Actor

In this career guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about films and acting as a career, from roles and responsibilities, to work environment and roadmap to becoming an Actor.

Who's an Actor?

Love watching movies and shows? What about the people who play different roles in them? Do you ever wish you could be one of them? If yes, then consider acting as a career! As an actor, you would play a part in a film, television/web series, theatre/street play, advertisements or any other medium.

You could play a specific type of role (think action star or king/queen of romance) or a variety of different roles, depending on the projects you choose to work on. Usually, a director, producer or a talent agent would reach out to you for a role. While the role may be written for you, it is up to you to bring it to life and make the audience fall in love with the character.

 

Responsibilities

What will you do?

Practising the art of acting.

As an actor, you will learn how to act for different roles across a variety of media. If you’re good at acting, it will be easy for you to play different kinds of roles. One way to do this is to closely observe the different types of people you come across in real life – How do they talk? what separates them from others? What are their quirks? Taking notes of all these traits will help you build a better, more relatable character.

Example: Ever noticed how Ranveer Singh plays a variety of characters, each vastly different from the other? It takes a lot of practice to be that perfect at your job!

 

Preparing for and giving auditions.

Before getting signed on to a film, you will have to audition for it. Consider this as an ‘interview’ for the job. This would involve enacting some scenes for the director or casting agent, who will look at your performance and decide if you’ll be a good fit for the film. At the beginning of your career, you would have to attend several auditions before getting your big break!

Example: Say you were auditioning for the role of the villain in a movie. For your audition, you – and all the other actors auditioning for the role – would enact a scene that shows off your ability to play the negative character.

 

Discussing the role with the production team.

Once you have been finalised for a role, you need to understand it, and the film as a whole. You will have detailed discussions with your co-actors and the production team (director, screenplay writer/playwright, and others) about the character’s background, the tone of the film, the relationships between various characters, etc. Every person on the film, including you, needs to understand and execute the vision the director has for it.

Example: You might have bagged a negative role in a film so you might want to play it with a certain seriousness. But if the tone of the film is comedic, you need to alter your perception for your character accordingly.

Performing in various places.

If you’re acting in an ad film, TV show or movie, you may have to act in both indoor and outdoor locations. Sometimes, you may even have to perform in front of an audience. All theatre actors perform for a live audience.

Example: You might be playing a role of a fisherman and may be required to travel to a seaside village as the outdoor location. Similarly, you may travel to various cities as a cast member of a theatre troupe that puts up a play in different cities and countries.

 

Promoting your project.

As one of the lead characters of a movie, show, play or any other material, you might be required to be a part of the promotions too. Depending on how it’s going to be marketed, you may represent your project at promotional events, talk shows, other programmes, radio shows, social media campaigns and other innovative platforms.

Example: It is a common practice for actors to appear in popular chat shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show or Koffee with Karan, just before their movie releases. Nowadays, they also feature in Youtube videos by popular influencers and channels like Buzzfeed.

Take the Mentoria career assessment test, to find out how well-suited you are as a Actor.

Workplace

Where will you work?

Indoor Set / Studio

The kind of projects you choose will decide where you work. You could work on an indoor set which is usually created inside a studio. This studio would be set up with equipment and the necessary props to create a scene.

Outdoor Shoots

Or, you could be shooting at an outdoor location. This could be any place, right from some remote corner of an unknown town to a crowded place like Colaba in Mumbai. It depends entirely on the story and background of the project you’re working on.

Theatre

The job would also require you to travel from time to time for events and promotions. Also, if you’re acting in a play, you will be putting up shows at theatres across different cities and countries, so travel will be involved there too.

Education

How do you get there?

STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College

Arts is the most natural stream to pick if you are looking for a career in acting. Subjects like psychology can help you understand human behaviour better and bring more mastery to your performance. During these two years, make sure you participate in college plays, or join your college theatre group to hone your skills.

STEP 2: Graduate Degree

Take up a three-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Bachelor of Performing arts degree or a Bachelor of Arts in Acting degree to help you learn more about the world of acting.

You could also pursue a three-year Bachelor of Mass Media degree to get an overall understanding of the media industry. To get into these courses, you will require at least 60% marks in class 12.

Alternatively, you could pursue a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree in a subject of your choosing and continue to hone your acting skills by participating in college plays.

STEP 3: Internship

Intern with a theatre group or a production house. Here, you may be required to fill in for minor roles or play extras on a set. Use this time to network with people from the industry and learn from the other professional actors.

STEP 4: Create a Showreel

Create a showreel (videotape) containing information about your previous work. A showreel is a collection of your best, most diverse roles; it is like your portfolio. Include relevant information and details about the training you have received as a formal actor through a course or during your graduation.

