What Jobs Do Actors Do

The Different Roles Actors Can Play in Film, TV, and Theatre

Film and TV Acting Jobs

Actors in film and television take on various roles that require a deep understanding of character development, emotional expression, and the ability to work within a collaborative setting.

• Lead Actor: As the face of the movie or show, lead actors carry significant responsibility. They bring the central character to life, often facing the heaviest emotional and physical demands. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Hugh Glass in The Revenant required rigorous physical preparation and intense emotional delivery, showing how lead actors are expected to immerse fully into their roles. Their performance can make or break the project.
• Supporting Actor: While not the focal point, supporting actors play vital roles in enhancing the storyline and adding layers to the main character’s journey. They are often used to push the narrative forward or to provide contrast to the lead actor. For example, Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting was a supporting actor, yet his performance was central to the emotional depth of the film.
• Cameo Roles: Cameo appearances are brief but impactful. Actors in these roles may appear for only a few seconds or minutes but often leave a lasting impression. A famous example is Stan Lee, who had cameo roles in every Marvel movie.
• Voice Acting: Voice actors lend their voices to animated characters, commercials, video games, and even narration in documentaries. Tom Hanks, for instance, voiced Woody in Toy Story, becoming one of the most beloved characters in animation history. Voice acting requires clarity, emotive expression, and the ability to convey character nuances without relying on physical presence.
• Extras: Extras, often overlooked, are background actors who populate scenes to create a more realistic environment. While they don’t have speaking roles, their contribution helps to establish the setting of a scene, whether in a bustling city or a quiet village. A notable use of extras can be seen in films like Titanic, where hundreds of background actors were used to recreate the chaos of the ship’s sinking.

Theatre Acting Jobs

Theatre offers a different dynamic for actors, as performances are live, and actors must engage directly with the audience. This requires spontaneity and an ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances during live shows.

• Lead Roles in Theatre Productions: Actors in leading theatre roles carry the same weight as their counterparts in film, with the added pressure of performing live. For instance, Idina Menzel’s role as Elphaba in Wicked showcased her ability to perform complex songs and deliver emotional intensity night after night. Unlike film, theatre actors must perfect their timing and interact with live audiences, often improvising when necessary.
• Supporting Theatre Roles: Just like in film, supporting actors in theatre add depth to the story. They often have significant parts in musical numbers or key dramatic moments, contributing to the emotional texture of the production.
• Ensemble Members: The ensemble is the backbone of many theatre productions, especially in musicals. Ensemble actors are versatile, often singing, dancing, and acting in multiple scenes. They may switch between different characters, showcasing their adaptability and range.
• Understudy or Swing: Understudies are actors who memorize the roles of lead actors and are prepared to step in if needed. Swings are even more flexible, covering multiple ensemble roles in case of illness or absence. This type of work requires an extensive understanding of various characters and a readiness to perform at a moment’s notice.

Actors in film, TV, and theatre take on various roles that showcase their range and versatility. Whether leading a blockbuster or performing in an intimate theatre production, actors contribute to storytelling in ways that captivate and engage audiences across different mediums.