This thesis analyzes the path of actors from the moment their vocation started until their first steps as professional actors, on the basis of their own words (autobiographical stories, personal journal, letters, interviews). Since its appearance in the 15th century, acting as a profession has been subject to ambivalent social interests when it comes to deciding to become an actor. The actor used to be highly touted by the audience despite his being considered as a person of loose values. By choosing an unusual professional path, the actor inevitably needs to marginalize himself and to join an elite. Starting from the 18th century, the actor would claim his choice to be selfless to restore the image of this occupation. But the appearance of the director within the theatrical organization during the 20th century would impose an artistic ideal which needed to be common to all members of the theater company, who thus had to put their personal motivations aside. At the time, the only school in this area, the Academy of Dramatic Arts, was accused of inciting its students to showing off. This ideal thus became a concern for the next generations of schools and trainings. Within avant-garde schools and companies, when learning how to be a professional actor, the student faced the artistic and ethical approach of the person he saw as his teacher. Later on, various schools and trainings appeared: with higher schools or alternative experimental areas (student theater, semi-professional companies), the student now has to deal with several teachers and directors throughout his learning path, who all have their own approach. On the one hand, the teaching approach and the creation process of the young actor implies that he trusts these teachers and directors and accepts to take part to the experiences they offer him. But on a longer term, he/she should also learn to put those aside in order to reach his/her artistic emancipation.