STEP 5: Land a Job

Once you have completed your education, start looking for a job. Check with the place you’ve interned with if they are looking to hire actors or look up postings about auditions – most places have walk-in auditions. You can also start by looking into jobs in the advertisement industry and then slide your way into the film industry from there.

STEP 6: Postgraduate Degree

Reputed institutes like the Film and Television Institute of India and the National School of Drama offers a two-year and three-year Postgraduate Diploma in Acting. Unlike a graduation course, these courses require you to have acting skills, experience in theatre production and language skills. Other than that, you only require a bachelor’s degree to apply for these courses.

STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College

While Arts is the ideal option, if you’re interested in learning subjects like finance and accounting, take up commerce in junior college.

During these two years, make sure you participate in college plays, or join your college theatre group to hone your skills.

STEP 2: Graduate Degree

Pursue a three-year Bachelor of Mass Media degree to get an overall understanding of the media industry. You will require at least 60% marks in class 12 for this course.

Alternatively, you could pursue a three-year Bachelor of Commerce degree in a subject of your choosing and continue to hone your acting skills by participating in college plays.

STEP 3: Internship

Intern with a theatre group or a production house. Here, you may be required to fill in for minor roles or play extras on a set. Use this time to network with people from the industry and learn from the other professional actors.

STEP 4: Create a Showreel

Create a showreel (videotape) containing information about your previous work. A showreel is a collection of your best, most diverse roles; it is like your portfolio. Include relevant information and details about the training you have received as a formal actor through a course or during your graduation.

STEP 5: Land a Job

Once you have completed your education, start looking for a job. Check with the place you’ve interned with if they are looking to hire actors or look up postings about auditions – most places have walk-in auditions. You can also start by looking into jobs in the advertisement industry and then slide your way into the film industry from there.

STEP 6: Postgraduate Degree

Reputed institutes like the Film and Television Institute of India and the National School of Drama offers a two-year and three-year Postgraduate Diploma in Acting. Unlike a graduation course, these courses require you to have acting skills, experience in theatre production and language skills. Other than that, you only require a bachelor’s degree to apply for these courses.

STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College

While Arts is the ideal option, if you’re interested in learning subjects like physics and biology, take up science in junior college.

During these two years, make sure you participate in college plays, or join your college theatre group to hone your skills.

STEP 2: Graduate Degree

Pursue a three-year Bachelor of Mass Media degree to get an overall understanding of the media industry. You will require at least 60% marks in class 12 for this course.

Alternatively, you could pursue a three-year Bachelor of Science degree in a subject of your choosing and continue to hone your acting skills by participating in college plays.

STEP 3: Internship

Intern with a theatre group or a production house. Here, you may be required to fill in for minor roles or play extras on a set. Use this time to network with people from the industry and learn from the other professional actors.

STEP 4: Create a Showreel

Create a showreel (videotape) containing information about your previous work. A showreel is a collection of your best, most diverse roles; it is like your portfolio. Include relevant information and details about the training you have received as a formal actor through a course or during your graduation.

STEP 5: Land a Job

Once you have completed your education, start looking for a job. Check with the place you’ve interned with if they are looking to hire actors or look up postings about auditions – most places have walk-in auditions. You can also start by looking into jobs in the advertisement industry and then slide your way into the film industry from there.

STEP 6: Postgraduate Degree

Reputed institutes like the Film and Television Institute of India and the National School of Drama offers a two-year and three-year Postgraduate Diploma in Acting. Unlike a graduation course, these courses require you to have acting skills, experience in theatre production and language skills. Other than that, you only require a bachelor’s degree to apply for these courses.

What skills would you need?

Communication Skills

Communication Skills

Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skill
Attention to Detail

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail means being careful and noticing small things that others might miss. It involves checking your work carefully for mistakes, following instructions exactly, and making sure everything is done correctly. This skill helps you do accurate work and avoid errors. In jobs, attention to detail is important for tasks like writing reports, managing data, or following safety rules.     build this skill
Creative Skills

Creative Skills

Creative skills involve the ability to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems. These skills include imagination, design thinking, artistic abilities, and the capacity to develop fresh concepts or approaches in different fields, from writing and art to problem-solving in business. Creative skills help you come up with original ideas, improve processes, and develop unique solutions in the workplace. In roles like marketing, design, or product development, creativity is essential for staying competitive and bringing new perspectives to projects or challenges. build this skill
Adaptability

