Acting

Acting is the craft of portraying a character other than oneself, using speech, physical movement, facial expression, and voice. The person who does this is called an actor (or actress). Acting is typically part of a larger production that is planned collectively: a stage play, film, television drama, radio program, or online video.

An actor works from a script prepared by a writer, collaborating with a director who determines how the performance unfolds. Acting is not merely recitation of lines; it requires understanding the character's purpose, how the character relates to others, and the circumstances in which the action takes place.

The tools of acting

Three elements are fundamental: voice, body, and thought. Voice conveys accent, pitch, and speech rhythm. Body expresses walk, posture, hand gestures, and facial expression. Thought is the character's inner understanding—what they want, what they fear, and why they do things. In theater and stage performance, the voice and body must be amplified so that distant audiences can perceive them; in film, the camera moves close to the face, so smaller movements suffice.

Methods of training

There are various methods for learning acting. Some emphasize the actor producing genuine emotion, drawing on memory or imagination to inhabit the character's state of mind; these are often associated with Russian theatrical tradition of the 20th century, particularly the work of Konstantin Stanislavski. Other methods prioritize external movement, timing, and vocal technique—the actor begins with the outward form and allows feeling to follow. Asian theatrical traditions, such as Noh and Kabuki, use strictly defined systems of movement and mask.

Stage acting and film acting

In theater, the performance unfolds once and cannot be repeated; the actor interacts with a live audience. In film, each shot can be filmed multiple times and need not follow the story's chronological order. This requires the actor to recreate the same emotional state each time a scene is reshot and to be aware of the camera's position and the lighting.

Craft and society

Actors typically undergo auditions in which their suitability for a role is assessed. Many countries have schools and universities that teach acting, as well as professional associations that establish standards for the profession. In Somali oral tradition and theater, narratives and theatrical songs have long held an important place, with actors often singing and performing simultaneously.