When Did Acting Become Popular: A Detailed Dive Into the History of Performing Arts

By Steve Dezย โ€ขย  Updated: 10/16/23ย โ€ขย  14 min read

Sharing is caring!

Table of Contents



Acting, one of the most iconic forms of artistic expression, began to gain popularity in ancient Greece with Thespis, the first known actor.

Originally, acting faced negative perceptions and was not considered a reputable profession; however, through time and evolution, it has come to be regarded with high esteem.

The art formโ€™s rise was greatly influenced by theatre traditions such as Mystery Cycles, and later by Londonโ€™s impact on American theaters.

Method Actingโ€”popularized by institutions like the Actorsโ€™ Studio and influential performers like Marlon Brando and James Deanโ€”further propelled its popularity.

Television also played a key role in popularizing acting, offering opportunities for former contract players.

Finally, advancements from Commedia dellโ€™arte to Modern Films have continued to expand theater practices, keeping acting a popular form of entertainment throughout history until

Best for Beginners
Dezperate Actor - Cracking The Hollywood Code
$97

Designed to help you catapult your career to new heights without compromising your art, all while building a profitable and purposeful acting empire.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

when did acting become popular

The Birth of Acting: Thespis and the Origins of Performance Art

Acting, my friends, has a profound history that dares to date back to as early as 534 or 535 BC. Quite incredible, isnโ€™t it? Now imagine this: An actor named Thespis leaping onto the back of a wooden cart, reciting poetry as if he was the characters themselves. This awe-inspiring moment marked the birth of acting, with Thespis being considered the worldโ€™s first actor.

The Evolution of Actingโ€™s Reputation: From Negative Perception to High Esteem

In any case, there came a time when acting started gaining a respectable status in society โ€“ specifically during the late 19th century. Actors at that time were often viewed negatively. However, by the end of the 1800s โ€“ especially in England โ€“ acting became an honored profession and art form.

You see, it was during this period that actors began to rise as celebrities. People flocked to theaters not just for drama but also for their beloved โ€œstarsโ€. This cultural shift played a crucial role in changing how society perceived actors, thereby transforming their reputation from negativity into high esteem.

The Influence of Theater: From Mystery Cycles to Londonโ€™s Impact on American Theaters

All things considered, we cannot overlook the influence theater itself had on popularizing acting. Around 1350 AD religious leaders encouraged staging โ€˜mystery cyclesโ€™ โ€“ stories from the Bible โ€“ and miracle plays. By mid-19th century American theaters saw strong influences from London theater; many actors even established their careers in England before setting foot in America.

The Rise of Method Acting: The Actorsโ€™ Studio and the Impact of Brando and Dean

Method acting gained prominence during the late 1940s when The Actorsโ€™ Studio was established in New York City. Hollywood greats such as Marlon Brando and James Dean popularized it further with their TV and film performances during the 1950s and early 1960s. This impactful style connected actors to their roles on a deeper level than traditional stage performance ever had.

Televisionโ€™s Role in Popularizing Acting: Opportunities for Former Contract Players

Now that I think about it, we must also consider the significant role television played. It provided abundant opportunities for former contract players from movie studios who had previously struggled to find success. When TV arrived on scene in the 1950s, these individuals were given a second chance at stardom.

Advancements in Theater Practices: From Commedia dellโ€™arte to Modern Films

Last but certainly not least, letโ€™s briefly touch upon advancements in theater practices. From commedia dellโ€™arte during Italian Renaissance to modern films โ€“ these innovative practices greatly contributed to propelling acting into widespread popularity across countless cities around our globe.

In conclusion, while acting has been around since ancient times, its recognition from society significantly evolved from being perceived negatively into becoming one of the most respected art forms around late 19th century till mid-20th century โ€“ thanks to various theater forms, method acting, and televisionโ€™s advent.

when did acting become popular

Best Seller - Special Deal
Dezperate Actor - Bundled Special!
$148

This is the special Bundle of our Flagship Programs in one for a discount! Don't miss your opportunity to get the mentorship and online guidance you need to become an actor today. Includes Dezperate Actor - Cracking the Hollywood Code + Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Acting has been a fundamental form of expression and storytelling for thousands of years, but it really took off in popularity during the Elizabethan era with the works of William Shakespeare. Today, aspiring actors around the globe seek out quality education to hone their craft. If youโ€™re considering pursuing acting professionally, you might want to consider studying in some of the worldโ€™s most renowned institutions for theater and film studies. London, for example, is home to famous schools like RADA and LAMDA. Find out more about these institutions at where to study acting in London.

Alternatively, if you have a love for film acting and wish to make it big in Hollywood someday, starting your journey in New York or even Toronto might be a step forward in the right direction. Both cities offer diverse opportunities for actors at various stages of their career. You can further explore these options at: where to study acting in New York and where to study acting in Toronto.

However, itโ€™s noteworthy that attending an esteemed institution isnโ€™t the only path towards success in acting. Many successful actors didnโ€™t attend formal drama schools but developed their skills through experience and various other resources such as online platforms like Actors Access which you can learn about on this post: how to use Actors Access effectively .

Another aspect that could help aspiring actors land gigs is having an impressive acting reel. An acting reel should ideally display your versatility as an actor and capture some of your best performances on stage or screen. Discover more about this at how long should an acting reel be.

