Actors communicate a character or situation to an audience through speech, body language and movement across a variety of mediums, including theatre, film, television, radio and video. 

There are various roles that an actor will do on a day to day basis some of these roles include working with an agent to find new roles and opportunities, preparing for and going to auditions, researching roles, learning lines and attending rehearsals, attending fittings for costumes, supporting back stage activities such as costume or prop management and much more. 

A degree or HND is not a formal requirement for a career in acting. 

However, it's likely you'll need to complete some form of study in media, performing or visual arts. 

Only a few actors are lucky enough to land acting jobs with no prior training; most will hone their craft over many years, often starting at a young age.

The main routes to get into this role are :

• A university course-  there are many different degrees you may wish to undertake. 

• A college course- there are different diplomas that you could undertake to become an actor.

• Volunteering- acting is very competitive and you'll need to develop your skills by getting as much acting experience as possible.

• Applying directly-  you can apply for jobs directly if you've got qualifications and acting experience.

• A course at drama school- there is no set entry route to become an actor but it may be useful to do a drama related course.

The Federation of Drama Schools provides details of accredited courses, assurance about training standards and advice on careers in the performing arts sector and advocacy. Fees and maintenance costs during study can be considerable and will vary significantly. Contact individual institutions for details. 

You will usually need 2-3 a levels to go on to study a drama related course. You could undertake a degree in various fields to support a career in acting. These could include:

• Drama

• Performance studies

• Contemporary theatre and performance

• Acting

• Musical theatre

You could join your university drama or theatre society to develop a network of contacts and get performance experience.

Links 

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/ucas-performing-arts-applications

https://www.ucas.com/conservatoires/studying-conservatoire/thinking-about-performing-arts

Conservatoires 

What's the difference between conservatoires and universities?

Creativity lies at the heart of conservatoires, which are usually a lot smaller than universities. They teach fewer subjects and primarily focus on practical training and performance. In comparison, universities are large institutions that cover a range of subjects, focusing on academic study.

You could look at applying to a conservatoire in this field.

 Areas include :

• acting

• applied theatre

• dance (ballet, choreography, contemporary, dance science)

• directing

• filmmaking

• music (classical, film, jazz, folk, musical direction, popular music, production, technology, vocal performance)

• musical theatre

• production arts and design

• professional performance

• songwriting

• stage management.

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/creative-arts-and-design/conservatoires

Personal Statement Help 

https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples/drama-personal-statement-examples

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/personal-statement-advice-drama

https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/drama

https://www.personalstatementservice.com/blog/examples/performing-arts-personal-statement

Interview/ audition help : 

https://www.cssd.ac.uk/blog/top-10-tips-ba-hons-acting-auditions

https://www.stagemilk.com/how-i-got-into-drama-school-in-the-uk/

https://www.dramaschoolsuccess.com/drama-school-application-deadlines

https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/how-to-make-a-showreel/

There are multiple routes you can take to become a professional actor, with the most tried and tested of those the drama school route. Despite being similar to some aspects of studying drama or theatre at a ‘traditional’ University, drama schools specialise in training you for three years into a professional actor with a focus on your acting skills, technique and all the assets you need to break into the industry.