Actors bring characters to life onstage. They are independent artists who usually
work on a per-show basis, although some theatres have acting companies
(called ensembles, or repertory companies) comprised of actors who play roles
in several productions each season. Actors spend a lot of time auditioning for
roles. If they are cast, they sign a contract that outlines how much they will be
paid. In a midsize or large professional theatre, actors are paid for rehearsal
time in addition to performances. Many actors attend college to study their
craft, and some choose to get advanced degrees in acting or theatre as well.
Actors can specialize in areas like musical theatre, physical theatre or clowning,
or classical theatre, and some schools offer specialized degrees in these areas.
WORKING
IN THEATRE:
Actor
UNFAMILIAR TERM: “MFA” (MASTER OF FINE ARTS)
A graduate (advanced) degree that typically requires two to three years of postgraduate study after a bachelor’s degree
(BA—Bachelor of Arts or BFA—Bachelor of Fine Arts).
Note to students: You’ll get the most out of this video if you watch it twice. Watch it once, and then read the questions below before the second viewing.
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1 One of the rst things Oscar says is that an actor lives truthfully under imaginary circumstances. What do you think he means
by that?
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2 An actor prepares for a performance by warming up their voice, body, and imagination. Choose one of these and explain how
you think an actor uses it to create a role.
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3 Oscar says it takes courage to be an actor. What does courage mean to you? How is acting “courageous” (as opposed to
something like ghting a re, for example)?
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4 Oscar talks about his rst job and being able to work alongside actors he had long admired. Who is an actor you admire and why?
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