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Actor

Actor

An actor, depending on his or her level of professional development, has many different roles and responsibilities. Generally an actor must be self-motivated and interested in promoting his or her abilities by interacting with other professionals in the career as well as continually improving his or her acting skills. Actors must be willing to try new roles and to constantly seek new options to land the roles that will help establish them within the acting profession.

At the career's most basic level an actor should be able to memorize and recite lines, provide an emotional response in the dialogue when appropriate, and actually enter into the part so that the character the actor is playing becomes real and authentic. A good actor is able to do this even when reading "cold". Reading cold refers to simply picking up a script at an audition and being able to enter the role effortlessly to be able to secure the part. Practicing, rehearsing and learning new techniques to expand the current abilities of the actor is a daily activity and one that is essential for a dynamic career.

Actors attend auditions to attempt to get a role that they can play. The actor will then rehearse the role, often with the help of a drama coach, and will be required to repeat this process as often as required. In live productions the actor does not have the option to do the line or role over, so every performance must be as close to perfect as possible. Those actors on television or in movie roles have the opportunity to repeat filming of mistakes, but still they strive for perfection the first time. Actors, unless they have reached a level of fame, often have part or full time jobs in addition to their acting careers.

Common work activities include:

  • Memorizing, rehearsing and learning lines and stage commands.
  • Working with other actors in character to provide an authentic and smoothly flowing production free from errors.
  • Being able to literally "become" another character, even if it is a personality dramatically different from the actor's own.
  • Attending auditions and networking with peers, directors, casting companies and agents.
  • Completing formal training in acting or working with a vocal coach to increase abilities and learn new techniques.
Check out all of the online degree programs in film & theater offered by a variety of schools offering online degree programs in film & theater.

Top Online College Degree Programs

University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. University of Phoenix is an outstanding university with programs offered both online and on campus. Phoenix is committed to helping students develop intellectually and personally in order to reach their career goals.
More Info from Kaplan University Online
Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University has a wide range of programs available for individuals who want to make a career change or improve their job prospects. As a leader in online education, Kaplan delivers innovative, relevant, and convenient education.
More Info on Kaplan University
AIU Online, American Intercontinental University Online
American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. AIU is a career-oriented education that prepares students to take on today's fastest-growing jobs. With students all over the world, AIU is able to cater to the individual needs and career goals of every type of student.
More Information on AIU Online University
Ashford
Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University aims to make education accessible and affordable for every kind of student. Students can enhance their career opportunities without sacrificing commitments to work, family, or the military.
Ashford
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. As a well-known online university, Grand Canyon University stands by its respectable reputation as one of the best colleges to attend online. They offer numerous programs with flexible courses in order to allow students to obtain an advanced degree without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
Ashford
Liberty University
Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Liberty University is an evangelical school that offers programs online and on campus. Individuals who want to change career fields or advance in their current field will be able to obtain their degree in a flexible and affordable manner at Liberty.
DeVry University
DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. DeVry University provides students with a practical, hands-on education from instructors who are accomplished in their respective field. DeVry has programs for students on campus and online so students can get their degree in an affordable, flexible way.
DeVry University
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University - Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Colorado Technical University offers a wide variety of high quality programs that will prepare students for the competitive job market. Their affordable prices allow students with a budget to advance in their career.
Baker College Online
Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University designs degree programs for today's fastest-growing job markets. For this reason, Everest graduates are well-trained and well-prepared to succeed in their respective fields.
Everest College
Strayer University
Strayer University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Strayer University has been successful in placing students in fast-growing industries using their dynamic curriculum. An accredited university, Strayer University offers affordable programs that allow almost everyone to be able to attend.