Home Student & Career Tips Top Careers in Acting – 2023

Top Careers in Acting – 2023

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Chioma Oparah
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This article contains a list of top Careers in Acting for the year 2023.

Acting is the art or practice of representing a character on a stage or before cameras. This is done by individuals known as actors. Acting is one aspect of art that has grown over the years.  As more discoveries and advancements are made, the higher the career opportunities

This is to say that acting as a career involves more than just performing in movies. So, there are numerous careers in acting beyond being an actor. For the benefit of those who desire to build a career in this field but have phobia for cameras, this article contains information on the numerous careers in acting.

LIST OF TOP CAREERS IN ACTING

1. PRODUCER

As the name implies, Producers are the brain behind any acting project, they take charge of the behind the scenes to make sure it’s successful. A producer is responsible for finding and launching a project, arranging financing and hiring other team members to work with such as writers, a director, etc. Producers actively work on set, overseeing production logistics from start to finish, in close collaboration with the director.

In all, a producer is in charge of all elements of pre-production, production and post-production till the project is concluded and released to the public.

Types Of Producers

In acting, there are different types of producers though the difference between each of then is very neglible. In most cases, however, the roles are divided and shared amongst different people, each with a different title. They include:

  • Executive Producers: Basically, they contribute a reasonable sum of their own money to a project, and thus earn a top credit in the film. They may also source for additional financing, handle accounting and legal issues.
  • Line Producers: They ensure that the production stays on time and budget as planned. They are responsible for breaking down the script to create line items in a budget, planning a production timeline, coordinating the activities of various departments, and handling human resources.
  • Creative Producers: They partner closely with the director on artistic matters. They facilitate the hiring of talent,
  • Co-producers And Associate Producers: They sometimes help with sourcing finance, oversee a specific area of production, or share duties with a lead producer.
  • Field Producer.  Their responsibility is  to assist the producer in production that takes place in a non-studio location.
  • Impact Producers: They are also known as an engagement strategists. These producers are saddled with the responsibility  of Marketingting and distribution They focus on getting the word out to the public, attracting press and media coverage, and finding a distributor to get a film to the target audience.
Responsibilities Of A Producer
  • A producer works with the director to bring on key creative partners such as a, make-up artist cinematographer, a production designer, casting agents, etc.
  • Offer advice and sign off on all major creative decisions.
  • Manage all logistics and business operations.
  • Supervises all aspects of physical production through the production staff.
  • Ensures a production is on schedule and within the budget and lots more.

2. DIRECTOR

There can never be a successful acting without a director. Just like the name goes, a director takes up the creative side of a production, working closely with designers as well as actors to bring their vision to life. Read about how to become a theatre director.

Production Designer’s vision. This includes building sets for the shoot and creating any visual signage that is needed. “Art Directors work in tight collaboration with the Production Designer, any Graphic Designers, Set Designers and Construction Coordinators

3. PLAYWRIGHT

A Playwright is an individual whose  job is writing plays which can  be published or taken on by a theatre company to perform. They often work in their own time. There are also opportunities for a Writer to be commissioned by a company to write a play based on their brief. So, as a creative writer, you can consider this career in acting.

Responsibilities Of A Playwright

Some of the responsibilities of a playwright includes:

  • To be able to tell/create a story through written word for the theatre0
  • Write the synopsis and character list
  • To stick to the given brief if hired by an organization
  • Working to tight deadlines
  • Researching and gathering data
  • Liaising with Publishers, Producers and Directors
  • Redrafting and reworking the play.

While there are no specific qualifications required to be a Playwright, having a knowledge of  the following will be  very useful:

  • Creative Writing
  • Playwriting
  • Scriptwriting
  • English Literature
Skills

These are the desirable skills to be an ideal candidate for a Playwright opportunity:

  • Creative thinking
  • Literature skills
  • Computer/IT skills
  • Proof-reading skills
  • Imaginative ideas
  • Time management
  • Self-motivation
  • Researching skills
  • Attentiveness

4. SET DESIGNER

They are responsible for  designing a set that has visual impact and is in line with the director’s vision for the production. This is why they work closely with directors. They often set the overall tone for costume and lighting design too, so all these elements work together. No Special qualification is required of a set designer

5. THEATRE LIGHTING DESIGNER, SOUND DESIGNER, LIGHTING TECHNICIAN

Theatre lighting designers and sound designers help create the world of the play to draw audience members in. Their work is both artistic and technical. Lighting and sound technicians support this, doing much of the practical work needed to set up for a show.

