Actors
Actors perform roles in stage productions, television, film, radio, and video projects to entertain or inform audiences. They use speech, gesture, and body movement to interpret characters, ranging from serious to comedic. Work settings include theaters, film and television studios, and digital media production facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against actors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves rehearsals where actors learn lines, blocking, and character motivations under a director's guidance. Actors may spend hours perfecting scenes, working with scene partners, and incorporating feedback. Performance days require arriving early for makeup, costuming, and warm-ups before going live or filming takes. Between productions, actors audition for new roles and attend casting calls.
Who this work suits
Holland code ASE. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy performing and expressing emotions through creative interpretation, and you're drawn to connecting with audiences. You work well with directors, fellow actors, and production teams, and you're willing to invest time in developing characters and refining your craft through practice and feedback.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against actors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.