Actor

Actors use speech, movement and body language to play the part of a character or interpret a script for a theatre, film, TV or radio performance.

The Work

You could be:

• portraying characters created by a playwright, screenwriter or author, for an audience, guided by a director


• doing background reading and research for your role


• using your own past experience as well as your training to interpret the writer's words and bring the character to life


• working as part of a team with the director and your fellow actors to achieve the best interpretation of the script


• spending a lot of your time learning lines and rehearsing


• providing voice-overs for commercials, documentaries, talking books and animated or foreign language films


• continuously looking for your next job by preparing for and attending auditions and casting sessions


• adapting your performance to the differing technical demands of film, TV, radio and theatre work.

Conditions

Many people believe this is a glamorous and well paid job. This may be the case for a few actors at the top of their profession, but it is certainly not true of the majority. In fact, a survey of Equity (the performers' union) members indicated that, on average, they spent only 18 weeks of the year actually working in the performance industry.

• The work is mainly indoors, in theatres or in studios, but can sometimes be outside, on location or in street theatre.


• In the theatre, or in a long running TV or radio series you may perform the same role for weeks or months.


• You may have to wear uncomfortable costumes, heavy makeup and wigs for long periods.


• In film and TV, you may have to spend long periods between scenes waiting for lights, props and sets to be arranged.


• When working on a production, you often have to spend long periods away from home or abroad.


• You may have to work very long hours, from early morning to late at night.

Getting In

• Although there are no formal entry requirements, most actors (over 85%) have been to drama or stage school.


• There are courses at various levels: National Certificate or National Qualification (NC or NQ), Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC or HND) and degree in subjects such as acting and performance, drama, performing arts, and theatre studies. Entry qualifications to these courses vary depending on level, from a few Standard grades or the equivalent to 3 or more Highers. There is usually also an audition and an interview.


• It helps if you have some experience in amateur drama.


• If you plan to take a degree, you should check that the National Council for Drama Training accredits the course.


• Good health is important, as you may work long hours and spend a lot of time standing. You are expected to perform even when you are not feeling fully fit.


• You need to be a member of Equity for most jobs.

What Does It Take?

You should have:

• talent


• confidence


• a clear speaking voice and the ability to learn different accents


• imagination and creativity


• the ability to express a wide range of emotions


• firm control over your own emotions - so that you don't laugh when you should appear sad


• a good memory for learning lines quickly


• careful observation of others, their accents, physical gestures and expressions
• stamina


• adaptability to take on different roles and cope with the technical demands of different performance styles


• resilience, to take criticism and rejection.

Training

• Actors develop their skills on the job.


• You may need to learn skills like dancing or horse riding for a particular part or learn to perform fight scenes without harming yourself or others.

Getting On

• Actors work in live shows, as in the theatre, or in recorded productions, such as television programmes or adverts.


• Film and TV tend to be better paid, but many actors find theatre more satisfying and rewarding.


• To be really successful you need not just talent but a lot of luck.


• Some actors do get regular well paid work, but others need to supplement their income with other jobs.


• For actors over the age of forty, there are more roles for men than for women.


• Agents can help you to find employment. They negotiate contracts and take a percentage of your salary.


• A 'character' role on a regular television or radio series can provide longer-term security.


• Some actors become directors and some go into teaching.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the competition for the job.

More Information

The Scottish Arts Council website has useful information on getting into drama and theatre. Look for the '16 24 explore' section.

The Scottish Youth Theatre offers an exciting and varied programme of classes, projects and performances throughout the year and throughout Scotland for young people aged between 3-25. Visit their website for more information at: www.scottishyouththeatre.org/

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.