ACTORS Eunseo F2 Natkamon F2 Bua F2

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J OB DESCRIPTION An actor communicates a character and situations to an audience through speech, body language and movement. This usually involves interpreting the work of a writer under the instruction and support of a director, although some work may require the actor to improvise the reactions of a character to a situation. Work varies enormously: from live stage performances of the classics and community theatre, to soap operas, radio work and film parts. An actor's role may also involve education, training or therapy, as well as entertainment. An acting career inevitably incorporates periods of unemployment, underemployment and alternative employment.

Salary and conditions Most actors sign up with an agent, who may be able to negotiate higher wages, but will take 10-25% of earnings as a fee. The percentage taken varies according to the type of work (e.g. theatre or television). Very few people become wealthy through acting, although for those who do, the rewards can be immense. In this profession, earnings are not necessarily linked to experience and there is little relation between how hard you work or your talent and how much you earn. Working hours may be long and unsocial. While on tour, an actor may be travelling and setting up scenery during the day and performing at night. Television and film work also often involves very early starts and late finishes.

Actors usually work indoors in theatres or television studios, although some contracts will require actors to work outdoors, for example some film and television work and street theatre. Actors are usually self-employed for tax purposes. Not all employers pay National Insurance contributions. Many actors employ an accountant to administer their financial affairs. Accurate record keeping skills are essential. Drama schools usually accept equal numbers of men and women, although they receive more applications from women. Generally, there are more opportunities for men than women in mainstream theatre. The lifestyle implications are considerable. Time spent away from home is an inevitable part of the job. Disruption to home and social life is unavoidable. Many actors leave the profession because of difficulties finding work. Actors may find themselves working all over the UK and touring abroad. Auditions are usually held in London or other capital cities and actors will often be required to attend them at very short notice.

Training After you start work as an actor, it is unlikely that formal training leading to vocationally-related qualifications will be provided. Skills are developed on the job, through rehearsal and performance, as you move between contracts, and this experience is evidenced on your CV rather than on certificates. Sometimes you may need to learn a new skill, such as a specific kind of dancing, in order to perform a particular role, and the director will arrange for a teacher to train you for this. Actors may invest in their own careers by undertaking training in other skills, such as singing lessons or dance classes, but this is unlikely to be paid for by an employer. Performers may wish to join The Actors Centre which runs classes and workshops to develop actors' skills. Job specification Qualfication(should actors study in university?),(how long?) = Entry requirements

There is no single route to becoming an actor. Experience is more significant than qualifications and it is impossible to discount the importance of talent, determination, hard work and luck. It may be beneficial to undertake work experience at a theatre or on one of the BBC Jobs work placement schemes in order to gain a wider understanding of how specific areas of the industry operate. A number of noted actors entered the industry through working as holiday camp entertainers or taking similar jobs with a tour operator or at a holiday resort.BBC Jobs A degree in drama or an HND in performing arts may improve your chances of following a career in acting, largely due to the practical course work involved, but acting is open to all and many successful actors do not have a drama degree. Courses at specialist drama, dance or other performing arts schools tend to be more vocational and practical than university courses, which are by and large more theoretical. Students of other disciplines may gain acting experience through drama societies.

Postgraduate study is not essential but is a useful way of gaining more skills, experience and contacts. Entry is competitive and courses are intensive. A number of institutions offer a one-year MA/Postgraduate Diploma in Acting, or summer schools or short courses focusing on a particular element of acting, e.g. Accent and Dialogue Coaching, Stage Combat, Shakespeare. Look for courses accredited by the National Council for Drama Training and The Conference of Drama Schools. There is some funding available via Dance and Drama Awards and through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), but fees and maintenance costs during study can be considerable.National Council for Drama TrainingThe Conference of Drama SchoolsDance and Drama AwardsArts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Contact individual institutions for details.

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