advancement possibilities for Actors and Actresses. Those working on the stage may hold the following positions while advancing up the career ladder: bit part, supporting role, understudy, principal role, and director. Film and television Actors/Actresses, in contrast, may begin in large roles or move into programs from working in commercials. Advancement may often depend on "who you know." Fame or steady employment is also considered forms of advancement.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 70,000 actors and entertainers employed nationally in 2006. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. About 19.7% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution of Actors and Entertainers looked like this:  

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Overcrowding in this occupation is expected to continue, resulting in keen competition for available job openings. The best employment opportunities will exist in New York, Hollywood, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago.  

There are about 600 actors and entertainers in Michigan. They were employed in theaters, television studios, advertising agencies, industrial companies, radio stations, colleges, and universities. Many found work performing in commercials on radio and television and in industrial films made for training, publicity, and other purposes. Some actors and actresses were self-employed. Although most work was available in urban areas, many Actors and Actresses also worked at summer theaters located in resort areas.  

  Employment of Actors and Actresses in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 20 annual openings is expected, some due to growth, while most are due to replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. As a result of recent production incentives, including tax credits, interest in film production in Michigan has increased. Growth is also expected as a result of the new acting companies being established; the growth of summer and winter stock companies, and outdoor and regional theaters; and the possible growth of "off-Broadway" theater. A few openings will occur as actors and actresses change jobs or occupations.  

The number of actors and actresses seeking roles on television and in movies will continue to far exceed the available positions both nationally and in Michigan, interested individuals should seek alternative acting opportunities. Stiff competition for all acting jobs should be expected.  

  MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016   

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth