If you’ve decided to be an actor, you’re probably wondering where to start. You may never have taken an acting class, walked onstage or stood in front of a camera. But remember: Every actor you see accepting an Olivier Award or starring in a Netflix hit had to start somewhere. And although the journey typically begins with classes, drama school training, and perhaps some amateur work, you can become an actor without much experience. Jodie Comer, for example, got her first job in a BBC drama with no professional acting history.
This guide gives you the basics on beginning a career, outlining a clear, practical path into the industry.
Step 1: Shift your mindset
The first barrier to achieving a goal is often psychological. If you think no one will cast you because you have no professional experience, remember that many roles require authenticity, not training. Real people play real people. You may be perfect for a role simply because you are who you are! Owen Cooper, the young star of the Netflix hit Adolescence, was plucked from obscurity. His name was unknown, and he’d never starred in a TV show. “I’ve worked with so many actors who can’t do what he can do,” director Philip Barantini told the London Standard. “He’s a natural-born talent."
Step 2: Study the basics (without spending a fortune!)
Learning to act can cost a bomb, so why not utilise some cheaper options before committing to long-term classes or a drama school course? Try listening to podcasts such as Mentors on the Mic, In the Room, and Run At It Shouting, which give tips on navigating the industry and learning basic skills. Free online acting classes run by the likes of the Online Actor are a good way to try out the trade too.
Step 3: Get involved in local theatre
A huge number of actors start their careers in local theatre groups or youth theatre. Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, and Daniel Day-Lewis are just a few of the famous performers who trained at the National Youth Theatre, while Robert Pattinson owes much of his early success to his local theatre group, Barnes Theatre Club. “I wouldn’t be acting if it wasn’t for that little club,” he told Your Local Guardian. “In a weird sort of way, that stuff was probably the best I’ve done and the stuff I am most proud of.”
Local theatre is a great entry point to the industry. You’ll meet fellow actors, network with professionals, gain stage experience, and star in productions that will look great on your CV. It is also a brilliant place to make friends. If you’re interested in joining a regular group, try searching for local drama classes, contact your local theatre, and see what is available nearby. Many of the groups don’t require auditions or formal experience – just enthusiasm and commitment.
Step 4: Build your acting CV
Getting involved in grassroots opportunities means you’ll have credits to put on your acting CV. Reach out to university students looking for actors to star in their short films. Students from film schools such as MetFilm, London Film School, and the National Film and Television School often put out casting calls on Facebook and X. The projects can help you gain on-set experience and give you footage to use in your showreel.
Sign up to receive information about open casting calls, and join Facebook groups such as Actors UK and Casting Calls UK, where people post opportunities for shorts, music videos, fringe theatre, and experimental projects. Many of the gigs are unpaid, but they offer valuable credits, contacts, and practical experience.
Remember to include a basic introduction to yourself, including your name, a short bio, and basic stats such as your height and playing age.
Step 5: Create a showreel
A showreel is like a trailer for you as an actor. You can send it to prospective agents and apply with it to casting calls. “A showreel is more than a collection of clips,” according to the Actors Studio. “It’s the first and sometimes only way a casting director sees an actor’s range, screen presence, and suitability for a role.”
Don’t worry if you don’t have any footage yet. You can start by filming a simple monologue at home or getting involved in short films, student projects, or fringe theatre. Check that the filmmakers will share the footage with you afterward. The clips can then be edited together into a professional-looking showreel. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – your reel simply needs to show your potential and range.
Step 6: Start networking
The UK acting scene is built on relationships. Talent and training matter, but who you know and who knows you can make all the difference. The good news? You don’t need to be well connected to start forming a network.
Think about where you can build a community: Facebook groups, acting classes, and local theatre productions are good starting points. But you can also follow casting directors and industry insiders on social media. Many regularly post tips, job opportunities, and open calls.
Attend events too. Go to local theatre productions, Q&As with actors and directors, fringe festivals, and free talks at venues such as the British Film Institute. Not only might they inspire your creativity, but they’re also great places to meet like-minded people.
Look for social media pages for creatives, script readings, or pub theatres in the region where you’re based. Networking can be intimidating, but it’s a chance to meet people who are eager to collaborate. You never know who may be able to help you on your journey.
“Keep collaborating and creating with colleagues whom you like and like working with,” says actor Lars Engstrom. “These are the kinds of allies and friends who will not only be good pals for life, but also be part of your professional network that grows as you grow.”
Step 7: Consider drama school
You don’t need to go to drama school to become an actor, but it can be a valuable springboard. Full-time drama training offers structured learning, professional discipline, and industry connections that can be hard to access independently. Many casting directors still regard drama school training as a mark of quality, and some high-profile agents scout talent directly from final-year showcases.
Drama school is expensive and competitive, so it’s worth researching what kind of training is right for you. In addition to full-time training, some schools offer foundation or part-time courses, ideal for beginners looking to build skills before committing to a three-year programme. Others provide short, intensive workshops in acting for screen, movement, or voice.
Top UK drama schools include RADA, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and Guildhall. There are also many smaller, respected institutions, such as Fourth Monkey, that provide excellent training. Look into the ethos and teaching style of each school and think about what course is best suited for what you want out of your career.
Before applying, make sure you understand the audition requirements and deadlines. “Be careful, because schools vary,” according to The Stage. Most schools expect applicants to prepare contrasting monologues and will want you to audition in person.
Step 8: Find an agent
Don’t stress about finding an agent right away. Once you have a few projects, a decent showreel, and maybe even a drama school degree, you can start approaching agents with a short, polite email and link to your materials.
Keep your message professional, enthusiastic, and to the point. Agents are busy people, and a concise approach shows respect for their time. “Don’t send hundreds of copies of the same letter to lots of agents,” Paul Clayton cautions in The Stage. “Target individual agents and tell them why you want to be with them.”
It is, frustratingly, common not to hear back. Many actors reach out multiple times before getting a response. Keep updating your materials, apply to open castings, and consider inviting agents to see you in a show or short film screening once you’re performing regularly.
Step 9: Keep going!
Being an actor is hard work, and rejection is part of the job. Even seasoned professionals face constant nos. Amanda Seyfried, for example, has spoken about the long and ultimately unsuccessful audition process she went through for the role of Galinda in the Wicked film. If it happens at that level, it is bound to happen at the start too.
Try your best to keep your head up. Focus on developing your skills and making each audition, self-tape, and networking opportunity the best it can be. There will be times when progress may feel slow, but who knows what could be around the corner?