A Brief HIstory
The first actor known in history is a man from ancient Greece named Thespis of Icaria who separated himself from the Greek chorus and spoke to the audience as a separate character. Before Thespis, the chorus narrated a story’s action in third person. When Thespis stepped out from the chorus, and spoke in first person as if he was the character.
The first actor known in history is a man from ancient Greece named Thespis of Icaria who separated himself from the Greek chorus and spoke to the audience as a separate character. Before Thespis, the chorus narrated a story’s action in third person. When Thespis stepped out from the chorus, and spoke in first person as if he was the character.
Actor's Equity
From ancient Greece to today, the actor’s profession has always been a difficult one. Near the beginning of the 20th century, conditions for actors were especially rough. Actors were not paid for rehearsals; they could be fired at a producer’s whim; actors on tour might find the production suddenly shut down, stranding them penniless and far from home. Finally, in 1913, Actor’s Equity Association was formed, a labor union for professional actors and stage managers. Even with union protection, actors today still face high unemployment. The union estimates that 70% of their members are unemployed at any given time.
