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Screen actors are creative entertainers who portray different characters in film, television, and mixed-media productions. While a lot of attention is directed at the filming process, screen actors also spend time reading scripts and carrying out research into their roles, characterisations, and overall theme of the films. As an actor you will be learning lines, rehearsing cues and movements, gaining specialist skills for a role (eg, accents), and working with directors and production crews. It’s busy, but very exciting.
Salaries for screen actors in Australia are usually dictated by how many roles you secure each year — the Labour Market Insights website (published by the Australian government) indicate an average salary of $2,073 per week ($107,796 per annum) for actors.
Please note: These are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
There are currently around 5,400 actors working in Australia right now, there are no clear figures for how many of these are employed as screen actors.
Screen actors are highly skilled artists who have developed the craft through intense study and training. Get started in this exciting career by completing the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media or the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting).
Many aspiring actors also take regular acting classes in their local area and gain supporting qualifications in music, dance, martial arts, foreign languages, filmmaking, and memory development.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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Here are some potential career pathways within acting. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Acting
Performer
$850 weekly pay
Acting Coach
$1,250 weekly pay
Actor
$960 weekly pay
Drama Teacher
Drama Tutor
Performance Artist
Theatre Performer