Actor (SA)

Education and Training:

You can work as an actor without formal qualifications. However, there are courses available that specialise in acting and it is advisable to undertake some formal training to improve your chances of gaining employment. Acceptance into formal courses is generally closely linked to your acting ability and interest, demonstrated by your previous amateur experience.

Entry to the diploma course below usually requires Year 12. Entry to the degree courses below usually requires completion of your SACE. Competition for places is strong, and an audition, practical test and interview may be required. Contact the institution you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Diploma Courses:

TAFE SA - Adelaide Centre for the ARTS:

Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting)

Degree Courses:

Flinders University:

Bachelor of Arts, majoring in drama, 3 years full time
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama), 3 years full time

Additional Information:

Each November the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) conduct auditions in all states and territories for their courses. Contact NIDA on (02) 9697 7600 or WAAPA on (08) 9370 6594 for further details and application forms.

Related Courses:

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

To be successful as an actor, you will need to gain recognition from industry contacts, such as casting consultants and theatre, film, television and radio producers. Most employment for actors in Australia is provided by theatre companies, firms producing television programs, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, advertising agencies making television and radio commercials, and film companies. Most actors move from one medium or type of work to another as opportunities arise.

There may be times when work is easy to find, or when there is a part in a long-term production. At other times, work may be scarce and actors may be out of work for some time. As a result, they may not be able to count on a regular income from acting. Most professional actors hire a talent agent or management agency to represent them and to help find them employment. Actors often have to support themselves between assignments with alternative employment. Actors sometimes form groups and produce their own work.

Factors that affect demand for an actor's services include the number and type of films, television programs and stage shows being produced; the level of government, private and corporate funding; and the quality of the individual's work and reputation within the industry.