Occupation AtlasActors
O*NET · 27-2011.00
Actors
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Also called Actor Understudy · Actress · Background Actor · Character Performer · Comedian · Community Theater Actor · Entertainer · Film Actor
23 more
Impersonator · Motion Capture Actor · Motion Picture Actor · Movie Actor · Movie Extra · Movie Star · Movie Stunt Performer · Role Player · Scare Actor · Show Girl · Stunt Double · Stunt Driver · Stunt Performer · Stunt Person · Stunt Woman · Television Actor · Theatrical Performer · Theatrical Trouper · Thrill Performer · Tour Actor · Vaudeville Actor · Voice Actor · Voice-Over Artist
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ASEArtistic · Social · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- A Artistic7.00
- S Social4.08
- E Enterprising4.00
- R Realistic2.29
- I Investigative2.16
- C Conventional1.81
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (53%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (59%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (52%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- WritingbasicImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- NegotiationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- InstructingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Service OrientationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
9 core · 9 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.Importance 4.8
- Attend auditions and casting calls to audition for roles.Importance 4.8
- Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.Importance 4.7
- Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.Importance 4.7
- Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.Importance 4.6
- Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.Importance 4.6
- Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.Importance 4.6
- Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, make-up, and props.Importance 3.7
- Read from scripts or books to narrate action or to inform or entertain audiences, utilizing few or no stage props.Importance 3.7
Show the other 9
- Promote productions using means such as interviews about plays or movies.Importance 3.0
- Tell jokes, perform comic dances, songs and skits, impersonate mannerisms and voices of others, contort face, and use other devices to amuse audiences.Importance 3.0
- Write original or adapted material for dramas, comedies, puppet shows, narration, or other performances.Importance 2.8
- Sing or dance during dramatic or comedic performances.Importance 2.7
- Prepare and perform action stunts for motion picture, television, or stage productions.Importance 2.6
- Introduce performances and performers to stimulate excitement and coordinate smooth transition of acts during events.Importance 2.5
- Dress in comical clown costumes and makeup, and perform comedy routines to entertain audiences.Importance 2.0
- Construct puppets and ventriloquist dummies, and sew accessory clothing, using hand tools and machines.Importance 1.8
- Perform original and stock tricks of illusion to entertain and mystify audiences, occasionally including audience members as participants.Importance 1.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Fine ArtsImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- PsychologyImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
Show all 33
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Administration and ManagementImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- AdministrativeImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level —
- DesignImportance 1.3Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- MathematicsImportance 1.3Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- MemorizationImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- OriginalityImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- StaminaImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.3Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.3Level —
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.1Level —
- Number FacilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.1Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.6Level 5.6
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.7Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Processing InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
19 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (9)
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- TikTok
- Zoom
Other tools (10)
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Email software
- FileMaker Pro
- Motion capture software
- Web browser software
- Website development software
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Dancers
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −1.2, Speaking −1.1
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing +1.2, Mathematics +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
New Accounts Clerks
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.8, Service Orientation +1.1
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Tour Guides and Escorts
Average difference 0.3 points · Reading Comprehension −1.0, Mathematics +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.0, Social Perceptiveness −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing +1.1, Mathematics +1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Monitoring +1.0, Reading Comprehension −1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Medical Transcriptionists
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing +1.1, Speaking −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.