Actors portray characters in front of live audiences, cameras, or both.

Actors perform in the following settings:

• Stage plays
• Movies
• Television
• Radio
• Educational films
• Commercials

Actors perform to entertain their audiences, to communicate an idea, or to create an image. They use their voice, body movements, and facial expressions to portray the characters. Some actors sing and dance in performances.

Before a performance, actors read scripts, memorize their lines and cues, and rehearse their scenes. They must be able to project their roles to the audience.

Actors may perform alone, but most work with other actors in groups. Not all actors have large roles, and only a few become stars. Actors may play supporting roles with few lines. They generally get work by trying out, or auditioning, for a part. Extras perform in non-speaking roles.

Narrators read voice-overs for movie and television scenes. Actors may teach acting classes when they are not in rehearsal or performance.