Actor
Actors use speech, movement and expression to bring characters to life in theatre, film, television and radio.
- Typical hours37 to 47 a week
What you'll do
As an actor, 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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a actor
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
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 groups
- 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 auditions and 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)
Career path and progression
During your acting career you may move between roles in theatre, TV, film or radio.
There are also opportunities to work in fields like online content or voice acting for computer games.
Career tips
You'll need to get as much experience of acting as you can. You can give showreels and headshot photos to agents and casting directors.
You may need to do another job 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 for actors. 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.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
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- Job roleDancer
- Job roleDramatherapist
- Job roleTV presenter
- Job roleTV or film director
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