Lifelong Careers
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Arts, Media & Design

Actor

Family · Arts, Media & DesignEntry level · Degree
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Performs core professional/technical/service tasks characteristic of actor, within the relevant organizational and regulatory context.

06 · Qualifications & training you need

Although a degree in drama, or training at a stage school or drama college, is not essential, it will help break into the industry.

Where people train for this

03 · Education pathway

Design/arts education and/or strong professional portfolio; requirements vary by occupation.

04 · Lifestyle

Actors work irregular hours. In film and TV, days can be long and involve a lot of waiting. Actors may work far from home on location or on tour.

04 · Location

Actors work in theatres, TV, film, commercial studios, and even in open-air locations, such as parks, gardens, and forests, around the world.

21 · The realities

Actors need to audition for every role, and rejection can be tough. There is little job security and most actors spend a lot of time looking for work.

05 · Interests that fit this career

DramaFilmArts and literatureLanguagesHistoryPoetryMusicDanceMimeSport and fitness

09 · Core skills

creative ideationvisual communicationdesign toolsportfolio developmentclient collaboration

09 · Core competencies

problem solvingcommunicationprofessional judgementcollaborationdigital literacyethical practice
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