Actor

Actors portray characters through body language, speech, facial expression and actions in front of audiences, or for recorded programmes, short films and even Youtube videos.

Actor Job Description

Prepare and attend auditions or castings for a role.

Research characters and their backgrounds to understand specific roles and portray the character with authenticity and emotional depth.

Interpret and memorise scripts with the intent to focus on the emotional delivery and nuances of the character rather than simply reciting lines.

Rehearse with other Actors to familiarise with scenes to build chemistry and create a seamless and believable performance.

Work on feedback given by the Director, Producer and other Actors.

Note

Actors do not have a stable income and are only paid when they have acting gigs. They have long periods of time where they do not receive work. It requires hard work and perseverance to be an Actor!

A day in the life

Actress

Watch an exclusive behind the scnes with Ah Yoke from the cast of Mediacorp drama 'Kin', as she shows you what it takes to be an Actress.

Actor

The National Youth Film Award best Actor and Actress, Cassandra and James, open up about their journey as Actors and tricks they have picked up along the way.

What you should know about Actor jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

As Actors, you must be adaptable and committed to continuous development to participate in diverse theatrical productions, TV shows and films.

Key Advice

Hone your versatility and resilience as Actors by actively engaging in the local Arts community.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
There are diplomas available from LASALLE College of the Arts, NAFA and the Singapore Media Academy which can boost your qualifications in acting. There are also Theatre Studies and Drama subjects offered in the 'A' Levels at Victoria Junior College, Anglo-Chinese Junior College and Tampines Meridian Junior College.

You can start by building up your confidence in acting by joining your school's drama club, auditioning for a theatre production, or as an extra in productions or films to gain relevant experience.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue an Actor career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Acting Techniques

Mastery of various performance methods and the ability to convincingly portray characters.

Improvisational Skills

Ability to spontaneously create dialogue and action, adapting quickly in unpredictable situations.

Memory Work

Capability to memorise scripts, cues, and directions accurately and efficiently.

Soft Skills

Creative Thinking

Generates original ideas, unique character interpretations and solving problems in new ways.

Collaboration

Ability to work effectively within a team, often under the direction of others, to achieve a common goal.

Adaptability

Flexibility in adjusting to changing conditions and roles is essential in the dynamic environment of acting.

“It's not at all about glitz and glam. There's a lot of work that goes into it that people don't see. ”

James, Actor

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is acting experience required to be Actors?

No. There are no education requirements for Actors. Formal training can be helpful, but many successful actors never had an Acting degree. Acting classes help with understanding different emotions and character portrayals.
Is Acting a stable career?

Acting gigs are often short-term, lasting from a few weeks to months depending on the type of production. Actors have to constantly hunt for castings and auditions to ensure a steady flow of income. Self-discipline is extremely important to make a living as an Actor.
What type of roles can Actors take?

Actors can take on a wide variety of roles in films, television shows, and theatre productions. Some of the most common types of roles include Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Background, Stunt Actor, Voice Actor, Stand-in and Understudy.
When portraying a character, what challenges do Actors face?

Actors face some challenges when portraying a character. For example, they need to have a deep understanding of the character to create a convincing performance. This requires careful research and analysis of the script, as well as drawing on personal experiences and observations.
How do Actors manage anxiety and stage fright?

Actors can manage their anxiety by thoroughly preparing and practising their roles, ensuring that they are well-prepared and feel more confident about their roles.