Creative & Performing Arts
How to Become an Actor
To become an actor, you train in acting classes or a degree program, build a résumé through student films and local theater, get headshots and a reel, and audition steadily until an agent or casting director takes notice. There is no license or required degree, but most working actors spend years building credits, and training can cost from a few hundred dollars to over $100,000 for a BFA. BLS reports a median of $29.05 per hour, and most actors work part time between jobs.
- Time to start
- 1–5+ years to steady paid work
- Typical cost
- $500–$5,000 per year for classes and materials; $40,000–$200,000+ for a BFA or conservatory
- Median pay
- $29.05 per hour
- Education
- None required; classes, a BFA or conservatory training are common
- License / certification
- None required; union membership (SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity) for most professional work
- Job outlook
- 0% (2025–35), little or no change
Steps to become an actor
Start training
Take a scene study or acting technique class at a local studio, community college or theater. If you are deciding on college, compare BFA acting programs and conservatories. Add improv, voice and movement classes, because casting rewards actors who can take direction and adjust fast.
Get on stage and on set
Audition for community theater, student films at local colleges and indie projects. Each role gives you a credit for your résumé and footage for your reel. Treat every set like a job: arrive early, know your lines and learn set etiquette.
Get professional headshots and a résumé
Book a headshot photographer who shoots actors, not portraits, and get a theatrical and a commercial look. Write a one-page acting résumé with credits, training and special skills. Keep your height, contact info and union status at the top.
Set up casting profiles and a self-tape kit
Create profiles on major casting sites such as Actors Access, Casting Networks and Backstage. Most first auditions are now self-tapes, so set up a plain backdrop, a light, a tripod and a decent microphone. Find a reader you can tape with on short notice.
Build a reel and audition every week
Cut a 1–2 minute reel from your best on-camera work, starting with your strongest clip. Submit to several roles each week that fit your type. Track every submission and audition so you can see what is working.
Get an agent or manager
Once you have training, credits, headshots and a reel, send short, targeted queries to licensed talent agencies, or meet them through showcases and referrals. A legitimate agent earns a commission, usually 10%, only when you book work. Never pay an upfront fee to be represented.
Join SAG-AFTRA or Actors' Equity when eligible
You can join SAG-AFTRA after working a principal role on a union project, three days as a union background actor, or a year in an affiliated union with principal work. The initiation fee is substantial, so join when union work is coming in steadily. Stage actors join Actors' Equity after working under an Equity contract or meeting its eligibility rules.
Find acting classes or an acting program
Training helps, but no program guarantees work; choose one by its teachers and alumni credits, not its promises.
- Local acting classes (scene study, technique, on-camera)
- Improv and sketch comedy programs
- BFA in Acting at a college or university
- Acting conservatory (1–3 year full-time program)
- Online on-camera and self-tape classes
- Community college theater associate degree
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acting classes (per year) | $500 | $5,000 | |
| Headshots | $200 | $1,000 | |
| Self-tape gear (light, tripod, mic, backdrop) | $100 | $400 | |
| Casting site memberships (per year) | $0 | $400 | |
| Demo reel editing | $0 | $500 | |
| SAG-AFTRA initiation fee | $3,000 | $3,000 | Approximate national rate; may differ by area. Confirm on sagaftra.org. |
| BFA or conservatory program (total) | $40,000 | $200,000 | Optional; public in-state programs cost far less than private ones. |
| Total | $43,800 | $210,300 | Timeline: 1–5+ years to steady paid work |
Actor salary and job outlook
Employment is projected to show little or no change (0%) from 2025 to 2035. Work is irregular, and most actors hold other jobs between roles.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Actors, May 2025 data
Printable PDF
Actor Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How do I become an actor with no experience?
Start with an acting class and audition for community theater and student films. These give you training, credits and footage. Once you have a few roles, get headshots and start submitting on casting sites.
Do you need a degree to be an actor?
No. Many working actors have no acting degree. A BFA or conservatory gives intensive training and industry showcases, but steady classes and real credits can get you to the same place for much less money.
How much does it cost to start acting?
A realistic first-year budget is about $1,000–$5,000 for classes, headshots and a self-tape setup. Student films and community theater are usually free to join. Be wary of anyone who asks for large upfront fees to get you work.
How do I get an acting agent?
Build training, credits, headshots and a reel first. Then send short, targeted emails to licensed agencies that represent your type and level, or meet agents through showcases and referrals. Real agents take a commission from bookings and never charge you to sign.
How do you join SAG-AFTRA?
You become eligible by working as a principal performer on a SAG-AFTRA project, working three days as a union background actor, or being a member of an affiliated union for a year with principal work. You then pay the initiation fee and dues. Check sagaftra.org for current rules and fees.
How much do actors make?
BLS reports a median of $29.05 per hour, with the top 10% earning over $143 per hour. Most actors do not work full time, so yearly income varies widely. Union actors also get minimum rates, residuals and health plan eligibility once they earn enough.
Do I have to move to Los Angeles or New York?
Not at first. Regional markets like Atlanta, Chicago and others have steady commercial, theater and TV work, and self-tapes let you audition remotely. Many actors build credits locally before moving to a major market.
Can a kid or teen become an actor?
Yes, with a parent's involvement. Minors usually need a state work permit, and in some states, such as California, a portion of earnings must go into a protected trust account. Start with local classes and theater before paying for headshots or agents.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Actors
- SAG-AFTRA: Steps to Join
- SAG-AFTRA: Dues
- Actors' Equity Association: Join Equity
- FTC: Modeling and talent scams
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.