How do I become a screen actor?
All skill levels
Beginner
Experienced
Recommended
Bachelor of Arts (Drama)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $45,408
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Studies)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $45,408
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Theatre
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $77,280
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Performing Arts
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $26,850
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $36,300
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
Performer
A Performer entertains audiences through singing, acting, dancing, or playing instruments, often requiring talent, rehearsal, and flexibility.
Avg yearly income
$62,400
Skill level
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Actor
An Actor performs in films, TV, or live theatre, using scripts and sometimes improvisation, requiring creativity, memorisation, and strong stage presence.
Avg yearly income
$52,000
Skill level
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Theatre Performer
A Theatre Performer acts, sings, or dances in productions, learning lines and rehearsing while being prepared to audition for future roles.
Avg yearly income
$62,400
Skill level
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Drama Teacher
A Drama Teacher instructs students in performance and theatre, developing lesson plans and directing productions to foster creativity and expression.
Avg yearly income
$67,600
Skill level
Advanced
Acting Coach
An Acting Coach instructs actors in performance skills, characterisation, and script analysis, enhancing their techniques for auditions and performances.
Avg yearly income
$72,800
Skill level
Advanced
Drama Tutor
A Drama Tutor offers personalised instruction in acting techniques, designing tailored lesson plans to build students' confidence and creativity.
Avg yearly income
$65,000
Skill level
Advanced
Performance Artist
A Performance Artist presents live art through various mediums, engaging audiences while exploring societal themes and emotions.
Avg yearly income
$70,200
Skill level
Advanced
Theatre Director
Theatre Directors conceive and implement artistic visions for productions, directing actors and coordinating all elements to bring scripts to life.
Avg yearly income
$78,000
Skill level
Advanced
Common questions
How much do Screen Actors earn?
Salaries for screen actors in Australia are usually dictated by how many roles you secure each year — the Labour Market Insights website (published by the Australian government) indicate an average salary of $2,100 per week ($109,200 per annum) for actors.Please note: These are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
Courses.com.au Team
Industry expert
What are the job opportunities for Screen Actors?
There are currently around 5,400 actors working in Australia right now, there are no clear figures for how many of these are employed as screen actors.
Courses.com.au Team
Industry expert
How do I become a Screen Actor?
Screen actors are highly skilled artists who have developed the craft through intense study and training. Get started in this exciting career by completing the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media or the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting). Many aspiring actors also take regular acting classes in their local area and gain supporting qualifications in music, dance, martial arts, foreign languages, filmmaking, and memory development.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Industry expert
Further reading
5 Fun Career Paths that pay well
15th June 2021)
