Actor

You can study with a private drama school or conservatoire. Many offer full-time courses, as well as 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, though this is not always essential if you can show enough talent and commitment.

You may be able to get funding to help with fees and living costs at a private drama school.

You could also take graded exams in acting, musical theatre and performance art through Trinity College London, University of West London or London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

You'll need:

• knowledge of the fine arts
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your initiative
• to enjoy working with other people
• 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

You could:

• liaise with actors' agents regarding 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

You could work at a recording studio, in the community, in a theatre or on a film set.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Acting is very competitive and you'll need to develop your skills by getting as much practical experience of acting as possible. You could do this through:

• amateur, community or youth theatre
• college and university drama societies
• student drama festivals and competitions

This can also help to put you in touch with people in the acting profession, who could be useful contacts when looking for work.

Career tips

You'll need to get as much practical experience of acting as you can. You can provide showreels and headshots to agents and casting directors.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join Equity for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts. Membership of Equity is open to those who already have professional credits. Graduate and student memberships are also available.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an actor through Get into Theatre and Discover Creative Careers.

You can also get extra support from organisations like Shape Arts, if you have a disability or special learning need.

Some actors also work in other temporary jobs whilst searching for acting roles or whilst in between acting roles.