| Text 1 If you have ever been in a school play or even made believe you were a doctor, a detective, or a space traveller, you know the enjoyment that acting brings. Almost all of us have some wish to play the part of someone, or something else. Historical records indicate that this occupation is as old as civilization itself. In the ancient world, acting was often associated with religious ceremonies and other special occasions. As far back as 2200 B.C., trained Chinese actors performed ceremonial dances in costume and makeup at harvest festivals. It is believed that this was the first step in the development of acting. To the dance was gradually added pantomime — the imitation of movements and gestures — as well as the wearing of masks, the singing of chants, and finally the use of dialogue (speech). While acting was coming into its own in the ancient Chinese classical theater, it was doing the same in the western world in Greece. From about 500 B.C. on, acting became a highly specialized art in Greece. Greek actors, however, still wore masks, and their motions were largely fixed by costume. Consequently, they had little opportunity to demonstrate their individual personalities. Modern acting, by contrast, gives the individual actor great opportunity to develop his or her personal talents for serious, comic, or musical drama. The names, faces, and styles of famous movie actors are known worldwide. Broadway and television provide other stages on which actors can display their talent. A special form of acting takes place in radio drama, which was highly popular before television. In radio drama the actors face a unique challenge. They are unseen by their audience. So they must rely on voice alone to make their characters real to the listeners. Acting is not, as many people think, a quick, easy road to fame and riches. Only forty percent of Broadway actors are employed, most of them for only part of the year. Those who become stars need not only talent but determination. They must not be easily discouraged. Otherwise they might give up before the opportunity for stardom presents itself. |