Actor
Actors use speech, movement and expression to bring characters to life in theatre, film, television and radio.
Working Hours
37–47
hours per week
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
Skills needed
- 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 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
Career progression
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.