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Actor

Also known as Film Star, Movie Star and Performer.

Actors portray roles in live and recorded or filmed productions.

In the live performance area, an actor may perform in theatre, opera or variety.

In the recorded medium, an actor may perform roles in theatre, film, radio, television, commercials, webisodes, mobisodes or other material distributed online.

Actors need a great deal of patience and commitment, as most productions require long rehearsal schedules and many hours of memorising lines outside the rehearsal periods.

TASKS

Actors may perform the following tasks:

study scripts, learn a part and interpret the role through speech, gesture and various other performance skills
attend auditions for parts in productions, performing prepared or improvised pieces
rehearse parts by memorising lines, cues and movements
undertake extensive research for certain roles and productions
under the guidance of a director, act the part of a film, television, stage or radio character in front of live audiences, cameras or microphones
attend costume fittings
sing and dance when a script or role requires it

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

determination
self-confidence
good memory
stamina to perform at peak level
ability to cope with changing situations

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as an actor without formal qualifications. There are courses available that specialise in acting and it is advisable to undertake some formal training to improve your chances of gaining employment. Acceptance into formal courses is generally closely linked to your acting ability and interest, demonstrated by prior experience and/or an audition piece.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in acting, performing arts, music theatre or theatre and screen performance. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become an actor by completing a degree in acting, drama, performing arts, music theatre or theatre studies. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12 with English. Competition for places is strong, and an audition, practical test or interview may be required. A number of institutions in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Each November, the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) conduct auditions in most states and territories for their courses. Contact NIDA or WAAPA for further details and application forms. The Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) usually holds auditions in November and early December. Contact VCA for more information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

To be successful as an actor, you will need to gain recognition from industry contacts, such as casting consultants and theatre, film, television and radio producers. Most employment for actors in Australia is provided by theatre companies, firms producing television programmes, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, advertising agencies making television and radio commercials, and film companies. Most actors move from one medium or type of work to another as opportunities arise.

There may be times when work is easy to find, or when there is a part in a long-term production. At other times, work may be scarce and actors may be out of work for some time. As a result, they may not be able to count on a regular income from acting. Most professional actors hire a talent agent or management agency to represent them and to help find them employment. Actors often have to support themselves between assignments with alternative employment. They sometimes form groups and produce their own work.

Factors that affect demand for an actor's services include the number and type of films, television programmes and stage shows being produced; the level of government, private and corporate funding; and the quality of the individual's work and reputation within the industry.