Actor/actress
An actor or actress is a person who plays roles in live stage performances, on television, on radio, in video recordings and in film.
Check yourself in a minute: actor/actress
Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
perform live
manage feedback
follow time cues
study roles from scripts
attend rehearsals
About actor/actress
The actor job description starts with preparation from the script: establishing who the character is, what they want, and what their own lines and other people's lines say about them. The role is then presented through body language — gesture, movement, dance — and through the voice, which covers both speech and singing, with recitation techniques applied throughout. All of it follows the script and the director's instructions.
The actor interacts with the other actors, listening and answering on stage. The work runs with the whole artistic team: the director, the set and costume designers, and the sound and lighting crews. The actor builds an emotional connection with the audience and adapts physically and vocally to each new role.
Acting skills also include work on oneself: analysing one's own performances and managing the feedback that comes from directors, reviewers and audiences. Actor requirements are set by the production and the director.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a actor/actress.
Script Analysis and Character Development
- Study scripts thoroughly to understand character motivations, relationships, and story context
- Develop unique interpretations of roles working within the creative vision of the director
- Research historical and cultural contexts to authentically portray characters
Performance Execution
- Deliver dialogue and monologues with appropriate emotional depth and vocal techniques
- Use body language, gestures, and movement to convey character emotions and intentions
- Follow directorial cues and timing requirements during live performances or recorded takes
- Maintain character consistency and emotional authenticity across multiple performances or filming sessions
Rehearsal and Collaboration
- Participate in intensive rehearsals to develop scenes and refine performance with the cast
- Collaborate effectively with fellow actors, directors, choreographers, and technical staff
- Receive and implement constructive feedback to improve performance quality
Audience Engagement and Professional Development
- Create authentic emotional connections with audiences through compelling performances
- Promote yourself through auditions, networking, and maintaining professional visibility
- Analyze and reflect on your own performances to identify areas for improvement
Key skills in this occupation
Essential skills and knowledge areas from the European ESCO classification, 18 in total. The ones most specific to this occupation come first.
- perform live
Perform in front of live audiences.
practical skill - manage feedback
Provide feedback to others.
practical skill - follow time cues
Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.
practical skill - study roles from scripts
Study and rehearse roles from scripts.
practical skill - attend rehearsals
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
practical skill - interpret performance concepts in the creative process
Learn and research a part, in personal and collective research and rehearsal, build an acting performance respecting the concept of the show.
practical skillemerging - self-promote
Promote yourself by joining networks and circulating promotional material such as demos, media reviews, website, or a biography.
practical skillmost at risk from AI - engage the audience emotionally
Create an emotional connection with the audience through your performance.
practical skill
Check which of these skills you already have ↑
Knowledge (1)
acting techniques
Practical skills (9)
interact with fellow actors
analyse own performance
interact with an audience
follow directions of the artistic director
act for an audience
use declaiming techniques
adapt to acting roles
work with respect for own safety
work with an artistic team
Optional skills (39) — show
literary theory
breathing techniques
vocal techniques
pronunciation techniques
music literature
organise rehearsals
work in an international environment
perform stunts
develop drama production process
speak different languages
study music
practice dance moves
communicate during show
perform improvisation
perform with motion capture equipment
show professional responsibility
deal with public
assess progress with the artistic team
show intercultural awareness
lead cast and crew
participate in tourism events
perform for young audiences
direct an artistic team
organise an exhibition
perform in a public space
develop puppet shows
study media sources
perform music solo
perform scripted dialogue
sing
conduct background research for plays
practise singing
perform scenes for filming
work with a voice coach
plan choreographic improvisation
develop magic show concepts
organise cultural events
photography
attend read-through
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Frequently asked questions
What does an actor/actress do?
Actors/actresses play roles and parts on live stage performances, TV, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment or instruction. They use body language (gestures and dancing) and voice (speech and singing) in order to present the character or story according to the script, following the guidelines of a director.
What skills does an actor/actress need?
An actor/actress needs 18 essential skills, including perform live, manage feedback, follow time cues, study roles from scripts, attend rehearsals.
Will AI replace actor/actress jobs?
The AI disruption score for actor/actress is 7/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: conduct background research for plays, study media sources, self-promote. Most resilient: act for an audience, use declaiming techniques, vocal techniques.
AI Replacement Risk
Quick Facts
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