Tired of the London rat race? Scotland is not only the home of haggis, Highlands, and more tartan than you can shake a bagpipe at, but it also boasts leading theatres and the world’s largest performance arts festival: the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Its exports include the BAFTA-winning film Trainspotting, the hit Netflix series Outlander, and the internationally acclaimed theatre show Black Watch.
The country’s rugged countryside has been the backdrop for blockbuster films including the Harry Potter and James Bond franchises. In its cities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, you’ll find TV and film production houses, as well as universities offering courses to train you up for a career in front of or behind the camera.
When asked what he loved about living in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, Fife-born actor Michael Nardone (The Night Manager) said: “Everything. It’s an amazing city, steeped with character and depth. From its people, the arts, the architecture, its history and myths (stories you couldn’t write!).”
Whether you’re considering relocating to Scotland or are based there already and looking to kick-start your acting career, here’s how to get a foot on the ladder.
1. Clue up on the local scene.
From keeping abreast of the programming at major theatres (from Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum to Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre and the Dundee Rep) to knowing about local initiatives helping actors get visibility (like Glasgow’s A Play, A Pie and A Pint), make yourself an expert in all things going on in your vicinity, then prepare to put yourself forward to those in charge.
2. Invest in training.
Undergrad, postgrad, or short course: Gaining a qualification in performance is not only a great way to boost your skill set, but also a chance to meet others on a similar trajectory to you and who you may end up acting alongside in the future. Looking to study full-time? Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is ranked the sixth best in the world for performing arts. As well as offering undergraduate courses in drama and musical theatre, the institution has yearlong weekly short courses for adults, including for newbies.
Edinburgh Napier University is another option for full-time students. It offers a four-year BA (Hons) Acting and English and a two-year BA (Hons) Stage and Screen Acting. Those hoping to qualify more quickly, meanwhile, can look to Acting Coach Scotland, with one-year intensive courses in the foundations of acting and stage and screen performance.
3. Get your acting materials ready to go.
Wherever you’re trying to become an actor, having an up-to-date acting CV, showreel, and headshot is a must. Your CV should be on a single page of A4 paper; include your acting credits with the most recent first, plus any training. Your showreel should be no longer than four minutes, with feature clips of the film, TV, or stage projects you’re most proud of. Your headshots should be high-resolution JPEGs that are 1200 x 1800 pixels or larger (so that they’re just as clear if they’re printed).
4. Network, network, network.
Even if your end goal is to write and star in your own one-person show that goes on to become the Fringe’s next runaway success story – and eventually makes you a TV star, à la Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) or Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer) – no person is an island. Remember that your fellow actors can be your friends, support network, and inspiration. Keeping tabs on what’s currently in production will give you an idea of the zeitgeist. In the theatre landscape, check out which shows Francesca Moody – the powerhouse producer behind the biggest Fringe hits, including Fleabag and Baby Reindeer – is currently working on. On screen, look at what BBC Studios and STV Studios, both of which have bases in Glasgow, have coming up.
Social media is great for tapping into the local film, TV, and theatre scene too: Check out Facebook groups like Scottish Film Makers and Actors, Stage & Screen Actors Scotland, and Edinburgh Theatre & Film Opportunities for jobs, advice, and industry intel.
5. Seek out and apply to casting opportunities.
While auditions for many of the top jobs are by invitation only – and typically secured by your acting agent – you can always apply to open acting calls.
Beyond listings on jobs boards, check out opportunities advertised by the National Theatre of Scotland, which employs both internal and external casting directors and sometimes runs open calls. The theatre advises actors to contact them with any casting queries at casting@nationaltheatrescotland.com.
The Scottish Casting Workshop is also worth a follow on X. The organisation strives to link up Scottish acting talent with local casting directors.
You can also lend your acting skills to the 48 Hour Film Project, an annual initiative that challenges filmmakers to make a film in just a weekend. Each year, filmmakers need talent to bring their project to life.
6. Seek agent representation.
Signing with an acting agent will unlock access to a high calibre of auditions and projects that are exclusively casting actors with representation. Lovett Logan Associates, one of the top acting agencies in the UK, is based in Edinburgh, while at the time of writing, 10 members of the Casting Directors’ Guild are based in Scotland. See also Theatre Scotland’s directory of the country’s agents.
Highlight those that interest you, and check their admissions requirements before firing off any emails. If you reckon you’re a good match, apply with your CV, portfolio, showreel, and a cover letter (or email) stating why you’d like to sign with them and why you’re a good fit.
7. Say ‘yes’ to experience.
Whether you’re hoping to see your name in lights one day, or feature in influential work that gets audiences thinking, everyone starts somewhere. You’ll want showreel clips that showcase the breadth of your acting potential. While you’re waiting for the offers to roll in, check out local amateur dramatics societies: The Edinburgh Makars, Arkle Theatre Company, Community Collective (run out of Glasgow’s prestigious Citizens Theatre), and the Apollo Players are four of many to get you started.
Student films are another great way to get some credits on your acting CV while you’re starting out. You’ll find details of projects listed on jobs boards as well as the websites of universities and film schools. Track down entries to the Edinburgh Short Film Festival and Glasgow Short Film Festival to see if they can link you up with filmmakers looking for talent.
Don’t forget, Scotland is home to the largest fringe theatre festival in the world. Running for the month of August, the Edinburgh Fringe programmes over 3,000 shows – many getting a month-long run – and attracts audiences from more than 65 countries around the world, as well as influential industry personnel. Register to stage a show, and you never know who might be watching.
Loredana Sangiuliano/Tinseltown/Fred Duval/Shutterstock
- Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter)
- Brian Cox (Succession)
- Karen Gillan (Doctor Who)
- Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education)
- Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting, Boardwalk Empire)
- James McAvoy (Atonement, His Dark Materials)
- Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge!)
- Tilda Swinton (Orlando, We Need to Talk About Kevin)
- David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch)
