How did acting get its name?

Acting derives from the Middle English term acten, which in turn comes from the Latin agere, meaning "to do" or "to carry out." The first usage of the verb "to act" in the sense of "to appear on stage" is recorded in the early 16th century. Acting refers to the art and occupation of performing stories and characters in live presentations or media, such as stage productions, films, television, radio, and video games.