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Performing Arts

Actor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Actors bring characters to life on stage, in film, on television, and in radio. The role involves learning scripts, rehearsing, and performing in front of live audiences or cameras. Actors may work in theatres, film sets, television studios, or for radio and voiceover projects. The work can be unpredictable, with periods of intense activity followed by quieter times. Many actors also supplement their income with other jobs. To succeed as an actor, you need creativity, resilience, dedication, and good communication skills. Many actors train at drama schools, but talent and practical experience are also highly valued in the industry.

Actor

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an actor in the UK ranges from £18,000 to £28,000 per year, but many actors are paid per job or performance and earnings can vary greatly.

Employment Outlook

There are approximately 47,000 people working as actors, entertainers, and presenters in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics (2021).

Job Competition

An estimated 92 percent of professional actors in the UK are out of work at any given time, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the industry.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Voiceover Artist

Performs voice work for animations, video games, adverts, and radio, bringing characters and stories to life using only their voice.

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Stage Performer

Acts in live theatre productions, such as plays, musicals, and pantomimes, often in front of an audience.

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Television Actor

Performs roles in TV dramas, soaps, and series, working on set with directors and production teams.

Explore and Develop Acting Skills

Join Drama Clubs or Local Theatre Groups

Take part in drama clubs or local theatre to gain experience and build confidence performing in front of others.

Many schools offer drama clubs, and most towns have youth or amateur theatre groups. Participating in these groups allows you to try different roles, understand stagecraft, and work as part of a team. It is a great way to discover your passion for acting and develop basic performance skills.

Take Acting Classes or Workshops

Enrol in acting classes or workshops to learn professional techniques and improve your craft.

Look for classes at local theatres, arts centres, or colleges. Workshops often focus on areas such as improvisation, voice, movement, or specific acting styles. Learning from professional actors or teachers can provide valuable feedback and help you discover your strengths.

Pursue Formal Training

Consider Acting Qualifications

Study for GCSEs and A-levels in drama or performing arts, or equivalent qualifications.

Having formal qualifications in drama or performing arts can help you secure a place at a drama school or university. Courses will teach you about performance, script interpretation, and the history of theatre, providing a strong foundation for your acting career.

Apply to Drama Schools or University

Audition for accredited drama schools or apply for a performing arts degree at university.

Top UK drama schools include RADA, LAMDA, and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. These institutions provide intensive training, opportunities to perform, and industry connections. Some actors also take university courses in drama or theatre studies. Auditions are competitive, so prepare thoroughly and consider gaining more experience beforehand.

Gain Professional Experience

Attend Auditions and Build Your Portfolio

Look for auditions for theatre, film, or television roles and create a portfolio of your work.

Regularly check theatre company websites, casting agencies, and industry publications for audition notices. Prepare a professional CV, headshots, and showreel (video of your performances) to showcase your talent. Accepting small roles or working as an extra can help you gain experience and make industry contacts.

Seek Representation

Find an agent to help you access more audition opportunities and negotiate contracts.

Agents have connections with casting directors and can help you find auditions for larger or more prestigious roles. Research reputable agents and approach them with your CV and showreel. Building a good relationship with your agent can be key to advancing your career.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Actor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for Actor

Sample Qualifications

How to become

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

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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.

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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:

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:

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