Actor

Have you ever watched a film, TV drama, or stage play and thought, “I’d love to do that”? Actors bring characters to life, telling stories that move, inspire, or entertain audiences. It’s a career full of creativity, but also one that takes dedication, resilience, and hard work.

Actors perform in many different settings – theatre, film, television, radio, adverts, and even voiceover work for games and animation. Their main role is to interpret scripts, develop believable characters, and perform them convincingly. This might mean learning lines, rehearsing scenes, taking direction, and working with other performers and crew. Some actors also tour with theatre companies, record voice work in studios, or even perform live online. A big part of the job is auditioning for roles, which can be competitive and sometimes involve rejection. Flexibility, creativity, and strong communication skills are key.

Earnings can vary a lot. Some well-known actors earn high salaries, but most people in the industry start out on modest pay. Many jobs are short-term, so actors often move between projects. According to industry sources, new actors might earn between £500–£1,000 a week in theatre or television work, while experienced performers can make more. Voiceover and commercial work can pay well, but opportunities aren’t guaranteed. Many actors also take on other jobs to support themselves while building their careers.

There’s no single route, but studying subjects like Drama, Theatre Studies, English, or Performing Arts at school or college can help you develop performance skills and confidence. Subjects that build communication and creativity – such as Art, Music, or even Psychology – can also be useful. Many actors choose to train further at drama schools, universities, or through workshops, where they can improve technique and make industry connections.

The best way to begin is by gaining as much experience as you can. Join a school drama club, youth theatre group, or local stage society to practise performing in front of an audience. Look out for workshops or short courses to develop skills like voice projection, movement, or improvisation. Building confidence and resilience early on will make auditions less daunting later. After school or college, some people apply to drama schools, while others gain experience through smaller productions and gradually build a portfolio. Creating a professional CV and showreel can help showcase your talent to casting agents. Remember: persistence matters as much as talent in this career.

In short: Being an actor can be exciting, challenging, and unpredictable. If you love performing, storytelling, and working with others, it could be the stage for your future career.

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as an actor, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.

National Careers Service, Actor

Prospects, Actor

Spotlight - casting platform

Equity - advice on pay, rights, and working conditions

The Stage - information for actors

Want to know what it's like to work as an actor? Watch the video in How Did You Get That Job? to find out more.