How to get Acting jobs in the UK?

Question

I am about to finsh school, and am going to take a Gap year. I want to try my hand at acting, but have no idea how to get started. Do I need an agent, where do I go for jobs etc.. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Answer 1

So you're leaving school?
That means you have no acting training.
Production companies, from theatre to TV do NOT employ untrained people as actors.
What an insult this is (we get this once a week here, at least).
As if you could just walk into the business from nowhere!
It has nothing to do with agenrts, Equity membership or appearing with a local drama group.
Ninety per cent of Equity members are unemployed this very day.
The next nine point nine per cent MIGHT be scraping a living from acting.
Yes, luck does come into it but the ones I know who are determined to get work seem to be doing better than the rest (an obvious!).
But none of them just fancied 'trying their hand at acting'.
If you seriously want to do this then you should be looking to get audition pieces ready for colleges and universities to gain entry to an acredited course.
I suspect that anyone taking a 'gap' year is not serious about anything and once again this is a flight of fancy on the part of a fool.

Answer 2

I would recommend drama school or training or some sort. They will teach you a lot, and when you left you'd know everything that 'Jock' says is strictly speaking true! If you are just out to try your hand as it were, try local amatuer plays etc, a lot of theatres produce very creditable material. This would give you an idea as to whether you want to pursue it professionaly or not. Bearing in mind that most actors do not make a living at it, spend hundreds each year on new headshots, Equity, Spotlight and other casting sites and may or may not have an agent, let alone a decent agent, you need to be sure!

Answer 3

Prepare to be tortured. I did a two-year acting course and had to get a 9 to 5 job as it was ridiculously hard trying to get acting jobs (good parts especially speaking parts or even to get hired)/to get an Equity card/an agent/auditions and to get any sort of recognition, etc. etc.

You see the stars and their fantasy lives, remember that they're only the 0.0000001% of their peers who made it. In the acting game, it's not what you know, it's who you know. Connections are gold dust (most "acting dynasties" are really a result of sneaky nepotism and cliques). If you haven't got any, it's going to be very tough. Luck plays a huge part too and being in the right place at the right time. I hope you get some. I didn't.

Answer 4

You won't get far without a good agent but then its finding a good agent you need to get yourself noticed start with local plays and then contact agents with a good portfolio.

In this detail, previous productions ,some good head shots, details of your appearance. Down to whether you have freckles. Reviews help aswell.

If your just starting into acting and have no experience it will be hard to get jobs or an agent you will need some experience join a local acting group and practice.

Answer 5

i might propose drama college or training or some style. they are going to coach you lots, and once you left you would recognize each and every thing that 'Jock' says is precisely talking real! in case you're only out to purpose your hand because it have been, attempt close by amatuer performs etc, somewhat some theatres produce very creditable textile. this might supply you a concept as to regardless of in case you prefer to pursue it professionaly or no longer. pondering that maximum actors do no longer make a residing at it, spend hundreds each and each year on new headshots, fairness, spotlight and different casting websites and could or will possibly no longer have an agent, no longer to show a good agent, you could desire to make particular!

Answer 6

I have a feeling you're supposed to get some training. And hold some sort of authority 'card'. However. A quick way to network is join some sort of agency in the entertainment business, even if it's doing promotions, like mayonnaise in a supermarket - gets you in touch with the Lovey People.

Answer 7

Call or go to RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) and ask if they can recommend agents. Since you are in England, you should ask your question to someone that lives and works in the city where you want to work as an actor, i.e. in London, etc.
Good luck.

Answer 8

Hi go on line and look for the stage news paper gives you all the jobs on offer around uk.and were to find different places to ask

Kind regards Chris

Answer 9

The first job is to join a casting agency, after that it's down to your suitability for a part.

Answer 10

invest in a smoking jacket,cravat,and some loafers,drink port and brandy together in a massive tumbler and hang around studios,im sure some one will spot your talent and sign you up