Adaptability

If you have adaptability as a skill, you can easily adjust to new situations, roles, or challenges without losing focus or productivity. You’re able to embrace change, whether it’s a new technology, a shift in team dynamics, or a sudden project requirement. This skill allows you to remain composed during transitions, learn quickly in evolving environments, and stay effective when facing unexpected problems or shifting priorities.
Social Skills

Social Skills

Social skills are the abilities that enable effective communication and interaction with others. They encompass a range of interpersonal competencies, including active listening, empathy, non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These skills help individuals navigate social situations, build relationships, and collaborate effectively in various settings. Having strong social skills is crucial for personal and professional success. They enhance teamwork, foster positive relationships, and improve communication, which can lead to better collaboration and productivity in the workplace. In many professions, especially those involving direct interaction with others—such as education, healthcare, and sales—strong social skills can significantly impact outcomes and overall effectiveness. build this skill
Promotion levels

How do you make it to the top ranks?

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Amateur Performances

Descriptor: You can begin acting at the school and college level by taking part in plays and dramas. If your college has a dramatics club, become a member! It doesn’t matter what kind of roles you get at this stage, just grab the opportunities you get and work on improving your skills.

 

Uncredited Performances

While looking for jobs and trying to get noticed, you may end up working in advertisement videos, music videos or as extras in movies and shows. For instance, Nawazuddin Siddiqui worked as an extra on several films right from Sarfarosh (1999) to Aaja Nachle (2007) before gradually getting noticed.

 

Professional Acting Performances

After impressing in minor roles and in auditions, you may get offers for bigger roles for television, movies or theatre. These roles can gradually grow into lead-actor roles and also bring in offers from international productions.

Stardom

Some of these professional actors go on to become highly successful and achieve stardom. They become famous and are recognised and appreciated wherever they go.

Thinking of a career as an Actor? Take the Mentoria assessment test & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path.

Scope

Pursuing your career locally VS abroad

If you want to establish your career in the Indian film industry, look at developing your skills and network right here. Even without a professional degree, you can start an acting career at the local level by acting in regional films or working as an extra. For professional training, you can apply to top institutes like National School of Drama (Delhi) or Film and Television Institute of India (Pune), they offer diploma courses in theatre and film acting. These courses can cost you anywhere between INR 8,500 to INR 2,25,000. The fees depend on whether you pursue the course from a government-aided institute like NSD or a private one like Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares. Acting courses last anywhere between six months and three years.

 

If you wish to become an international artist, you can look at pursuing acting abroad. There are good acting schools in various parts of the world, like the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, New York or the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London. Studying in these schools doesn’t necessarily guarantee a career overseas but can definitely give you a better understanding of the art in that country, and help you form a great network.

An acting job overseas is not just dependent on your acting degree. Several factors play a role in your career, right from the network you build to the kind of roles available for you. You need to be prepared to work very hard for this, and be open to accepting smaller roles. Keep building contacts while working on your craft and keep auditioning.

Payscale

How much would you get paid?

As an actor, your pay will depend on the popularity of the platform - films, TV, web, theatre, and advertisements - you work for.


Specialisations

What are your career options?

Theatre Actor

Theatre is considered to be the purest platform for actors. The biggest challenge here is to be so thorough that you can put up a flawless performance in front of a live audience. As a theatre actor, you will spend a lot of your time on rehearsals. Attending drama school is usually an advantage since theatre acting requires technical knowledge too. For example, Naseeruddin Shah is a prolific actor who continues to work in both theatre and films. He studied at the National School of Drama in Delhi before venturing into the world of theatre.

TV Actor

Television has been an extremely popular medium of entertainment and actors have been cast for roles on TV shows across genres. This can range from fantasy shows like Game of Thrones to crime shows like 24. Like films, here too, actors perform scenes in a set frame in front of the camera. The difference lies in the fact that they usually end up performing the role for much longer than those in films. For instance, actors on the hit TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S performed their roles over a decade before the show ended!

Web Actor

Technically, web actors are those who act in web series. However, today, the lines between TV and web, even films to some extent, are blurring. A host of TV, film and theatre actors are trying their hand at web series with innovative concepts and interesting storytelling formats. The shooting process of a web series is more or less similar to that of a TV show. For instance, Indian Netflix original series Sacred Games recently became very popular for its action-packed storytelling and great performances.

Film Actor

Despite the increasing popularity of other platforms, the most successful career you can hope for as an actor is in films. With a host of significant roles and movies in your kitty, you become much more than just an actor. Successful cinema actors become superstars, style icons and inspiration to their fans and admirers. Once you have gained some popularity, it also becomes the most financially lucrative of all acting options.

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