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Actor
Actors use speech, movement and expression to bring characters to life in theatre, film, television and radio.
Average salary (a year)
£0.0
Starter
£0.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 47.0 hours
irregular
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; volunteering; applying directly; a course at drama school
University
You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate diploma in a subject such as
drama, performance studies, contemporary theatre and performance, acting, musical theatre
You could join your university drama or theatre society to develop a network of contacts and get performance experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • to pass an audition
  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
search for conservatoire courses|https://www.ucas.com/conservatoires
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
There is no set entry route to become an actor but it may be useful to do a course like
performing arts, drama and theatre, speech and drama
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
    Volunteering
    Acting is very competitive and you'll need to develop your skills by getting as much acting experience as possible.
    You might get experience by joining
    amateur, community or youth theatre, college and university drama societies, student drama festivals and competitions, an agency to get work as an 'extra' for films and TV shows
    Societies and theatre groups also help you meet other people in the acting profession. It can be useful to have contacts when looking for work.
    Direct Application
    You may be able to find work by applying directly for roles if you have a lot of experience and exceptional acting talent.
    Other Routes
    You can study with a private drama school or conservatoire. You can choose from full time courses, short courses and summer schools.
    You'll need to pass an audition to get into a drama school. You may also need A levels or a Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts. This is not always essential if you can show enough talent and commitment.
    You could also take graded exams in acting, musical theatre and performance art at:Trinity College London, University of West London, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
    Funding
    You may be able to apply for a Dance and Drama Award to help with fees and living costs at a private drama school.
    More Information
    Career Tips
    You'll need to get as much experience of acting as you can. You can give showreels and headshots to agents and casting directors.
    You may need another job to get the money you need while you search for acting roles or when you're between acting jobs.
    Professional And Industry Bodies
    You can join Equity who are a professional body. They can help you find jobs, training opportunities and contacts.
    You'll need to have earned money from an acting job or be a student or graduate to join Equity.
    Further Information
    You can find out more about careers in theatre, film and the creative sector from:Get into Theatre, Discover Creative Careers, Get Into Film
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      Knowledge of the fine arts
      The ability to work well with others
      Persistence and determination
      The ability to use your initiative
      A good memory
      To be flexible and open to change
      Knowledge of english language
      Knowledge of media production and communication
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    You could
    work with an agent to find new roles and opportunities, prepare for and go to auditions, research roles, learn lines and attend rehearsals, attend fittings for costumes, support back stage activities such as costume or prop management, work as a voice over artist or as an extra
    Working environment
    You could work in a theatre, on a film set or at a recording studio.
    Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    During your acting career you may move between roles in theatre, TV, film or radio.
    There are also opportunities to work in new fields like online content or voice acting for games.
    Agents
    As an actor you're likely to work freelance through an agent who will put you forward for auditions and castings.
    Agents usually take a fee of about 10% to 25% from your earnings.
    Working in other areas
    You can transfer acting skills to many other fields, especially where creativity, team working, communication and presentation skills are important.
    You could also train to move into directing, scriptwriting, drama therapy or teaching.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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