From stage to the big screen

Could you turn your passion for acting into a career?

There’s no business like showbusiness, so if you dream of making it big – or at least performing on stage for a living – become an actor and you too could turn your dream into a reality.

“There’s nothing quite like making something that moves people – whether to laughter, tears, or action,” explains a spokesperson from Equity, the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners.

Equity currently has more than 40,000 members and represents some of the biggest names in TV, film and theatre.

Becoming an established actor isn’t the easiest industry to break into though.

It’s extremely competitive, so be realistic about what you want to achieve. Making a living from the art isn’t impossible though and actors can bring in multi million pound salaries, but a salary of £10,000 is more average.

So if you’re still determined to make it as an actor you’ll need to seriously put in the time to master your art.

In fact, starting your career in local theatre can be the best stepping stone to building up a successful career on the stage.

And although you don’t need an official qualification, it’s not uncommon to go through formal training.

Equity explains more: “Training is not essential to becoming an actor but many performers choose to go to drama school to hone their craft – often doing a threeyear BA in acting. Others may choose to study a drama degree at a university.

“Actors also need a range of skills – empathy, so they can understand the characters they portray and how people may react to different types of performance; a good memory for lines and blocking; collaborative skills, and to work well with their fellow cast and the creatives working on any given production.

“They also need to be creative, and have the confidence and charisma to command a screen, stage or even the audio of a video game. Good listening skills and to be able to use constructive criticism are essential.

“Above all else, they need to be able to give a compelling performance – whether they are playing the comic relief, or a tragic hero – that makes their audiences feel something.”

“So if you’re passionate about performance, no other job could be more fulfilling.”

To find out more information about Equity, visit their website www.equity.org.uk

“Above all else, actors need to be able to give a compelling performance whether they are playing the comic relief or a tragic hero – that makes their audience feel something.” Spokesperson Equity