ACTOR An actor communicates a character or situations

ACTOR An actor communicates a character or situations to an audience through speech, body language and movement. This usually involves interpreting the work of a writer under the instruction and support of a director, although some work may require the actor to devise a character or improvise the reactions of a character to a situation. Work varies enormously, from live stage performances of the classics and community theatre, to soap operas, radio work, television advertising and film parts. As well as providing entertainment, an actor's role may also involve education, training or therapy. Ian AKILIMALI

Denzel Washington ■ Denzel Hayes Washington Jr is an famous American actor, director, and producer. He has received three Golden Globe awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for the historical war drama film Glory (1989) and Best Actor for his role as a corrupt cop in the crime thriller Training Day (2001). He is currently producing the film The Equalizer 2 (2018) Ian AKILIMALI

Earnings and Contract ■ There is no set income for actors and only the most well-established actors earn a high salary. Most actors are self-employed and are paid a fee for each contract or performance. Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and it sets minimum rates of pay for its members. These depend on who you're working for and where. For example, as a performer in theatre you may earn around £ 420 a week. Pay rates may differ if you work for an organisation that pays non-Equity rates. ■ The contract used for actors are freelance basis. Ian AKILIMALI

Working Hours ■ The Working hours for an Actor may be long and unsocial. While on tour, an actor may be travelling and setting up scenery during the day and performing at night. Television and film work often involve very early starts and late finishes. Ian AKILIMALI

Experience ■ There's no single route to becoming an actor but experience is an important factor, as is talent, determination, hard work and luck. ■ You can gain acting experience through your acting school, youth or community amateur dramatics group, or undertake work experience at a theatre or on one of the BBC Careers work placement schemes. Holiday camps and resorts offer good opportunities, working as an entertainer or tour operator. Signing up to an agency and securing small parts in television programmes or adverts, or working as an extra, can also be a great way into an acting career. Ian AKILIMALI

What role could they undertake after they have been successful in this role? ■ The roles Actors could undertake are becoming directors or producers, they start up their own film production companies which could grow and become successful. Examples of actors who have became directors are Clint Eastwood, Woody Allen and Ron Howard. Ian AKILIMALI