Finally, always remember that the journey to becoming a successful actor is not simply about talent, but also resilience, professionalism and continuous learning. So whether you are starting out with no experience or looking for ways to further improve your craft, you may find some useful tips here: how to get started in acting with no experience.

Done For You! - Just Replace with your Information
Acting Resumรฉ Templates
$9 - $12

Our acting resume templates are specifically designed to showcase your talents and highlight your experiences in the industry.

With a polished and professional resume, you can stand out to casting directors and increase your chances of landing your next big role.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Hey there, my friend!

Ever fascinating isnโ€™t it, that question of โ€œwhen did acting become popularโ€œ? Itโ€™s like a script that has been written centuries ago but continues to evolve with every performance.

You see, stepping into the world of acting is quite the journey โ€“ not just learning to step into someone elseโ€™s shoes, but in finding your own footsteps in the grand stage of performing arts too.

By the way, did you know that ancient civilizations like Greece and India were pioneers in this field? They used drama as a form of communication and storytelling. So technically speaking, itโ€™d be safe to say that acting became popular even before Hollywood was born! Now isnโ€™t that interesting?

But letโ€™s fast forward to today โ€“ Hollywood: a place where dreams come to life and stories are told like nowhere else. This is where all the magic happens my friend; where actors pour their hearts out on screen and make us laugh or cry or dream โ€“ sometimes all in one go!

So here we are today, exploring together on this amazing journey called Acting. And now that I think about it, perhaps our exploration isnโ€™t just about answering โ€œwhen did acting become popularโ€œ, but more about understanding how we can continue its legacy.

All things considered, this is what makes me love my job even more each day โ€“ sharing these nuggets of wisdom with inspiring souls like you who aspire for greatness on screen.

In any case, whether youโ€™re already working towards becoming an actor or still contemplating if itโ€™s your calling, always remember: every story needs a heroโ€ฆand who knows? The next hero could very well be you.. Hereโ€™s hoping our paths cross someday in the glitzy lanes of Hollywood!

Mentorship on the Go
Dezperate Actor - Coaching For Actors Online Program
$79

Coaching for actors focused on marketing can help actors develop strategies for promoting themselves and their work to agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Bundle Deal - Exclusive Price
Dezperate Actor - Complete Edition Program
$198

The Complete Edition is the ultimate bundle designed to give actors the tools and knowledge they need to effectively promote themselves and succeed in the competitive world of acting. It includes - The Dezperate Actor - Cracking the Hollywood Code Program, Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand, Dezperate Actor - Coaching For Actors Online Program + Bonuses


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Before you goโ€ฆ

Takeaway 1: Acting has a rich history that spans centuries

Acting isnโ€™t just something that popped up overnight. It has been around for ages, dating all the way back to ancient Greece. Can you believe that Thespis, way back in 534 BC, was considered the first actor in the world? He blew peopleโ€™s minds by leaping onto a wooden cart and reciting poetry as if he were the characters themselves. Talk about talent! This marked the birth of acting and set the stage for centuries of captivating performances.

Takeaway 2: Acting went from being looked down upon to highly respected

Now, Iโ€™m sure youโ€™ve heard stories about actors having a bad reputation in the past. But things took a turn for the better in the late 19th century. Before then, actors were seen as kind of sketchy, not exactly pillars of society. But by the end of the 1800s, especially in England, people started holding them in high esteem. You know what changed? The rise of celebrities! Audiences couldnโ€™t get enough of their favorite โ€œstarsโ€ and flocked to theaters to watch them perform. This shift transformed acting into an honored profession and an art form that truly captivated hearts.

Takeaway 3: Method acting shook things up and TV gave actors new opportunities

There have been some game-changers along the way that really shaped how we see acting today. One major milestone was when The Actorsโ€™ Studio was founded in New York City in the late 1940s. It gave birth to method acting, which really revolutionized how actors approach their craft. Superstars like Marlon Brando and James Dean embraced this technique during the โ€™50s and โ€™60s on TV and film screens everywhere. But letโ€™s not forget about the magic of television itself! When it burst onto the scene in the 1950s, it opened up new doors for actors. Many folks who had struggled to make it in the movie industry suddenly found renewed success on the small screen. Talk about a second chance! This helped solidify their status as beloved figures among audiences, forever etching their names into our hearts.

So there you have it, my friend. Acting has come a long way and has had its fair share of ups and downs. From Thespis leaping onto that wooden cart to method acting taking center stage, actors have continuously pushed boundaries and captivated us with their performances. Itโ€™s truly amazing how this art form has evolved over time, and we canโ€™t wait to see what the future holds for the world of acting.

While acting became popular ages ago, the art form continuously evolves and requires constant improvement, which is why finding the best acting classes is vital for any aspiring actor.

ย 

The surge of digital platforms has made learning accessible to anyone, anywhere. If you donโ€™t have access to physical classes or prefer studying from home, check out the best online acting classes.

ย 

Whether you are a beginner who wants to delve into the world of acting or an experienced actor looking to sharpen your skills, these online and offline resources offer some of the best learning experiences in our time.

Best Seller
Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand Online Program
$98

As you progress in your career, you're going to need Representation and what better way to obtain it than by following a proven system that works in landing you the best agents, managers, publishers and more! This online program will help you get closer to your goals in being a working professional Hollywood Actor.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Sharing is caring!

Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actorยฎ and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

Keep Reading