Actors – Creative Careers Studio | Find Your Career in the Arts

Actors spend their days rehearsing lines, developing characters, and performing in various productions such as films, television shows, or theater. They often work with directors and other cast members to refine their performances, attend auditions, and manage their personal brand and career development.

Quiz Matches

What kind of personality tends to excel in this career?

Ideas

Creations

How much this role requires you to be outspoken and in the spotlight.

Independent

Collaborative

How often you’ll have to work with others

Introvert

Extrovert

How often you’ll be coming up with big ideas versus making ideas reality.

Routine

Variety

How much your tasks change day by day

Screen Time

How much of your day is spent working at a desk on a computer.

Average Salary in SC

$56,160

Education Level

Training, on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree

Alternate Titles

Actor
Actress
Comedian
Comic
Community Theater Actor
Ensemble Member
Narrator
Performer
Tour Actor
Voice-Over Artist

More Details

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Critical Thinking

Activities

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Thinking Creatively
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing General Physical Activities
Communicating with peers

Work Styles

Cooperation
Persistence
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability
Initiative

Professional Associations

Network of Ensemble Theaters
Society of American Fight Directors
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

Related High School Courses

Acting and Performance Courses
Acting Fundamentals
Advanced Acting
Improvisation

Theater and Drama Courses
Theater Arts
Playwriting

Communication and Media Courses
Public Speaking
Media Studies

Arts and Humanities Courses
English Literature
Creative Writing

Physical and Health Courses
Physical Education
Dance

College Majors to Consider

Acting
Communications
Creative Writing
Directing
English Literature
Film/television Acting
Musical Theatre
Performing Arts
Speech And Drama
Theatre/drama

Jobs, Internships, Apprenticeships

Jobs
Theater Usher or Box Office Clerk
Freelance Actor
Voice Actor for Local Projects
Drama Instructor’s Assistant

Internships
Theater Production Internship
Film Production Internship
Casting Agency Internship
Acting Coach’s Internship

Apprenticeships
Professional Actor’s Apprenticeship
Director’s Apprenticeship
Stage Manager’s Apprenticeship
Voice Acting Apprenticeship

Other Learning Opportunities
Acting Classes and Workshops
Participate in School and Community Theater
Create a Personal Acting Portfolio
Attend Industry Workshops and Seminars

Profile of the SC Graduate

Read Critically
Express Ideas
Use Sources

Learn more about the Profile of the SC Graduate here.

Explore creative careers