Whatever the medium for exposition the main entertainers and performers who make any program successful are artists. Actors for the stage/film/TV/radio, dancers and musicians are the prime persons in any show. This chapter deals with their work and training.
Nature of Work
Actors
Acting, music and dance are performing arts. An actor portrays a character and communicates with the audience on behalf of the playwright, guided by a director. The performance begins when the actor understands and interprets the writers thoughts and feelings. They then use their emotions or feelings to help portray the character. The actor learns his part and rehearses the play. The performance of the actor is the culmination of all this effort as well as close coordination with co-stars. Actors work either for stage performances, or in films, television and radio. Some actors specialize in one medium the style used generally differs. Actors work for a variety of mediums, these are :
Films - Actors are hired for a particular film for either a main role or for a supporting role. The whole production may take months, so the actor may be involved over a long term or only for some shots. The kind of role decides the style of acting.
Television/Radio - Actors are usually employed for one particular programme, or for long-running serials. TV work requires special skills for working with camera. Actors may also specialize in radio plays. Many actors work in commercial advertising. Actors either appear in commercials or lend their voice.
Acting is also done by community groups. Community groups bring the theatre in its varied forms presenting social, cultural and environmental issues, giving performances in cultural centres, factories, old peoples’ homes and as street shows etc. Occasionally groups of college students form themselves into a group, financing their own performances. Actors working for theatre in education present productions to groups in schools and colleges, involving the audience in the performance.
Musicians
Music is a performing art in which the musician communicates with an audience. Many people try to make their living through music but it is a difficult goal to achieve. Musicians who are talented and dedicated to a career work under strict self-discipline practicing relentlessly their art. In classical and popular music the popularity of an artist’s music and skill is the index of his success. Great and small artists are required by the entertainment industry. Simple background music to solo recitals are the challenges a musician encounters. The orchestra makes alive any show on the stage or on the AIR or TV. Music is enduring and so are the musicians.
Besides performing, musicians work as trainers/tutors, songwriters and lyricists. The trend of young artists becoming music composers is very popular. Many young singers and instrumental artists have risen to prominence through live stage and TV shows which has offered openings for talented young people. Music albums, voice lendings for ads are other areas musicians are seen.
Dancers
Dancing is sometimes treated simply as entertainment, but it is also an art form. Indian classical dancing uses the human body like a musical instrument, and it has to be tuned and played as finely as violin. The dance movements are usually directed by a choreographer but dancers use their personality and emotions to convey and interpret the meaning artistically.
Dancing can become a career for only a very small proportion of the many thousands who learn dancing. It is rare for dancers to be employed professionally without proper training and it has been estimated that even of those who are fully trained, only one in ten become full-time professional dancers.
A dancer’s body has to be the correct shape, proportion and size. A strong back, well-formed feet (the bone structure is crucial), and good muscle coordination are essential. For dance forms like the ballet, girls must stay light and small boned. Lack of height for male dancers can be a problem but some short male dancers have been very successful, even in ballet they play good character roles. In classical dance the story is the base of all art work. Classical dance is the most demanding and precise form of dance, and training begins at an early age before the body is fully developed. Contemporary or modern dance is less formal with wide and varying styles. Musical ballet covers a wide range of dance styles. It is seen today in television and films. The majority of dancers work in a team or a troupe.
Music is an important part of all forms of dance; most dancing is performed to music. A dancer needs stamina and mental stability to cope with the stresses and demands of dancing, combined with a high degree of commitment and motivation. A good sense of rhythm and timing is important. The life of a dancer can seem glamorous and exciting and this may be true for some famous dancers, but for most the reality of gruelling daily exercise combined with evening performances is somewhat different.
Specialised jobs
The following are areas of specialised work :
Choreography and notation - Choreography is a comparatively small and difficult field to enter and most choreographers have been performers. Choreographers need years of experience, a good musical training, imagination and creativity. Classical music artists have qualified through practice 'riyaz' often not indulging in any formal university qualification. They are trainers for new artists. Many aspiring artists, however, opt for regular courses run by universities and institutions.
Dance therapy - Dance therapists seek to provide a physical means of expressing emotions and feelings through dance and movement. They work in the health care professions or treatment centres for the emotionally disturbed, the elderly or physically and mentally disadvantaged.
Dance critic - A few dance critics write for specialist dance publications and daily newspapers but normally combine this role with other dance activities and experience.
Dance teaching - Teaching dance is the main career area for dancers. Some teachers go on to have a career as a teacher after a career as a performer while others choose to teach from the outset either full-time or part-time. Teachers can specialise in one area of dance or teach a variety of dance forms.
Work Environment
Actors work mainly indoors in theatres and studios and for films and TV on location. Actors taking part in open air and street theatre work outside though rehearsals may take place indoors. The temperatures in which actors work can vary from cold and draughty rehearsal rooms to warm theatres and studios where spotlights and (perhaps) heavy costumes may add to the overall heat.
Actors in the theatre have to work more or less continuously during the duration of the show, while in films and, to a lesser extent, television, there may be long breaks. There can be a good deal of sitting around waiting for the next scene to be recorded.
Actor may have to live away from their homes in lodgings with other actors on tour or on a film or TV programme location, spending lengthy periods away from home sometimes abroad.
Personal Characteristics
Performing artists are creative people. Patience, dedication and hard work are required for success. Adaptabiltiy, ability to work with a team, dicipline and responsibility are other essential characteristcs. Actors, dancers and performers need to understand and interpret the roles they are given and have a good memory, both for their lines and their moves. Actors must have talent, intelligence, a vivid creativity and uninhibited demeanor, adaptability and resilience and self-confidence. A good memory is necessary in order to learn parts quickly, along with the stamina to cope with arduous rehearsals and performances. The ability to sing and dance can improve prospects. A clear voice is important, empathy and imagination to understand and express the emotions of the characters they are asked to portray are required. Being mentally and physically tough to cope with the demands of the job, resilient and able to cope with the uncertainty of working in a profession where, at the end of a run or series, unemployment is always a prospect, is tough. Good general health is also important; actors are expected to turn up for rehearsals and performances even when unwell.
Employment Avenues
Performing artists work essentially in the entertainment industry and as trainers. The entertainment sector offers a variety of options from the Electronic media to live shows. As trainers and therapists opportunities exist with institutions and private academies.
Earnings
The reputation of an artist determines the income. While a startup artist may get as little as Rs. 500/- for a show established artists earn in lakhs. The going is tough but the earning could be good at the end.