An actor has to perform the given character and communicate it to the audience, via his movements, dialogues and of course body language. The work of an actor varies from a stage performance, live like in Broadway, theater, to even TV shows like soaps and operas and the most successful of the lot is in a film. The role of an actor might require education, therapy, entertainment etc.
The responsibilities and duties of an actor differ on the dependence of the acquired contract. Some of the duties and tasks are, networking, looking for jobs, meeting up with his agent, making preparation and also going for auditions, doing rehearsals with the acting, lines etc. An actor also has to do research on various materials and also study hard to work up a part, discuss all the interpretation provided by the team, present it to the members and also to the director of the project.
An actor also has the responsibility to act in front of an audience, live or even in studios, film location, for the broadcast in the television, radio and the internet. Actors also have the responsibility to provide voice-overs for CDs, animated movies, advertisements etc. He has to manage all the props and costumes and also the area of performance, undertake duties like tours, communicating with the providers of accommodation and the managers, also act as extras for a film or television soap.
To be a good actor, one has to have an approach that is not only flexible but also proactive, with strong communications skills and a listening power too. He also has to be punctual, reliable, have the ability to do role analysis and interpret it, work in a team, take all the instructions aptly and accept criticisms positively. An actor must be good at networking and acquiring important contacts, to further his acting career. And finally, he has to have perseverance, determination and self motivation to undertake strenuous conditions.
To become an actor, there is no one route, experience is vital rather than educational qualifications. A drama degree can help but then having acting experience in theaters or any other avenues of entertain is a must. One can also have a graduating degree in performing arts from a reputed university to become an actor. If a candidate has talents and skills like dancing, singing playing instruments, then there might be employment opportunity in the entry level.
The salary of an actor depends on the contract, work and project. It can start from $50,000 and onwards annually.
Actors would have to move from contracts to contracts and one's career might progress with learning things that are new or even specialize in other areas of entertainment.
