Actor

or Actress, in the drama, one who represents a character, or acts a part in a play. The first actor of the early Greek drama was a minstrel or rhapsode, who recited epic poems between the songs of the chorus. Soon two actors instead of one appeared; then three, and gradually the number increased. The actors were invariably men or boys. The first actress to appear on any stage performed in France and England during the seventeenth century.

The actors of the first miracle plays were priests who used this method to teach and preach to the people. As these plays increased in popularity, the laity became actors. In their prime, the miracle plays were undoubtedly presented by skillful actors. In York, in the year 1476, four of the best players were appointed to examine would-be actors and select such as should take part. Much difficulty was caused by the great number of applicants. The following ordinance was issued: "All such as they shall find sufficient in person and cunning, to the honor of the city and worship of the said crafts, for to admit and able; and all other insufficient persons, either in cunning, voice, or person, to discharge, ammove and avoid."

During the Elizabethan age the actors of dramas were usually young men of good family, frequently students from some university. The profession of acting brought them money and notoriety. It was doubtless in many instances regarded as good sport, bringing them into pleasant company. However, actors were not held in good repute. They were considered, and probably deserved to be considered, very wild, and were classed usually with the dissolute.

In modern times the profession of an actor is no sinecure. Except for those who have won fame, its rewards are uncertain. The work is severe, the expenses heavy, and the remuneration comparatively small.

Our great actors and actresses are frequently looked upon as marvelously gifted by nature, and too little credit is given them for the months and years of laborious toil which have been spent in mastering the art. The actor must study each new part until he so far becomes the character he would represent as to be able to interpret his own conception to his audience by speech and gesture. The laws of gesture, or "bodily eloquence," as it has been called, control the actor's bearing, walk, expression, and movements of face and limbs. The laws of rhetoric must regulate pronunciation, modulation, accent, and rhythm. Through all, and in all, must be that human sympathy and self-forgetfulness which enables him really to live the part he would present.

Among actors and actresses who have won a world wide reputation may be mentioned John Philip Kemble, Charles Kemble, Mrs. Siddons, Edwin Booth, Sarah Bernhardt, Joseph Jefferson, Henry Irving, Mary Anderson-Navarro, Ellen Terry, William Macready, and David Garrick.