acting techniques
The different acting techniques for developing lifelike performances, such as method acting, classical acting, and Meisner technique.
Actors/actresses play roles and parts on live stage performances, TV, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment or instruction. They use body language (gestures and dancing) and voice (speech and singing) in order to present the character or story according to the script, following the guidelines of a director.
Competences and skills
57 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
1 competenceEssential skills and competences 17 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceself-promote
Promote yourself by joining networks and circulating promotional material such as demos, media reviews, website, or a biography. Form a promotion and management team. Propose your services to future employers or producers.
Sector-specific
9 competencesact for an audience
Act in front of an audience, according to an artistic concept.
adapt to acting roles
Adapt to different roles in a play, regarding the styles, ways of acting and aesthetics.
engage the audience emotionally
Create an emotional connection with the audience through your performance. Engage the audience with sadness, humour, anger, any other emotion, or a combination thereof, and let them share your experience.
follow time cues
Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.
interpret performance concepts in the creative process
Learn and research a part, in personal and collective research and rehearsal, build an acting performance respecting the concept of the show.
perform live
Perform in front of live audiences.
study roles from scripts
Study and rehearse roles from scripts. Interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
use declaiming techniques
Speak for an audience with the expression of rhythm and vocal technique. Take care that articulation and voice projection are appropriate to the character or text. Make sure that you are heard without compromising your health: prevent fatigue and vocal strain, breathing problems and vocal cord problems.
work with an artistic team
Work closely with directors, fellow actors and playwrights to find the ideal interpretation to a role.
Cross-sector
7 competencesanalyse own performance
Understand, analyse and describe your own performance. Contextualize your work in one or various styles, trends, evolution, etc. Self-evaluate your work in rehearsals and performances.
attend rehearsals
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
follow directions of the artistic director
Follow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.
interact with an audience
Respond to the reactions of an audience and involve them in the particular performance or communication.
interact with fellow actors
Perform together with other actors. Anticipate their moves. React to their actions.
manage feedback
Provide feedback to others. Evaluate and respond constructively and professionally to critical communication from colleagues and customers.
work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
Optional knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesliterary theory
The different genres of literature and the way they fit into specific scenes.
music literature
Literature about music theory, specific music styles, periods, composers or musicians, or specific pieces. This includes a variety of materials such as magazines, journals, books and academic literature.
Cross-sector
4 competencesbreathing techniques
The various techniques to control the voice, body, and nerves by breathing.
photography
Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.
pronunciation techniques
The pronunciation techniques to properly and understandably pronounce words.
vocal techniques
The various techniques for using your voice correctly without exhausting or damaging it when changing voice in tone and volume.
Optional skills and competences 33 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceassess progress with the artistic team
Evaluating the quality of the performers' work and that of the collaborators. Develop recommendations concerning productions in progress. Aim to ensure smooth relationships and communications within the artistic team.
Sector-specific
24 competencesattend read-through
Attend the organised reading of the script, where the actors, director, producers, and scriptwriters read the script thoroughly.
communicate during show
Communicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.
conduct background research for plays
Research historical backgrounds and artistic concepts of plays.
deal with public
Adopt a pleasant, professional and positive manner with all customers, anticipating their needs and passing customer complaints to a member of the management team (if necessary) in a calm, professional and non confrontational manner.
develop drama production process
Have and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.
develop magic show concepts
Develop the different components (e.g. musical, visual, lighting, magic content etc.) of a magic show.
develop puppet shows
Develop shows with puppets.
direct an artistic team
Lead and instruct a complete team with the required cultural expertise and experience.
organise an exhibition
Organise and structure an exhibition in a strategic way, making the artworks more accessible to public.
organise cultural events
Arrange events in cooperation with local stakeholders which promote local culture and heritage.
organise rehearsals
Manage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.
participate in tourism events
Take part in tourism fairs and exhibitions in order to promote, distribute and negotiate tourism services and packages.
- Scope note
- Participations in tourism events might aim for reasearch activities as well.
perform for young audiences
Perform on a level accessible to children and young adults, whilst also censoring unadvisable content.
perform in a public space
Use bodily actions to interrupt and interact with the structure of the public space.
perform music solo
Perform music individually.
perform scenes for filming
Perform the same scene several times in a row independently from the plot until the shot is deemed satisfactory.
perform stunts
Execute various physical movements concerning the technical realisation of difficult acting performances.
perform with motion capture equipment
Wear motion capture equipment while performing in order to provide multimedia artists with live material so that their animated creations resemble real movements, facial expressions, dance movements, or sports movements.
plan choreographic improvisation
Establish improvisation parameters of a physical, spatial or morphological nature. Clarify goals and uses of improvisation.
practice dance moves
Study and practice dance moves required in artistic productions.
sing
Use the voice to produce musical sounds, marked by tone and rhythm.
study media sources
Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.
study music
Study original pieces of music to get well acquainted with music theory and history.
work in an international environment
Guide your career to an international level which often requires the ability to interact, relate and communicate with individuals from different cultures.
Cross-sector
8 competenceslead cast and crew
Lead a film or theatre cast and crew. Brief them about the creative vision, what they need to do and where they need to be. Manage day-to-day production activities to ensure things run smoothly.
perform improvisation
Perform dialogues or actions spontaneously or without preparation.
perform scripted dialogue
Perform the lines, as written in the script, with animation. Make the character come to life.
practise singing
Study and practise lyrics, melody, and rhythm of songs.
show intercultural awareness
Show sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to promote integration in a community.
show professional responsibility
Ensure that other workers and clients are treated with respect and that appropriate civil liability insurance is in place at all times of instructing.
speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
research
work with a voice coach
Receive advice and training from a voice coach. Learn how to use one’s voice correctly, how to properly pronounce and articulate words, and use the right intonation. Get trained in breathing techniques.