Performers play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or movies. They may also sing and dance or be comedians. Actors and actresses may be seen in plays, television shows, commercials, and movies. Some actors and actresses teach in high school or college drama classes.

• Attend auditions and casting calls.
• Learn about characters in scripts.
• Sing and/or dance during performances.
• Study and rehearse roles from scripts.
• Work closely with directors and other actors.
• Tell jokes, perform comic dances, songs and skits.
• Dress in comical clown costumes and makeup to entertain audiences.
• Prepare and perform action stunts for movies and television shows.

• Actors work from 1 day to a few months. This means that there often are long periods when they are between jobs.
• Many actors and actresses struggle to find low paying jobs.
• Often, actors, producers, and directors must hold other jobs to make a living.
• When performing, actors typically work long hours.
• Stage actors may also travel with a show when it tours the country.
• Movie actors may work on location, sometimes under difficult weather conditions, and may spend a lot of time in their trailers or dressing rooms.

• Scripts
• Directors
• Producers
• Other Actors
• Choreographers
• Makeup
• Costume
• Music sheets
• Costumes

• On-the-job training or apprenticeship

• Dancer
• Disc Jockey
• Makeup artist
• Musician
• Singer
• Writer
• Producer

• Drama
• Dance
• Music
• Writing

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VA Career VIEW Career Search

Bureau of Labor Standards