Actor

JOB

Actors play a variety of roles onstage, in television and radio, films and other cultural environments. The job involves using one’s body and voice for interpretation, with the aim of inspiring, entertaining or informing the audience.

As an actor, you could work for state-run theaters and private or independent theater groups, or even create your own theater group. There is also work in films, TV shows and commercials. Actors work closely with directors, writers, photographers, costume designers, make-up artists, set designers and others.

Main tasks

• memorizing texts and movements
• assimilating a role and practicing its interpretation
• acquiring and practicing the skills required for a role, such as singing or dancing
• getting familiar with the characters of the script, the setting and the progress of the play
• interpreting feelings and actions in various ways
• preparing for auditions

Competence requirements

As an actor, it is important to be open and creative, in good physical shape and have good articulation as well as being good at working with others. Initiative, sensitivity to people’s behaviour, critical thinking and a willingness to try new things are all desirable qualities in an actor. The job involves the use of a variety of costumes and prostheses, in addition to which working hours are irregular, often in the evening and on weekends.

Study

Studies in the acting study program at the Iceland Academy of the Arts take three years leading to a BA degree, in addition to which there is a drama department at the Icelandic Film School. At the secondary school level, a Department of Drama is available at Fjölbrautaskólinn í Garðabæ and Borgarholtsskóli.