6. STAGE CREW MEMBER

Stage crew are responsible for preparing the stage for actors to perform on, making any necessary adjustments such as set changes during performances and clearing everything away once the show is over. They are responsible for loading the set and any other equipment into and out of vans  on touring productions.

Sometimes stage crew are involved in actually constructing the set by using carpentry or metalwork skills. In some cases the stage crew will help set up sound and lighting equipment only when  instructed by the sound and lighting teams. Duties of crew members vary depending on the show a d production. On a very traditional production the stage.

As a crew member,  no special qualification is  needed get into the career. However, a qualification such as a BTEC in carpentry or metal work could be useful. You can also take short courses with Technicians to learn the basic skills and safety knowledge you need to work backstage..

7. FIGHT DIRECTOR

This is an interesting career in acting. Fight directors also known as fight choreographer work with actors and directors to create and teach the stage combat sequences and techniques you see on stage and in movies. This can involve unarmed combat such as kicks and punches as well as armed combat involving sword fights. The aim is to create realistic-looking violence scenes while making sure the actors are safe. Fight directors often work as freelancers.

The first step towards becoming a fight director is to train and take qualifications to an advanced level with an organisation such as the British Association of Dramatic Combat, the British Association of Stage and Screen. There are more alternatives too. As a fight director, you need to get the necessary training and certifications as a registered fight director before going on to practice.

Fight directors need a proper understanding of theatre and storytelling so that the fights work in context and don’t just look like people randomly fighting each other on the street. Studying drama or acting at school, college or university will help you in this regard though it’s not compulsory.

8. THEATRE MARKETING ASSISTANT, MARKETING OFFICER OR MARKETING MANAGER

Theatres need to attract audiences and it’s the marketing department’s job to do so. They need to decide who to target attention, put plans in action and then set to work.

This can be achieved through:

  • communicating with the creative team to decide on the strategies
  • liaising with the media and organising press nights writing content for publicity materials and programmes
  • promoting shows and the theatre itself via social media
  • writing and sending emails, such as weekly
  • liaising with graphic designers and printers about printed materials for posters, brochures, flyers, banners, etc.
  • organising promotions involving discounts and ensuring the box office staff are aware of these.

9. DRAMATHERAPIST

Dramatherapists don’t tend to work in theatres, but their work is closely connected. They use drama as a way to help people explore and understand their feelings and behaviours, and find ways to bring about improvements in their lives. For example, they can work with people who are facing mental or physical health problems or behavioural issues, or who have autism, dementia or a learning difficulty. Dramatherapists can work in settings such as the NHS, schools, prisons, young offenders’ institutions and charities.

To become a dramatherapist, you could take a degree in a subject related to theatre or psychology, or train and work as a teacher, nurse or social worker.

10. COSTUME DESIGNER

The job of a Costume Designer is to define the character through costume. The Costume Designer selects accessories and apparel to communicate who a character is, where they’re from, and what role in the story they play. In other words, a costume designer helps an actor to interpret their roles effectively through their outfit.

As a Costume Designer, a person gets the privilege to make the first impression of how the audience will view a character, as well as every subsequent moment after that.

The first step in the design process is to read the script and meet the Director. This provides familiarization with characters and story. From there, the Costume Designer researches the time period and creates sketches for the Director to review. After an agreement has been reached upon, the Costume Designer will work with their team to either build or shop for costumes. This is the pre-production process.

When production kicks off, the Costume Designer manages their team and makes sure that each costume is implemented in the way in which it was intended in the script. This can include continuity, use in the correct scene, and dressing the Actors.  There is always a lot of responsibility when it comes to handling what each Actor wears.

Working as a Costume Designer is a freelance position just like many other careers in acting.

There are many different programs for learning how to become a Costume Designer. James says, It’s important to find a program that teaches the fundamentals. That could even be learning theatrical costume design. A lot of the principles can translate to film. You can also enroll in a fashion designing school for first hand knowledge. These practical skills will create the necessary foundation required for being an effective Costume Designer.

11. GRAPHIC ARTISTS

These sets of people are also known as Motion Graphics Artists. implement general visual effects and create custom transitions through the use of carefully selected fonts and colors.

A Graphic Artist adds logos and text and manipulates images for a project. They can also create custom transitions between shots. Within this aspect of design, the Graphic Artist is helping to tell the story by giving first impressions so it’s crucial that there is intention behind every decision.

