Launch Your Acting Career: Auditions & Rehearsals in London

Explore the different ways to get into this role. You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• a course at drama school

University: You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate diploma in a subject such as:

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

You could join your university drama or theatre society to develop a network of contacts and get performance experience.

Entry requirements: 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

There is no set entry route to become an actor but it may be useful to do a course like:

• performing arts
• drama and theatre
• speech and drama

Entry requirements for these courses vary. Acting is very competitive and you'll need to develop your skills by getting as much acting experience as possible. You might get experience by joining:

• amateur, community or youth theatre
• college and university drama societies
• student drama festivals and competitions
• an agency to get work as an 'extra' for films and TV shows

Societies and theatre groups also help you meet other people in the acting profession. It can be useful to have 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. You can choose from full time courses, 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. This is not always essential if you can show enough talent and commitment.

You could also take graded exams in acting, musical theatre and performance art. You may be able to apply for a Dance and Drama Award to help with fees and living costs at a private drama school.

More Information: You'll need to get as much experience of acting as you can. You can give showreels and headshots to agents and casting directors. You may need another job to get the money you need while you search for acting roles or when you're between acting jobs.

Professional and industry bodies: You can join Equity who are a professional body. They can help you find jobs, training opportunities and contacts. You'll need to have earned money from an acting job or be a student or graduate to join Equity.

Further information: You can find out more about careers in theatre, film and the creative sector.

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
• a good memory
• 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

Day-to-day tasks: You could:

• work with an agent to find new roles and opportunities
• prepare for and go to auditions
• research roles
• learn lines and attend rehearsals
• attend fittings for costumes
• support backstage activities such as costume or prop management
• work as a voice over artist or as an extra

Working environment: You could work in a theatre, on a film set or at a recording studio. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression: During your acting career you may move between roles in theatre, TV, film or radio. There are also opportunities to work in new fields like online content or voice acting for games.

Agents: As an actor you're likely to work freelance through an agent who will put you forward for auditions and castings. Agents usually take a fee of about 10% to 25% from your earnings.