Actors and Comedians
(NOC 5135)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportActors and comedians perform roles in motion picture, television, theatre, and radio productions to entertain a variety of audiences. Actors entertain and communicate with people through their interpretation of dramatic roles. They work for motion picture, television, theatre, and other production companies. This group also includes acting teachers employed by private acting schools that train students in interpreting scripts, teach them about speech, movement, and dramatic theory, and help them to prepare for acting auditions.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$6,347
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Actors and comedians perform roles in motion picture, television, theatre, and radio productions to entertain a variety of audiences. Actors entertain and communicate with people through their interpretation of dramatic roles. They work for motion picture, television, theatre, and other production companies. This group also includes acting teachers employed by private acting schools that train students in interpreting scripts, teach them about speech, movement, and dramatic theory, and help them to prepare for acting auditions.
Job duties
Actors and comedians:
- Study and rehearse lines, gestures, and expressions to interpret a role.
- Portray roles in video or motion picture productions, television shows, theatre productions, radio dramas, commercials and other productions or perform the narration.
- Sing or dance as required by specific roles.
- Perform comedy acts in nightclubs alone or as members of comedy troupes.
- Improvise a role.
Acting teachers:
- Train students in interpretation of scripts, speech, movement, and dramatic theory.
- Prepare acting students for specific auditions and performances.
Sample job titles
- acting teacher - private or studio
- actor/actress
- diction coach
- drama coach
- extra, performing arts
- film dubber
- narrator
- stand-up comedian
- voice coach
- voice-over actor
Skills
- You should be dedicated, motivated, and willing to accept constructive criticism. Talent, creativity, and technical skills are essential. You must be comfortable working with others and performing before an audience. Self-discipline and a good business sense are also helpful.
Job requirements
- Acting programs are offered at universities, colleges and private acting schools.
- Membership in a guild or union may be required.
Other considerations
- Demonstrated ability, based on an audition or prior acting roles, is an important hiring criteria. Acting teachers usually require experience as actors.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$5,898 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ACape Breton
N/ASouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Educational services
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
55-64
65+
35-44
45-54
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$6,462 median annual incomeBachelor
$8,647 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Drama and Theatre Arts
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. They include courses in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile