While formal training is helpful, experience and talent are more critical for success. This Handbook statement focuses on actors, directors, and producers. Actors, directors, and producers express ideas and create images, based on a script, in theaters, film, television, and radio. Actors entertain and communicate with people through their interpretation of dramatic roles. A somewhat larger number are well-known, experienced performers, who frequently are cast in supporting roles.
Most actors struggle for a toehold in the profession and pick up parts wherever they can.
Although actors often prefer a certain type of role, experience is so critical to success in this field that even established actors continue to accept small roles, including commercials and product endorsements. Directors interpret plays or scripts. In addition, they audition and select cast members, conduct rehearsals, and direct the work of the cast and crew. Directors use their knowledge of acting, voice, and movement to achieve the best possible performance and usually approve the scenery, costumes, choreography, and music. Producers are entrepreneurs.