acting vs playing

acting and playing both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
acting	Yes	Yes	No	No
playing	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, acting and playing are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of acting include performing, playacting.

acting (noun)	playing (noun)
the performance of a part or role in a drama	the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation
	the act of playing a musical instrument
	the performance of a part or role in a drama

acting (adjective)	playing (adjective)
serving temporarily especially as a substitute