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ACTING

Make Connections Originally, the word “actor” referred to both males and fe- males. Later, women became known as “actresses.” In the mid- 1950s, “actor” again came to be used to refer to both males and females. Today, the term “actress” is usually used only in names of awards.

not remember those other performances as you watch the actors in the play. In fact, they have become the people they are playing. You think to yourself: These actors are really good. I can really see them as the characters they are playing. It must take a lot of talent to be an actor and to get the audience to believe you are someone else . If you want to be an actor, you have many options. You can act on the stage, in a movie, or on television. And though you may want to go to Hollywood, New York City, or some other location known for acting opportunities, you can find them much closer to home. No matter where you perform or in what medium , acting means you temporarily become someone else and entertain others. How you do

that varies between stage and screen. PERFORMING ONSTAGE

When you act onstage—in a theater—you provide your audience with an experience they cannot obtain elsewhere. Audience members watch you perform live, on the spot. There is no time delay and no editing out mistakes. As for you as an actor, you do not have to wait for ratings to learn