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Actors - 27-2011.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Actor
  • Actress
  • Comedian
  • Comic
  • Community Theater Actor
  • Ensemble Member
  • Narrator
  • Performer
  • Tour Actor
  • Voice-Over Artist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Attend auditions and casting calls to audition for roles.
  • Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
  • Construct puppets and ventriloquist dummies, and sew accessory clothing, using hand tools and machines.
  • Dress in comical clown costumes and makeup, and perform comedy routines to entertain audiences.
  • Introduce performances and performers to stimulate excitement and coordinate smooth transition of acts during events.
  • Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
  • Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
  • Perform original and stock tricks of illusion to entertain and mystify audiences, occasionally including audience members as participants.
  • Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
  • Prepare and perform action stunts for motion picture, television, or stage productions.
  • Promote productions using means such as interviews about plays or movies.
  • Read from scripts or books to narrate action or to inform or entertain audiences, utilizing few or no stage props.
  • Sing or dance during dramatic or comedic performances.
  • Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
  • Tell jokes, perform comic dances, songs and skits, impersonate mannerisms and voices of others, contort face, and use other devices to amuse audiences.
  • Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
  • Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, make-up, and props.
  • Write original or adapted material for dramas, comedies, puppet shows, narration, or other performances.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Audition for roles.
  • Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
  • Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
  • Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
  • Entertain public with comedic or dramatic performances.
  • Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
  • Perform music for the public.
  • Practice athletic or artistic skills.
  • Promote products, activities, or organizations.
  • Study scripts to determine project requirements.
  • Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Motion Picture and Television Project Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Performing Arts Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Actor

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Acrobat
  • Actor
  • Aerialist
  • Amusement Park Entertainer
  • Aquatic Performer
  • Clown
  • Comedian
  • Diver
  • Double
  • Extra
  • Impersonator
  • Juggler
  • Magician
  • Mime
  • Narrator
  • Puppeteer
  • Ring Conductor
  • Show Girl
  • Stand-In
  • Stunt Performer
  • Thrill Performer
  • Ventriloquist
  • Wire Walker