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.
You could be:
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary depending on:
Most actors are self-employed. Equity sets annual minimum rates for actors in both theatre and film, TV and radio. Rates vary depending on whether it is a rehearsal or performance and whether it is for film, TV, radio or theatre.
For example, the minimum weekly rate agreed between ITC (Independent Theatre Company Ltd) and Equity for a performance is £471.00. These rates are valid from 2018 to 2019. You can find details of all the current Equity rates under the 'Rates and Agreements' section of their website.
Actors working for a touring company may also get a lodgings allowance. You pay a reduced Equity subscription when you are not in work.
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 and many have to do other jobs.
Workforce Employment Status
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Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Employment
Unemployment
Percentage of workforce registered as unemployed (Scotland)
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You should have:
You also need:
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 the Scottish Youth Theatre website for more information.
Take a look at The Stage online magazine for information on jobs and auditions. You can even download a Jobs and Auditions app for your iPhone.
Young Scot and Creative Scotland operate the 'Nurturing Talent - Time to Shine Fund', which aims to support young people aged 11-25 and interested in developing creative or artistic skills. Both individuals and groups can apply for funding ranging from £50 to £1,000. For more information see the Young Scot website.
The Creative and Cultural Skills website has a careers section called Creative Choices which covers careers information, jobs and opportunities in the theatre.
Courtesy of Creative Choices
The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
Creative and Cultural Skills
E-mail:
info@ccskills.org.uk
Website:
http://www.ccskills.org.uk/
Website (2):
https://ccskills.org.uk/careers
Twitter:
@CCskills
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ccskills
Creative and Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing, literary and visual arts.
Creative Choices is their career information website.
Creative Scotland
Tel: 0345 603 6000
E-mail:
enquiries@creativescotland.com
Website:
http://www.creativescotland.com/
Website (2):
http://opportunities.creativescotland.com/
Twitter:
@CreativeScots
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
Equity
Tel: 020 7379 6000
E-mail:
info@equity.org.uk
Website:
http://www.equity.org.uk/
Twitter:
@EquityUK
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/EquityUK
Membership of Equity is open not just those in the acting profession but to anyone working professionally in the field of entertainment.
Mandy's Film and Television Directory
Website:
http://www.mandy.com
Twitter:
@Mandyfilmtv
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Mandycom-157983937580165/
Site for all job vacancies relating to the performing arts.
Scottish Drama Training Network
Tel: 0141 270 8349
Website:
http://sdtn.org/
Twitter:
@SDTNtweets
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sdtnofficial/
Scottish Youth Theatre
Tel: 0141 552 3988
E-mail:
info@scottishyouththeatre.org
Website:
http://www.scottishyouththeatre.org/
Twitter:
@ScottishYT
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/scottishyouththeatre
StarNow
Website:
http://www.starnow.co.uk/
Twitter:
@StarNow
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/starnow/
Website where performing artists, bands and promoters can get in touch with each other.