How to become an Actor
Entertains by portraying characters in film, television, video, live performance productions, audio media and digital games.
Main tasks
- Reads scripts and undertakes research to gain understanding of parts, themes and characterisations
- Learns lines and cues, rehearses parts, and applies vocal and movement skills to the development of characterisation
- Prepares for performances through rehearsals under the instruction and guidance of the director
- Acts parts and portrays roles as developed in rehearsals
- May sing and dance, or play a musical instrument
- May undertake promotional work
Ways in
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events (CUA30220); Certificate IV in Musical Theatre (CUA40520)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $87,984 a year
- About 7,900 people work in this job group now, and about 8,800 are projected by 2035. (+11.7%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
- Circus Performer or Trainer
- Content Creator (Social Media)
- Dancer or Choreographer
- Entertainer or Variety Performer
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Actor?
Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events; Certificate IV in Musical Theatre.
How much does an Actor earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $87,984 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Actor a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 7,900 to about 8,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Actor?
Not always. 49% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events; Certificate IV in Musical Theatre.
Will AI change the work of an Actor?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04