Job Descriptions

Actor Job Description

What is the job description of an Actor? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Actor? What does an Actor do?

Job description of an Actor

An Actor communicates a character and/or 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 devise a character or 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.

This Actor job description example includes the list of most important Actor duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Actor profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Actor Duties and Responsibilities

Actor job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Preparing for and attending auditions;
  • Learning lines and rehearsing;
  • Job seeking and networking;
  • Liaising with an agent;
  • Researching or undertaking activities to help prepare for a part;
  • Doing voice-overs for advertisements or recording audio books;
  • Managing the performance area, costumes and props;
  • Undertaking activities associated with touring, such as driving a van, ‘get-ins’ and ‘get-outs’ at theatres (i.e. setting up and dismantling the performance area);
  • Discussing interpretation and delivery with other members of the company and the director;
  • Performing for a live audience;
  • Performing in a studio or ‘on location’ for film, television, internet and radio broadcast;
  • Liaising with venue managers and accommodation providers;
  • Keeping records for company managers;
  • Working as a walk-on or extra for television or film.

Actor Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Actor job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Formal, recognized Acting training.
  • Ability to utilize suitable acting techniques.
  • Demonstrable experience as an Actor, preferably with a production of a similar size.
  • Knowledge of appropriate hair, makeup, and attire for various types of performances.
  • Exceptional reading, movement, improvisation, and memorization skills.
  • Top-notch verbal communication skills, including the capacity to project your voice with clarity.
  • Ability to maintain a clear distinction between your own identity and that of your character.
  • Creative, tenacious, and grounded.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Actor starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Actor job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Actor may also reference it in preparation for the interview.