Acting Terms You Need To Know

Johnny Depp with director Gore Verbinski on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Courtesy of Buena Vista

So you're planning to be the next Orlando Bloom or Cameron Diaz, but you have no idea what you're doing, huh? Do you want to walk into an audition with a basic knowledge of show biz lingo? Never fear - Kidzworld's here! Check out these definitions for need-to-know acting terms!

Actor: This would be you. If you get the part, you'll be able to play other people - and get paid. It's the best job in the world, next to being a rockstar.

Audition: This is what you go on in order to get the part. You prepare your scene, and try your best to be exactly what they want.

Headshot: This is an 8x10 picture of your mug - that's face, not coffee cup. Remember to keep your picture current and make sure your photo looks like you. If you change looks, be sure to change photos.

Resume: This is a written copy of any previous acting work you might have done. It's usually one page in length. It lists the roles you've played in movies, TV or plays, your training (if any) and all the special skills that make up your funky self. And yes, special skills include things like juggling and skateboarding. (Guess your parents were wrong when they said that kind of stuff would never amount to much!)

Callback: This is what happens after your first audition, if they decide that they'd like to see you again. You'll be invited to audition for the same part again, but this time the director and producer will most likely be present.

Director: This is the person who is in charge of what the actors do, who shapes the story that you end up seeing on the big screen. If a movie had a parent, the director would be the dad - the big kahuna.

Producer: This person (or people) acquires the cash, builds the crew and gets people together. The producer is a problem solver that gets things done. The producer is often the money behind the project, so it's really good if they like you. The producer would be the mom - the other big kahuna.

Agent: This is your representation, the person who acts as your contact with the film company, and they will most likely have gotten you your audition. They'll also negotiate how much money you'll make if you do get a part, and never, ever forget you and your agent work for each other.