Career outlook for actor
Average UK salary
£58,240
Currently employed in Scotland
2,100
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would entertain people by performing as a character in a story, on stage before a live theatre audience or on film, television or radio.
You'd use your talent, empathy and imagination to bring the character to life. You'd memorise your lines and work with the director's instructions and other members of the cast to give your audience an enjoyable experience.
You'd use your voice and expression to show certain emotions. You'd work with the director to decide how the character will look and behave.
You would:
- Research your role
- Learn your lines
- Rehearse the scenes to get the timing and stage positioning right
- Attend fittings for costumes
You'd work with other professionals such as make-up artists, camera operators and directors.
For some roles you may work with the director to interpret the script. You will also need to very adaptable as you could be asked to play a number of different characters with different personalities.
You'd spend a lot of time preparing for and going to auditions and would probably need an agent to help you find the next job.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
18%
Part-time
12%
Self employed
71%
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Find a jobTop skills
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- Adaptability
- Persevering
- Cooperating
- Networking
- Verbal communication
- Creative
- Self esteem
- Self awareness
- Recalling
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Qualifications
Although there are no formal entry requirements, most actors have studied a course in acting and performance many actors study performance at college or university.
To enter a relevant National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) is usually by audition but some courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualification and one to two Highers.
To enter a relevant degree (SCQF Level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers at C or above, or a relevant HNC/HND.
Useful subjects
- English (required by many courses)
- Drama (required by many courses)
You will also need
To work in the industry most jobs require you become an Equity member.
Helpful to have
Experience in amateur dramatics.
Check if Drama UK accredits or recognises the course. Courses approved by Drama UK can help when starting an acting career and also help towards membership of Equity.
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