U.S. President Herbert Hoover once said that competition was the incentive of progress. Some actors rise to the occasion if they know their talents will be measured against other actors. Many high school drama departments enter drama competitions hosted by universities and organizations such as the Southeastern Theater Conference and the American High School Theater Festival. For nationwide organizations like AHSTF and SETC, high school drama departments must win local and statewide competitions before advancing to the national stage. Acting conservatory and theater professors usually attend these competitions, which should provide further incentive for actors to perform well.
Some universities and college theater departments offer master classes, where actors are able to see reputable guest artists, including directors, agents and casting directors in the film or theater industry. During master classes, the guest artist will often request seeing the classes' actors to perform and workshop the actors' scenes. If actors perform well, they make a good impression with guest artist, who may consider casting the actors in their future films or plays. Theater departments book master classes weeks or months in advance, which provides actors with ample time for preparing scenes or monologues.
All actors have preferences when it comes to to their favorite show. Allowing college theater actors to have a voice in the selection of the department's plays and musicals motivates them to do their best to be cast in their favorite show. Some plays or musicals may be too expensive for a theater department's or company's budget in terms of production costs, but many shows are affordable since they only need a small cast and minimal production requirements, such as lights, props and set. Also, actors are more inspired to perform if they feel they have a say in the department's overall direction.
Communication is one of the primary tools for directors to get the most out of their actors. Directors must give their actors the most detail they can about a character and the play's setting; this allows actors to have enough material for developing their characters. Also, actors are more inspired to perform well if they feel they can talk with their director. Communication is also important in planning rehearsals. If actors know they're in a professional environment, they are more likely to provide their best acting performances.