If you have ever been in a school play or even made believe you were a doctor, detective, or a space traveler, you know the enjoyment that acting brings. Almost all of us have the wish to play the part of someone or something else. 16
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. 17 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.
While acting was coming into its own in the ancient Chinese classical theatre, 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 custom. 18
Modern acting, on the contrary, 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. 19 A special form of acting takes place in radio drama, which was highly popular before television. In radio drama the actors face an unique challenge. They are unseen by their audience. So they must rely on voice alone to make their characters real to the listeners.
20 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.
A. The origins of acting are in the act of remembering.
B. Drama in Greece began with festivals honoring Dionysus.
C. It is believed that this was the first step in the development of acting.
D. Historical records indicate that this desire is as old as civilization itself.
E. Acting is not, as many people think, a quick, easy road to fame and riches.
F. Broadway and television provide other stages on which actors can display their talent.
G. Consequently, they had little opportunity to demonstrate their individual personalities.