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Job Description | Duties | Working Conditions
Educational Requirements | Outlook | Salary

Related Clusters:
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications



Job Description: Actors and actresses entertain and communicate with other people through their interpretation of a script. They may perform on stage or play roles in television or motion pictures. They make imaginary characters seem like real people. They may also imitate historical characters or well-known living persons. Actors and actresses may also be required to sing and dance.

Duties: Very few actors and actresses have steady jobs. When one play or movie ends, they must search for a new job. Due to the glamour associated with this profession, competition for roles is very great. There are often rejections and long periods of unemployment between jobs. Some actors and actresses hire agents to help locate parts. When a new play or television role is announced, they must study the script and perform a part of a scene at an audition. The audition helps producers and directors determine if the actor/actress can play the role. Competition is keen for acting positions. Only the very talented or very lucky are successful.

For additional information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations, visit the O*Net Online, a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.

Working Conditions: After being hired, actors/actresses must memorize all the lines for their parts. Directors help them decide the best way to perform their roles. Flawless performances require memorizing lines and rehearsing frequently. Even established actors and actresses must continue to accept small roles including commercials and product endorsements. Some may have to work long, irregular hours under adverse conditions while "on location".

Educational Requirements: While formal training is important, experience and talent are critical for success in this occupation. For related information and recommended courses to prepare for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Curriculum Standards for Fine Arts online. Aspiring actors and actresses should take part in high school and college plays as often as possible. Participation in local "little" theaters for amateurs is also helpful. Training in singing and dancing may be another option to consider for entry-level positions in local theme parks.

Outlook: The number of actors and actresses employed in Tennessee in 2002 was 80. It is projected that in 2012 there will be 110. This represents an annual average growth rate of 3.7 percent. Growth plus replacement needs for actors in Tennessee are estimated to average about 5 openings per year. Of these estimated 5 openings per year, 100 percent of these openings are due to growth (new positions). These figures do not take into account how many actors will be competing for these openings. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 29, 2008