tread the boards

verb2

1. •
   (humorous) To work as a theatre actor.

   • He seems to think that he's the greatest actor who's ever trod the boards.
2. •
   (figurative, old-fashioned) To write plays for the theatre.

   • After years of acting, she decided to tread the boards as a playwright instead, penning three successful comedies for the local theater company.