Actors
Human Advantage 76%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.9 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings 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.
Also Known As: Actor, Actor Understudy, Actress, Background Actor, Character Artist, Character Performer, Comedian, Comic +41 more
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Core Tasks
- Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
- Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
- Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
- Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
- Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
- Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
- Attend auditions and casting calls to audition for roles.
- Sing or dance during dramatic or comedic performances.
- Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, make-up, and props.
- Tell jokes, perform comic dances, songs and skits, impersonate mannerisms and voices of others, contort face, and use other devices to amuse audiences.
- Read from scripts or books to narrate action or to inform or entertain audiences, utilizing few or no stage props.
- Promote productions using means such as interviews about plays or movies.
- Prepare and perform action stunts for motion picture, television, or stage productions.
Supplemental Tasks (5)
- Write original or adapted material for dramas, comedies, puppet shows, narration, or other performances.
- Introduce performances and performers to stimulate excitement and coordinate smooth transition of acts during events.
- Dress in comical clown costumes and makeup, and perform comedy routines to entertain audiences.
- Construct puppets and ventriloquist dummies, and sew accessory clothing, using hand tools and machines.
- Perform original and stock tricks of illusion to entertain and mystify audiences, occasionally including audience members as participants.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (20)
Tools & Equipment (8)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Performing Arts Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Zone 2
Actors You are here
Zone 5
Athletic Trainers 77% match
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