Actor

Tasks & duties

Actors may do some or all of the following:

• audition for parts in performances on stage, in film or on television
• study scripts to understand the part they are playing
• research their character
• memorise and rehearse their character's lines, cues and physical movements
• discuss their character with the director and the other actors they work with
• act out the role for an audience or in front of a camera
• improvise parts of their character's personality or actions during rehearsal or in front of an audience

Specialisations

Actors may specialise in stage acting, television shows, film, adverts or voice-overs.

Skills & knowledge

Actors need to have:

• knowledge of how people behave and speak so that they can create believable characters
• the ability to project their voice to fill a room
• knowledge of body language and movement
• knowledge of a variety of books, plays, and poetry
• knowledge of different cultures
• skill in interpreting and analysing roles
• small business skills, including the ability to market and promote themselves
• creative ability
• memorising skills
• research skills
• good communication and listening skills

Other skills, such as playing a musical instrument, singing or dancing, are also useful.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become an actor. However, if you want to approach an agent it is preferred that you have some acting experience. This could include participating in acting workshops or completing a degree at university, or at a performing arts school.

Secondary education

A good level of spoken English is important, and subjects such as drama, history, social studies, and maths are useful. Participating in extracurricular activities, such as theatre sports and debating, is also useful.

Training on the job

Actors gain many skills on the job. There are also part-time and full-time courses and workshops available through performing arts schools, polytechnics and private tutors.

Useful experience

Useful experience for actors includes:

• amateur acting
• modelling
• dancing
• most performing arts
• any sport or other pursuit that involves teamwork

Because acting involves playing all sorts of characters, any life experience is also helpful.

Related courses

Drama and Theatre Studies
Nga Mahi a Rehia (Maori Performing Arts)

For more information, please refer to Career Services.