Understanding what actresses do on a regular basis and what they need to be successful in an acting career can help better prepare you. In this article, we discuss job duties and expected salary of an actress, as well as the necessary education, steps and tools you’ll need to become one. Actresses perform various roles in front of cameras or live audiences. They often work long hours rehearsing scenes, studying lines and performing on screen or stage. Professional actresses can be found working in dinner theaters, major theaters and repertory groups.