Occupation information for

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture 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.

Currently Employed: 681

Yearly Projected Openings: 30

Typical Hourly Wage: $11.63 - $26.29

Typical Annual Salary: Not Available

• Study and rehearse roles from scripts in order to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
• Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
• Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other in order to develop role interpretations.
• Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
• Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
• Attend auditions and casting calls in order to audition for roles.
• Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements in order to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
• Work with other crewmembers responsible for lighting, costumes, makeup, and props.
• Sing and/or dance during dramatic or comedic performances.
• Write original or adapted material for dramas, comedies, puppet shows, narration, or other performances.