The purpose of the article is to argue the factor of pretending in the technique of the theater and cinema actor; based on the analysis of the dual existence of the actor in the role, to prove the need for an approach to the creative act, based on the actor’s participation in this act and then taking into account the form and content of human existence in everyday life. The research aims to find out the place and significance of pretending in the art of the theater and cinema actor. The methodology of the research presupposes application of the analytical and logical approach to understanding the actor’s play in the creative act. The research uses a comparative analysis of the actor’s existence in the role and as an ordinary person during a joke or deception. By comparing the dual existence of the actor in a role with a similar way of existence as an ordinary joker, their similarities and differences are clarified. The scientific novelty of the material presented in the article is to substantiate pretending as an integral part of the actor’s activity. It is argued why pretending in a role is a prerequisite for an artistic act creation. It has been justified that there is the need to introduce the lecturers in the course of actors’ teaching that explain the actor-beginner what the masterful pretending of bodily and mimic movements and linguistic features that arise during the activities and behavior of the character means, and how emotions arise thanks to pretending. Conclusions. The act of acting in general has more in common with deception than life, although it is designed to reflect it. Therefore, pretending and imitation in a role is a necessary and integral part of acting. Adoption of the way of existence simultaneously in the hypostasis of the deceiver and the character gives the actor more opportunities to observe and explore the features of own psyche, and therefore to manage own psycho-emotional system when acting.