Acting

An Actor is responsible for portraying a role in production to interpret character or present characterization. Acting requires discipline, patience, continuous training and lots of hard work.

Recommended Skills for working as an Actor:

  • A willingness to work hard;

  • a good memory is an asset;

  • a creative imagination is useful;

  • an ability to take direction;

  • an ability to accept criticism.

+ Actor

Performers are engaged in movie and television productions mostly as actors, but also as stunt performers, dancers, singers, puppeteers, voice actors, choreographers, vocal & dialect coaches and more. Specialized training is a requirement for successful and reoccurring employment

+ Background Actor

Background performers or extras are engaged to provide the human atmosphere for scenes within productions. Specialized training is not a requirement, but general training on set etiquette is suggested.

 

Minimum Qualifications for working as an Actor:

Non-Union Recommendations

Apart from a solid work ethic, successful performers have a commitment to training. There are classes and workshops on an ongoing basis in Winnipeg and throughout Canada. Training comes in a variety of techniques and performers need to find the ones that they relate to. ACTRA Manitoba provides a list of performer training companies and local acting classes.

Performers are auditioned for roles by casting directors who act as an intermediary between the performer and the production, the producers and director. The performer’s past roles and experience play a part in getting into the audition room. And, as this is a visual industry, how the performer looks on camera and in relation to the role counts in the production’s decision making, as well as performing a skillful audition. ACTRA Manitoba provides a list of Casting Directors and Background Casting Directors.

For more information:

 

Questions?

Fill out On Screen Manitoba’s Workforce Development Intake Form to schedule a consultation with the Workforce Development Liaison.