Explore the different ways to get into this role.How to becomeYou can get into this job through:a university coursea college coursea course at drama schoolUniversityYou could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate diploma in a subject such as:dramaperformance studiescontemporary theatre and performanceactingmusical theatreYou could join your university drama or theatre society to develop a network of contacts and get performance experience.Entry requirementsYou'll usually need:to pass an auditionat least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degreea degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate studyThere is no set entry route to become an actor but it may be useful to do a course like:performing artsdrama and theatrespeech and dramaEntry requirementsEntry requirements for these courses vary.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 theatrecollege and university drama societiesstudent drama festivals and competitionsan agency to get work as an 'extra' for films and TV showsSocieties 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 ApplicationYou may be able to find work by applying directly for roles if you have a lot of experience and exceptional acting talent.Other RoutesYou 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:You may be able to apply for a Dance and Drama Award to helpwith fees and living costs at a private drama school.More InformationYou'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 bodiesYou can joinEquity 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 informationYou can find out more about careers in theatre, film and the creative sector from:Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.What it takesSkills and knowledgeYou'll need:knowledge of the fine artsthe ability to work well with otherspersistence and determinationthe ability to use your initiativea good memoryto be flexible and open to changeknowledge of English languageknowledge of media production and communicationto be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held deviceDiscover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.What you'll doDay-to-day tasksYou could:work with an agent to find new roles and opportunitiesprepare for and go to auditionsresearch roleslearn lines and attend rehearsalsattend fittings for costumessupport back stage activities such as costume or prop managementwork as a voice over artist or as an extraWorking environmentYou 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.Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.Career path and progressionDuring 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.AgentsAs 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 areasYou 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.Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an actor right now.The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service. #J-18808-Ljbffr