4 Have you ever imagined being a famous film star or a great stage actor performing to hundreds of people Perhaps you enjoy entertaining your friends or just like the idea of imagining you’re someone else If so learning to act can be a lot of fun ACTION CAMERA LIGHTS Look out for the exclamation marks too these boxes give safety warnings and other important advice Hints and warnings Boxes with a light bulb symbol contain handy hints for improving your skills Acting in a school play can be a great chance to wear silly costumes and make people laugh
5 Perhaps the first-ever actor was Thespis who lived in ancient Greece and performed in tragedies Because of him actors are often called thespians Before the late 17th century women in many countries weren’t allowed to act on stage SUPER FACTS Why Act If you’re a born performer with lots of energy acting is a great way of using your talents If you’re shy acting can help to build your confidence and speaking skills for example if you have to give a presentation at school Acting is a good way of making friends and can be great exercise too Types of Drama Actors aim to entertain but also to educate people or make them think perhaps about historical events social issues or why people behave as they do Some plays films and TV dramas are serious thrilling or scary Others are hilarious and some are quirky and thoughtful What kind of drama do you like This zany Spanish play about a wicked plumber and singing dancing bathroom fixtures teaches children not to waste water Many people need good speaking skills for example lawyers teachers and politicians Movie actors dream of winning Academy Awards nicknamed Oscars which are presented in Hollywood every year