A Graphic Artist is a freelance position and their pay can vary greatly.

Education & Training: The best training or education a person can get to become a Graphic Artist is to attend a specialized school. Going to school for Motion Graphics is best but one can still succeed without a degree but they need to dedicate themselves to learning the programs and the art form itself.

12. CINEMATOGRAPHY

There is more to acting than the actions we see. How these actions are captured is are so very important. Cinematography is the art of photography and visual storytelling in a motion picture or television show. It comprises all on-screen visual elements, including lighting, framing, camera motion, camera angles, film selection, lens choices, depth of field,, focus, zoom, color and filtration.

Cinematography sets and supports the overall look and mood of a film’s visual narrative. Each visual element that appears on screen. Therefore, it is the cinematographer’s responsibility to ensure that every element  supports the story. Filmmakers often choose to spend the majority of their budget on high-quality cinematography to guarantee that the film will look incredible on the big screen. Poor cinematography is the reason why some recent movies still look like they were produced in the 1960’s.

Responsibilities of a Cinematographer

  • Chooses a visual style for the film. A cinematographer determines the visual style and approach of the film. Establishes the camera setup for every shot.
  • A cinematographer decides which types of cameras, camera lenses, camera angles, and camera techniques best bring the scene to life. Additionally, a cinematographer works with the script supervisor and, if necessary, the locations manager to scope out each scene and design.
  • Determines the lighting for every scene. A cinematographer uses lighting to create the right visual mood the director aspires to achieve. They must know how to enhance an image’s depth, contrast, and contour to support the story’s atmosphere.
  • Explores the potential of every location. A good cinematographer understands what visuals excite the director and can make recommendations about what shots to capture at a given location.
  • A good cinematographer will introduce ideas and concepts the director may not have considered.

This career may not require a formal qualification from a university but requires a reasonable level of training. So to say that a person without a formal training or first hand experience  in cinematography has no business in this profession.

13. SOUND DESIGNING

Sound design is the art and practice of creating soundtracks for different purposes. It involves specifying, acquiring or creating auditory elements using audio production techniques and tools. It is employed in a variety of disciplines including filmmaking, television production, theatre, sound recording and live performance,

Sound design commonly involves performing and editing of previously composed or recorded audio, such as sound effects, but sometimes it can also involve creating sounds from scratch through synthesizers. A sound designer is one who practices sound design. The use of sound to evoke emotion and reflect mood. Acting is never complete with sound tracks and audios as this captures the mind and emotions of the audience. Thus, sound designing is an indispensable career in acting.

14. FILM MAKEUP ARTISTS

These sets of professionals are very creative in producing realistic images in the mind of the audience. They devise and apply the theatrical makeup designs for actors in films. The complexity and type of design will vary depending on the production and character but good makeup artists can execute a wide array of looks across genre and period.

There are different types of make-up artists with varying roles.

  •  Key makeup artist: The key makeup artist is in charge of designing each individual actor’s makeup. They apply makeup to lead roles and actors, and execute any particularly complicated designs. The key makeup artist oversees the makeup artists and makeup assistants and always checks to ensure the continuity of makeup throughout the film shoot.
  • Makeup Artist: Makeup artists are responsible for applying makeup to non-lead actors. They are under the supervision of the key makeup artist.
  • Makeup Assistant: Makeup assistants organize makeup kits and assist makeup artists with body makeup application as well other small tasks.
  • Special effects makeup artist: Special effects makeup artists also known as SFX mark-up artists are responsible for any special make-up effects, like applying prosthetics or using foam latex. Special effects makeup artists use makeup and prosthetics to reproduce wounds, wrinkles, deformities or supernatural features. SFX makeup artists combine mastery of basic film makeup with knowledge of advanced SFX makeup techniques for more dramatic effects. different paths into the entertainment industry.  There are some basic skills and qualifications that most film makeup artists have.

Going to a Cosmetology school is a sure way to gain mastery in this field.  Accredited cosmetology and beauty schools offer makeup courses that last from one to eight months and can help with licensing requirements. This is one of the highest paid careers in acting.

CONCLUSION

There is more to acting than just being an actor. Acting encompasses a lot of careers, some of which have been discussed in this article. The interesting part is that not all of the careers require a formal qualification for one to practice. So, if you desire to be associated with the acting profession but do not wish to become an actor, there are more than enough options to consider.

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