Description

Actors, comedians and circus performers perform roles and circus skills in circuses, motion picture, television, theatre and radio productions to entertain a variety of audiences. They are employed by motion picture, television, circuses, theatre and other production companies. This unit group includes acting teachers employed by private acting schools.

Job Titles

• Actor/actress
• Comedian
• Narrator

Main Duties

• Study and rehearse lines, gestures and expressions to interpret a role
• Portray roles in video or motion picture productions, television shows, theatre productions, radio dramas, commercials and other productions or perform the narration
• Sing or dance as required by specific roles
• Perform comedy acts in nightclubs alone or as members of comedy troupes
• Improvise a role.

Workplaces

• Motion picture production companies
• Television production companies
• Theatre production companies
• Video production companies

Work Environment

• Indoors, environmentally controlled
• Hazardous conditions
• Bright or inadequate lighting
• Sound and noise
• Standard safety equipment
• Close physical proximity to others
• Enclosed vehicle or equipment

Physical Demands

• Standing
• Sitting
• Bending or twisting the body
• Making repetitive motions
• Keeping or regaining balance
• Walking and running

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability, based on an audition or previous acting or circus roles, is an important hiring criteria.
• Circus performers and acrobats may require a period of study at a circus school.
• Acting programs are offered at universities, colleges and private acting schools.
• Acting teachers usually require experience as actors.
• Membership in a guild or union may be required.

Skills

• Social Perceptiveness
• Oral Communication: Active Listening
• Oral Communication: Oral Comprehension
• Oral Communication: Oral Expression
• Persuading

Abilities

• Speech Clarity
• Auditory Attention
• Verbal Ability
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Body Flexibility

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Social Orientation
• Attention to Detail

Similar Occupations

• Announcers and other broadcasters (52114)
• Other performers (55109)

Source: OaSIS