Actors

Actor

Actress

Comedian

Comic

Community Theater Actor

Ensemble Member

Narrator

Performer

Tour Actor

Voice-Over Artist

What is an Actor?

An actor is a performer who portrays roles in various forms of media, including theater, film, television, radio, and even digital platforms. Actors bring characters to life through their interpretations, using voice, body language, and emotional expressiveness to convey stories and connect with audiences. The craft of acting involves studying scripts, understanding character motivations, and often requires extensive training in techniques such as improvisation, movement, and vocal delivery.

Actors work in a collaborative environment, often alongside directors, writers, and other performers. Their performances can range from dramatic to comedic, with the ability to embody a wide array of personas. Each performance can require different levels of research, particularly for roles based on real people or historical figures. Many actors also seek to develop their skills continually, participating in workshops, taking classes, or gaining experience through community theater and independent productions.

The path to becoming an actor can vary widely; while some begin studying drama in school or pursuing formal education in performing arts, others break into the industry through auditions or networking within the entertainment community. The career of an actor can be highly competitive, and success is often measured in terms of job stability, recognition, and personal fulfillment. Actors may work on a freelance basis, leading to fluctuating income, but many cherish the opportunities to engage in creative expression and storytelling.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.

Technology Skills

Video creation and editing software
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Motion capture software
- TikTok
- YouTube
Web page creation and editing software
- Facebook
- Instagram
- LinkedIn
- Website development software
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Video conferencing software
- Zoom

Tools Used

Microphones
- Wireless microphones
Camera tripods
- Photography tripods
Notebook computers
- Laptop computers
MP3 players or recorders
- MP3 digital voice recorders
Digital cameras
- Digital still cameras

Knowledge

Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

86 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R27,514pm

Are You Ready to Step into the Spotlight? A Guide to Becoming an Actor in South Africa

The South African entertainment industry is currently experiencing a vibrant resurgence. With 84 active jobs currently available, there has never been a more promising time to enter the field. From the bustling soapie sets in Johannesburg to international film productions in Cape Town, the demand for local talent is growing. Economically, the sector is also showing positive momentum; while the average salary stands at R27,514pm, data for 2024 shows a steady upward trajectory, starting at approximately R24,212 in January and projected to reach over R30,266 by December.

Is Acting Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Success in the performing arts requires more than just talent; it demands a specific psychological profile to navigate the unique pressures of the South African industry. Consider if you possess the following traits:

Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: The ability to deeply understand and mirror human emotions to create authentic characters.
Resilience (The "Thick Skin" Factor): Can you handle frequent rejection at auditions without losing your self-belief?
Disciplined Work Ethic: Acting involves long hours of memorisation, rehearsal, and "hurry up and wait" scenarios on set.
Adaptability: The capacity to take direction quickly and change your performance style based on a director's feedback.
Confidence and Vulnerability: The paradoxical ability to be bold enough to perform while remaining open enough to show raw emotion.

A Day in the Life of a South African Actor

A typical day for a South African actor is rarely "9-to-5." If you are on a "call time" for a popular soapie or a Netflix production, your day might begin at 05:00 AM at a studio in Auckland Park or Cape Town Film Studios. The morning is spent in "Wardrobe and Makeup," followed by hours of intense focus on set under hot lights. You must be prepared to deliver "take after take" with consistent energy. Between scenes, you are often found in your trailer or a shared holding area, revising lines for the next day's shoot. On days when you aren't filming, your time is spent "pounding the pavement"—attending commercial auditions, meeting with your agent, and constantly refining your craft. It is a life of high-stakes performance balanced with the administrative rigour of managing your own brand.

Education & Upskilling: Building Your Foundation

In South Africa, while raw talent is essential, formal training provides the technical toolkit and industry networking required to sustain a long-term career.

Formal Degrees: Most professional actors in SA hold a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance or a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (BADA) from institutions like Wits, UCT, or Rhodes. Alternatively, a BA in Live Performance from AFDA is highly regarded for those looking to enter the film and television sector. These three-to-four-year programmes offer a deep dive into vocal training, movement, and theatre history.

Short Courses & TVET: If a full degree is not feasible, reputable institutions like the Market Theatre Laboratory or CityVarsity offer intensive diplomas and short courses. These focus on practical skills like "Acting for Camera" or "Voice Over Artistry."

The Necessity of Continuous Learning: It is vital to recognise that an actor's education never truly ends. Even established South African stars regularly attend masterclasses, accent coaching, and physical theatre workshops. In an industry that evolves with new technology (such as motion capture and self-tape auditions), staying relevant means being a lifelong student of the craft.

Next Steps

If you feel the call of the stage and screen, it is time to move beyond curiosity and into action. The South African market is competitive, but for those with the right blend of passion and professional preparation, the rewards are immense. Do you truly have what it takes to thrive in front of the camera? Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment and take the first step toward your debut performance.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Memorization
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Less than high school diploma

45 %
Bachelor's degree

21 %
High school diploma or equivalent

16 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

Work Activities

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Detailed Work Activities

Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
Entertain public with comedic or dramatic performances.
Study scripts to determine project requirements.
Practice athletic or artistic skills.
Audition for roles.

Work Interests

Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.