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Actor apprenticeships

Actors, entertainers and presenters > Actor

Creative and media

Actor apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • volunteering
  • applying directly
  • a course at drama school


    • University

    You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate diploma in drama, or other relevant subject like: 

    • performance studies
    • contemporary theatre and performance 
    • acting 
    • musical theatre

    You'll usually need: 

    • to pass an audition 
    • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree 
    • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree 
    • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study 
    College
    There is no set entry route to become an actor but it may be useful to do a relevant subject like: 

    • Level 2 Technical Certificate in Performing Arts 
    • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts - Acting 
    • A-Level in Drama and Theatre 
    • Level 4 Diploma in Speech and Drama
    You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. A Level 3 diploma, 1 or 2 A levels or relevant experience is required for a Level 4 or 5 course.  

    Volunteering

    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.

    Direct Application
    You may be able to find work by applying directly for roles if you have a lot of experience and exceptional acting talent. 

    Other Routes
    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 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.

    Actor apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    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

    Actor apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    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
    Working environment
    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.

    Career path and progression - Actor apprenticeships

    If you can show an agent you have potential they may put you forward for auditions and castings. Agents usually take a fee of about 10% to 25% from your earnings. You could take further training and move into directing, scriptwriting, drama therapy or teaching.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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