|
|
Description
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions 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.
Job Outlook
Employment of actors, producers, and directors is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. Although a growing number of people will aspire to enter these professions, many will leave the field early because the work, when it is available, is hard, the hours are long, and the pay is low. Competition for jobs will be stiff, in part because the large number of highly trained and talented actors auditioning for roles generally exceeds the number of parts that become available. Only performers with the most stamina and talent will find regular employment. Expanding cable and satellite television operations, increasing production and distribution of major studio and independent films, and continued growth and development of interactive media, such as direct-for-Web movies and videos, should increase demand for actors, producers, and directors. However, greater emphasis on national, rather than local, entertainment productions may restrict employment opportunities in the broadcasting industry. Venues for live entertainment, such as Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters, touring productions, and repertory theaters in many major metropolitan areas, as well as theme parks and resorts, are expected to offer many job opportunities. However, prospects in these venues are more variable, because they fluctuate with economic conditions.
Job Nature
Actors, producers, and directors express ideas and create images in theater, film, radio, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer's script to entertain, inform, or instruct an audience. Although the most famous actors, producers, and directors work in film, network television, or theater in New York or Los Angeles, far more work in local or regional television studios, theaters, or film production companies preparing advertising, public-relations, or independent, small-scale movie productions. actors perform in stage, radio, television, video, or motion picture productions. They also work in cabarets, nightclubs, theme parks, commercials, and "industrial" films produced for training and educational purposes. Most actors struggle to find steady work; only a few ever achieve recognition as stars. Some well-known, experienced performers may be cast in supporting roles. Others work as "extras," with no lines to deliver, or make brief, cameo appearances, speaking only one or two lines. Some actors do voiceover and narration work for advertisements, animated features, books on tape, and other electronic media, including computer games. They also teach in high school or university drama departments, acting conservatories, or public programs. Producers are entrepreneurs, overseeing the business and financial decisions of a motion picture, made-for-television feature, or stage production. They select scripts, approve the development of ideas for the production, arrange financing, and determine the size and cost of the endeavor. Producers hire or approve the selection of directors, principal cast members, and key production staff members. They also negotiate contracts with artistic and design personnel in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and guarantee payment of salaries, rent, and other expenses. Television and radio producers determine which programs, episodes, or news segments get aired. They may research material, write scripts, and oversee the production of individual pieces. Producers in any medium coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and agents to ensure that each project stays on schedule and within budget. Directors are responsible for the creative decisions of a production. They interpret scripts, express concepts to set and costume designers, audition and select cast members, conduct rehearsals, and direct the work of cast and crew. They approve the design elements of a production, including the sets, costumes, choreography, and music. Assistant directors cue the performers and technicians to make entrances or to make light, sound, or set changes.
|
|
|
|
Schools Offering Degrees for
Actors |
 | American Musical and Dramatic Academy | Campus | New York, NY 10023 | | University of Maryland | Campus | Baltimore, MD 21250 | | Regent University | Campus | Virginia Beach, VA 23464 | | Florida Metropolitan University | Campus | Orlando, FL 32810 | | Florida Metropolitan University | Campus | Melbourne, FL 32935 | | Palm Beach Film School | Campus | West Palm Beach, FL 33407 | | International Academy of Design and Technology | Campus | Tampa, FL 33634 | | K D Studio | Campus | Dallas, TX 75207 | | Collins College | Campus | Tempe, AZ 85281 | | Los Angeles Film School | Campus | Los Angeles, CA 90028 | | American Musical and Dramatic Academy | Campus | Los Angeles, CA 90028 | | Cinema Arts Tech | Campus | Van Nuys, CA 91401 | | Video Symphony | Campus | Burbank, CA 91502 | | Brooks Institute of Photography | Campus | Santa Barbara, CA 93103 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|