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Actor

Kaitapere

Actors entertain people by using body movement and speech to play a character in media and stage productions.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become an actor. However, music, dance and drama, English, te reo Māori and media studies are useful.

For stunt work, physical education may be useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Diploma
  • Bachelor's degree

Useful experience

Useful experience for actors includes:

  • amateur or professional acting
  • performance work (eg, kapa haka)
  • any sport or other pursuit that involves teamwork
  • physical activities such as horse riding, gymnastics, scuba diving and boxing.

What you will do

Actors may do some or all of the following:

  • audition for parts in performances on stage, in film or on television
  • study scripts and research the character and project they're working on
  • memorise and rehearse their character's lines, cues and physical movements
  • act out the role for an audience or in front of a camera
  • improvise parts of their character's personality or actions during rehearsal or in front of an audience
  • perform stunts for an audience or in front of a camera.

Skills and knowledge

Actors need to have:

  • knowledge of how people behave and speak, so they can create believable characters
  • the ability to project their voice to fill a performance space
  • knowledge of a range of books, plays and poetry
  • knowledge of different cultures
  • knowledge of the New Zealand media industry
  • skill in interpreting and analysing roles.

Stunt performers need to have:

  • knowledge of different stunts, including which stunts to perform in certain situations and the best way of performing them
  • the ability to use specialist stunt equipment such as flying harnesses and airbags
  • skills relating to the type of stunts they are performing such as martial arts, gymnastics or driving.
Pay

Pay rates for actors vary depending on your ability, how often you work and what type of work you do.

Job opportunities
Poor
Chances of getting a job as an actor are poor due to lack of demand.

Industry

Entertainment

Actors entertain people by using body movement and speech to play a character in media and stage productions.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become an actor. However, a Diploma or Bachelor of Performing Arts, or a Bachelor of Arts majoring in drama may be useful.

Requirements for stuntpeople

To become a stuntperson you need to have the skills, knowledge and ability to perform stunts.

To be a member of the Stunt Guild of New Zealand you must be at least 18 years of age and meet other specific criteria.

Chances of getting a job

Few opportunities for actors

It is difficult to get work as an actor in New Zealand because the performing arts industry is small.

Many actors do a second job to supplement their income.

Having an agent can increase your chances of finding acting work. The Actors Agents Association of New Zealand lists reputable agents operating in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 429 actors worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Most actors are self-employed and work on a project-by-project basis. 

Actors may work for:

  • local theatre companies
  • television networks
  • film and television production companies.

Progression and specialisations

Actors may progress into related roles such as author, director or media producer.

Actors may specialise in stage acting, television shows, film, advertisements or voice-overs.

With industry experience, stuntspeople may progress to become stunt co-ordinators. Stuntspeople may specialise in doing stunts such as high falls or fights. 

Working conditions

Actors:

  • often work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
  • work indoors in places like theatres, television and film studios, and radio stations. They also work outdoors on location
  • may travel to film on location, or if they are part of a touring production.

Physical Requirements

Actors need to be reasonably fit and healthy, as the work can be physically demanding. They should also have clear speech.

Useful personal qualities

Actors need to be:

  • able to memorise lines
  • able to take direction, accept criticism, and work well under pressure
  • disciplined and motivated
  • creative and imaginative
  • able to work well as part of a team and with agents
  • strong communicators
  • organised.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Entertainment

Actors entertain people by using body movement and speech to play a character in media and stage productions.

Similar jobs in this industry

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