The profession of actor is one of the most visible in the world; it is also one of the most difficult to drill. Most successful actors in their chosen field have similar qualities that allow them to create characters that entertain and inspire audiences.

resilience

Many actors and industry professionals would agree that resilience is one of the most important qualities an actor can possess. In most productions, the number of roles available is considerably less than the number of actors available. Rejection is a common part of acting, and actors must learn to hear "no" without it affecting their dedication and enthusiasm. For most actors, success doesn't come overnight; before gaining any level of recognition, they may go through hundreds or thousands of auditions. Without resilience, constant rejection is sure to diminish an actor's passion for acting.

communication skills

One of the most obvious qualities of an excellent actor is the ability to communicate. An actor must understand how to communicate for different audiences and in different roles. He must be able to switch between communication styles on the fly if a role calls for it. Stage communication is only a small part of an actor's job. On any given day, an actor may be required to network with agents, speak with casting agents, negotiate scene changes with colleagues, explain needs to a stage manager, and win over an audience. Strong speaking, listening and writing skills make the job much easier.

emotional intelligence

An actor's main job is to communicate their character's emotions so that the audience can understand their motivations. In order to successfully develop a character, the actor must be able to explore the character's underlying emotional issues and find ways to help the audience make a connection. A strong actor has a high level of emotional intelligence and is able to create a believable story, find a person's intrinsic motivation, and deliver a performance that feels true to the audience. Because they spend so much time analyzing others, actors often have valuable insight into the human condition.

Adaptability

The life of an actor is constantly changing. A role never lasts forever; when it ends, the actor must quickly adapt to find a new role and change his state of mind, often within a week. Shows are canceled, tours are extended and scenes are rewritten, and actors must keep up with the times to stay afloat in the business. On a normal day, some actors go to three or four auditions, each requiring many changes in demeanor, performance style, and focus. A successful actor knows how to stay grounded in his personal life while adapting to a rapid career change.

Physical abilities

The physical requirements of actors vary by production, but each role requires a certain level of physique. Actors performing in musical theater productions often spend four to six hours rehearsing dance numbers and active scenes. Even in non-musical productions, an actor must always be physically prepared. He must be ready to walk, jump and stand for hours. When actors sit still on stage, they are rarely relaxed; instead, their muscles are primed for the next move. Many actors go through an extensive exercise program to keep their bodies up to the challenges each new role presents.

Trust

Confidence is a crucial quality for an actor. Every actor is required to go online at all times, whether during an audition or in front of an audience. To succeed, each actor must have confidence in himself, in his skills and in his passion for the profession. Trust comes into play at every stage of the acting process, from finding agents to granting press interviews. And, because many actors face a lot of opposition and negativity, confidence is an important part of self-motivation.

commitment

For most people, acting is a difficult professional field. Actors are constantly working to pay the bills, find the next job, and give a strong performance. To be successful, they must have a high level of commitment to craft and acting.