Actor

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 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:

• Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts - Acting
• A level in Drama and Theatre
• Level 4 Diploma in Speech and Drama

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Entry requirements:

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.

DirectApplication

You may be able to find work by applying directly for roles if you have a lot of experience and exceptional acting talent.

OtherRoutes

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• 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 enjoy working with other people
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• the ability to read English
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• active listening skills
• knowledge of psychology
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning

What you'll do:

Actors use speech, movement and expression to bring characters to life in theatre, film, television and radio.

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

Location : You could work in a theatre, on a film set or at a recording studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 47 hours irregular

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

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.