Acting can be a rewarding yet competitive industry. A career in acting can include a wide range of opportunities, from voice acting to on-screen roles and theatre performances. There are many paths to becoming an actor in the UK.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What type of jobs are available in acting?
- Study acting
- Get experience as a background artist
- Professional headshots and showreels
- How an acting agent can help
- Open auditions and casting calls
- Frequently asked questions about becoming an actor
Key facts
- Getting as much experience as possible will help you become an actor and build your network
- You can find out about open auditions and casting calls for free
- Having a showreel will help you showcase your previous work to casting directors
What types of jobs are available in acting?
There are a range of different roles you could work in within the acting industry, these include:
- On-Screen Actor: Appear in front of the camera in television, film, or video productions
- Theatre Actor: Perform live on stage in productions such as musicals, plays, or other theatrical performances
- Voice Actor: Use your voice to perform in TV, radio, film, theatre, or as an animated character
Our Acting, BA (Hons) degree and Music Theatre, BA (Hons) degree equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in any of the above roles. We have specialised modules you can study that cover a range of acting roles.
Study drama or performance at school or college to become an actor
In many schools and colleges across the UK, you can study drama or performing arts. These subjects often provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of acting while offering practical opportunities to develop and refine your acting skills. Schools and colleges often produce theatre performances throughout the year. Getting involved in a theatre production will help you develop skills in auditioning, analysing and interpreting text, creating a character and performing in front of a live audience.
Study a degree in acting
Studying a degree in acting will prepare you for a career in performance. Our industry-driven Acting, BA (Hons) course is taught by industry professionals. You'll learn everything you need to know about being a contemporary actor. Your training will involve:
- Movement
- Voice
- Classical text
- Rehearsal processes
- Acting for screen, radio and voiceover
- Devising and professional preparation
- Performing in large scale directed theatre productions for public audiences
You will graduate industry ready, complete with a showreel, voice-reel and professional headshots.
To secure a place on an acting degree at university you will usually be required to pass an audition.
Our notable acting alumni
At the University of Central Lancashire, Acting, BA (Hons) and Music Theatre, BA (Hons) degree graduates have appeared in high profile screen roles in some of the UK’s top TV dramas, such as:
- Mandip Gill (Yasmin in Doctor Who)
- Nathan Wood (Waterloo Road)
- Channique Sterling Brown (Coronation Street)
Our graduates have also gone on to work in theatre for companies including The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre and The Royal Exchange.
Get experience as a background artist
Before training professionally or perhaps during training, getting some experience as a background artist (an extra) in film and TV productions can be useful. It’s a great way to experience what happens on set or on location and also provides a chance to network with industry professionals. Being a background artist typically involves non-speaking roles, but it provides valuable insights and connections in the field.
My training at UCLan secured me my first agent and has continued to help with auditions and work in theatre and television.
Professional headshots and showreels
When applying for acting roles, you will often need to submit a headshot to give casting directors a clear view of your appearance. It’s also beneficial to create a showreel, which showcases your acting skills and range. A showreel, or demo reel, is a short video that showcases your previous work. They tend to be 2-3 minutes long and can include multiple projects you've worked on to highlight the breadth of your experience.
Your online presence is important for building your ‘professional actor brand’. Consider creating your own website and using social media platforms to showcase your personality and highlight your showreels. However, it's important to ensure that all content remains professional, as casting teams may review it. Additionally, you might want to list yourself on a platform like Spotlight, which connects performers with casting opportunities.
Consider getting representation from an acting agent
An acting agent's role is to represent and advocate for you throughout your acting career. This typically involves seeking out auditions, by utilising their connections with casting agencies and directors. Once you secure a role, your agent will assist with the business aspects of being an actor, such as handling contract details.
Open auditions and casting calls
If you don’t have agent representation, you can look out for open auditions and casting calls as they could provide opportunities to help you get into acting.
Websites like Star Now, Backstage and Open Auditions UK post regular casting and audition opportunities that you can find out about for free. You could also follow Instagram accounts and Facebook groups that list auditions and casting calls happening soon.
Attending open auditions and casting calls also gives you an opportunity to network and gain experience auditioning for a variety of productions.
Frequently asked questions about becoming an actor
Starting a career in acting in the UK is an exciting journey filled with lots of opportunities. From studying acting to gaining experience through small roles and auditions, each step helps build your skills and confidence. Whether you're aiming for theatre, on-screen roles, or voice acting, we wish you every success in your journey to becoming an actor.
Take your next steps
- Course
Acting, BA (Hons)
- Subject
Performing Arts and Music
