An individual who acts or plays a part in a play, movie, radio show, television show, or other production is called an actor.
Acting is considered a unique profession, as it requires specific skills such as understanding the part of the play and performing it in the theater. Once a medium of entertainment, this profession is much more than that now.
Did you know Thespis, a Greek man, was the first actor in the world and he did his first act on November 23, 534 B.C.? Before that, people used to sing and dance, but they never portrayed a fictional role. It's because of Thespis that actors are also referred to as 'thespians.'
From 534 BC to date, the field of drama has penned a glorious and long history. Today, this profession has evolved into many layers and there are different techniques including modern, classic, the Chekhov technique, theater acting, method acting, and the Meisner technique. And a good actor should be able to mold himself into different characters and adopt different techniques.
Skills Needed For Acting
Being an actor does not require a degree or diploma, but getting trained in the art definitely helps. Here are some of the basic skills that an actor must possess:
The ability to take direction from the director.
The ability to understand the layers of a character and portray them in front of an audience.
The ability to work as a team or as an individual.
The ability to captivate an audience with a powerful voice, expressions, and dialogues.
They should be able to memorize their lines and scenes.
They should be able to give time to a film as demanded by the director.
While movie actors can do several re-takes, theater actors should be able to deliver the action in one go.
A performer is also expected to improvise and bring out the different flavors of a character.
Experience in theater is considered a very crucial skill.
An actor should possess the patience to attend an audition.
Female Actors Vs. Male Actors
Gender inequality in the media is a long-established issue. Whether they are story writers, directors, or other filmmakers, all face the same discrimination. The difference in pay and opportunities between women and men in the industry is quite common.
In medieval times, women were banned from stage performance, and the role of females was played by males.
Women are often represented in the romance genre and are under-estimated in genres like sci-fi and action.
After the English Restoration of 1660, an 18-year Puritan ban on drama was lifted, and women began to appear on stage in England.
Margaret Hughes was the first woman to act, who made history by working in theater and becoming the first woman to perform on an English stage.
Acting Careers
This is an artistic and creative career. It is often known for the glamour and fame that come with it, but the reality is that it is a stressful job that entails long, irregular hours and late-night rehearsals. It is also highly unstable as the tables turn after every release. In addition to that, if you are a theater actor, the money might not be as good as it is for film actors!
This career often attracts people for its high pay-out and glamour, but acting is much more than money.
As a result, actors get to live with multiple characters and travel to different places as a part of the movie.
An actor’s life is scrutinized all the time and they have to follow a very hectic schedule.
With a lot of competition in the market, actors must have a lot of perseverance and resilience.
Performing art is a highly rewarding career as it provides fame and glamour.
Actors also face a lot of criticism and trolls, which may ruin their careers and force them to work very precisely and carefully.
Unlike other jobs, actors get to work on new projects and meet new people every day.
An acting job gives a chance to serve society and address many global and environmental causes.
Some actors get paid hourly, very low, or not at all. Because of this, they turn to other forms of income.
Aside from movie earnings, they also earn money through endorsements, advertisements, modeling jobs, special appearances, and performances.
Being a public figure, actors' lives become an open book and take away their freedom to choose and share.
FAQs
What are the main points of acting?
Concentration, physical skills, voice, observation, emotional memory, and dramatic analysis are the main points of acting.
What is the secret to acting?
The secret is to observe, learn, and portray true emotions in the play. One can take up professional training and learn about the nuances of this art.
What is the importance of acting?
This form of art serves several purposes, such as giving reminiscence of the past and a glimpse of a possible future. It is also a reflection of society and holds the power to transform it. It is also a great source of entertainment.
How to learn acting?
A beginner can take up training from professionals to pursue acting. However, other methods could be studying or reading acting books or playing to increase their acting knowledge. Besides, watching movies with great analysis is another way to learn about film acting.
How much do acting agents cost?
Generally, most agents ask for between 10-15% of the pay. They can earn up to $50,000 per year.
What are some interesting facts about acting?
Some of the interesting facts about acting are:
The Greeks were the ones who invented this art.
In ancient times, singing and dancing were the only skills in this field.
Actors are also called thespians.
Voice actors are also considered actors too.
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With over 3+ years of professional experience, Olanrewaju is a certified SEO Specialist and Content Writer. He holds a BSc in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. Throughout his dynamic career, Olanrewaju has successfully taken on various roles with startups and established organizations. He has served as a Technical Writer, Blogger, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager, and Digital Marketing Manager. Known for his hardworking nature and insightful approach, Olanrewaju is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
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