Working in films, television, radio or theatre, an actor uses his or her body and voice in a skilled and creative way to give a convincing portrayal of a character.

Actual performance, it must be said, tends to play a relatively small part in an actor's working life, with much time invested beforehand in attending auditions to obtain work, understanding and interpreting the current role, learning lines, developing the character and undertaking rehearsals. The part may sometimes demand skills such as singing, dancing and performing fights or other stunt work.

Entry level

While you may achieve success without any qualifications or formal training, you will improve your chances enormously by going to drama school. You would have to audition for this, which usually means presenting two pieces and possibly an improvisation. Admission is exceptionally competitive, with around a 95% rejection rate, and it helps to have experience of performing regularly in productions such as school plays, youth theatre or local amateur society shows.

Some drama schools also have minimum academic requirements, often five GCSE/S grades (A-C/1-3) and sometimes two A levels/AH grades or three H grades or equivalent. Drama and performing arts subjects are very useful.

There are drama degree courses at several universities and colleges, for which you would need to meet the normal degree admission requirements.

Making the grade

Drama school courses can last one, two or three years, with a curriculum including voice projection, movement, stage makeup, audition practice, the history of drama and taking part in full-length productions. They also cover subjects such as improvisation, singing, stage fighting and various dance styles.

Drama degree courses vary considerably in content, with the emphasis often on academic studies rather than actual performance. You should therefore undertake careful research before making an application.

Once qualified, you are likely to spend considerable time looking for acting jobs and attending auditions. You would usually have an agent to help you find the best opportunities for your talent and career development.

Personal qualities

To succeed as an actor, you must be dedicated, self-disciplined and hardworking to cope with the long hours learning lines, rehearsing and possibly working on more than one project at a time. You would need the intelligence, sensitivity and imagination to understand and interpret many different roles and enthusiasm for performing to an audience. A good memory is essential for learning lines, and must be associated with a knowledge of literary works, creative skills in developing a role and the ability to work as part of a team with a director/producer and fellow cast members.

Both physical and mental strength are required to withstand the long hours of rehearsal, the emotional demands of public performance, the disappointment of rejection at audition and the sting of negative criticism.