Acting Secrets

The Latin word 'agere' means 'to do'. The etymology of the word acting leads us to this ancient Latin word. Hence, in terse connotation, 'acting' simply means to represent a fictional character on stage, television or in films.

Acting is the work of an actor or an actress. The person is gainfully employed into the profession of portraying a character in a story. The character is portrayed either by singing or reading the written text or script provided in the storytelling medium of the stage, television and/or films. Hence, an actor assumes the role of another for the benefit of his audience.

But, why should a person do this? What is his motivation? The motivation of a good actor, just like for any other artist, is an artistic satisfaction. A good actor is required to be a sharp observer of life and must be well trained in voice projections and body movements. To attain these objectives he/she has to train very hard over many years, and for long hours each day.

This training, in time, brings about a certain amount of expertise in his understanding of the human nature. And, it is this deep understanding of the human nature that enables him to successfully portray any character to his audiences through the mediums of the stage, television or films.

Recent facts also tell us that although an actor is basically an entertainer, but sometimes, and more often than not, he/she may also take up assignments which convey certain social messages, as well. This highlights the social fervor common to the entire community, all over the world. The mass-media, as we all know, from times immemorial, has been a useful medium through which many truths have come to light.

Therefore, an actor is a person who is sensitive in understanding the ways of life. He/she gets a very close glimpse of what others even fail to comprehend while going about their lives, day in and day out. And this is what differentiates an actor from the rest of the humanity.

So, how did acting come about?

The world's first actor is believed to be an ancient Greek called Thespis. He was one from amongst a group of 50 who sang their meaningful stories to their audiences in a city called Icaria, also situated in ancient Greece. The word "thespian" which means "of or pertaining to the dramatic arts" has been derived from the name of this Greek performer. It is one of the most widely used words in the acting community these days.

Acting has, however, changed much since these earlier times. 20th century acting has been greatly influenced by the theories of the Great Russian director Constantin Stanislavsky. His theories have produced extremely gifted naturalistic actors in the US, one of them being Marlon Brando.

With further advancements in technology, the actors of the present era have developed much more subtlety in their voice, in their expressions and movements in comparison to their predecessors. It is, therefore, now that Acting has come of age as one of the most entertaining and lucrative professions in the world.