Actor

Actors' duties vary depending on the requirements of the roles they play but, in general, they:

• spend a considerable amount of time building a network of entertainment-industry contacts including agents, casting directors and producers
• audition for roles
• spend hours researching and studying theirproject and their role, and rehearsing and learning lines and cues
• work closely with directors, other actors and sometimes writers to find the interpretation they think is most suited to their role
• learn special skills such as singing, dancing, gymnastics, juggling or stage combat, as required
• work together with other actors in ensembles.

Stage actors may be invited by directors or playwrights to workshop new plays . In workshopping - this script-development process - actors may be asked to read a character's lines or stage all or part of the play to help directors or playwrights see the characters brought to life. Performers also may be invited to become part of a collective. Collective creation is a collaborative method of play development in which the group as a whole devises a new play.

Actors often work long, irregular hours and may work holidays and weekends. Rehearsals may vary in length depending on the medium in which the actor is working.

Weekly television shows and commercials usually are filmed in a short period of time, allowing actors  less time to prepare and rehearse. Miniseries, specials and movies take much longer to film and involve more rehearsal time.

Stage actors have longer rehearsal periods than performers on radio and television. They must be ready for opening night and be able to duplicate their performances consistently throughout the length of the play's run.

Most actors in stage productions perform 6 evenings each week and 1 or 2 matinees on weekends. Their normal day off is Monday. Plays or musicals usually run for several weeks. Some productions run for months or even years, although the casts may change.

When performing in plays or working on  films, it is common for actors to travel to other cities. They may be away from home for a few weeks or several months. Working on location may involve working in a wide variety of environments (for example, in noisy factories, underground or in severe storms).

Actors need to possess:

• imagination and creativity
• a talent for creating roles
• the ability to persevere when looking for work
• patience
• stamina and vitality
• self-discipline and commitment to developing and refining their skills
• the ability to learn quickly and adapt to directors' interpretations
• the ability to work with others in an ensemble.

They should enjoy having variety and creativity in their work, as well as the recognition and freedom their work brings.

Getting started as an actor requires spending time preparing monologues for general auditions, reading for parts and getting to know people (and thereby becoming known) in the industry. Established actors, especially in television and film, often have agents who represent them and arrange for auditions.

Stage actors look for work by auditioning for the artistic directors of professional theatre companies. Once a year companies hold open auditions to see as many new actors as possible. Larger theatres such as the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton and Theatre Calgary send directors across Canada to audition actors. Professional theatres in Canada are permitted to hire a certain percentage of non-professional actors. This is how many new performers are hired for their first part. Being in the right place at the right time and having the right look also play a role in getting a first part.

Auditioning for film and television usually involves meeting with producers or directors who may already have seen the actor's resumé and photograph. Sometimes actors are called back 2 or 3 times to audition before a casting decision is made. Most film and television actors have agents to arrange auditions and negotiate contracts.

Many actors create their own work by developing (collectively or independently) theatre or film scripts which they then produce or direct themselves.

Professional actors usually belong to the Canadian Actors' Equity Association (for live performance) or the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA). These unions set minimum fees and working standards. Actors must gain some experience performing in equity (union) productions before they are eligible to join. It is possible to work as a professional actor without joining either union; however, most actors belong to at least 1.

Actors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5135: Actors and Comedians. In Alberta, 88% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)
• Educational Services (PDF)

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation

Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists website: www.actra.ca

Canadian Actors' Equity Association website: www.caea.com

Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.