BA (Hons) Performance
The BA (Hons) Performance course at UWS supports you to become a creative maker, critical thinker and work-ready performer.
An Actor portrays characters for stage, screen, television, radio and digital productions. Actors interpret scripts and use voice, movement and expression to communicate a character and help tell a story. The profession is highly competitive and much work is freelance or contract-based. Actors may combine performance work with auditions, rehearsals, workshops, voice work or other employment between productions.
Study scripts and research characters and settings. Attend auditions, rehearsals and production meetings. Learn lines, movement and stage or screen directions. Work with directors and other performers to develop a role. Perform for live audiences or recorded productions. Maintain professional skills through training and practice.
Actors' earnings vary greatly because much of the profession is freelance and paid per engagement rather than through a fixed annual salary. Rates depend on the production, experience, role and contractual agreement. Established performers may command substantially higher fees, while people starting out may have irregular earnings and often supplement acting work with other employment.
Working hours are irregular and can include evenings, weekends and long production days. Rehearsal and filming schedules vary considerably between projects. Actors may work in theatres, film and television studios, on location, in recording studios or at live events. Travel and periods away from home can be required.
Acting involves frequent auditions and periods between paid roles. During a production you may spend substantial time rehearsing, waiting on set and repeating scenes or performances. You will work closely with directors, cast members and production teams. Resilience is important because rejection is a normal part of building an acting career.
A specific degree is not compulsory, but many actors undertake professional training through drama school, conservatoire courses or degrees in acting, drama, theatre or performance. Practical training can develop voice, movement, screen acting and performance technique, while also providing opportunities to build industry contacts and a showreel.
Practical performance experience is essential. School, university, amateur and fringe productions can help build credits and confidence, while student films and short productions can contribute to a showreel. Actors often seek representation from an agent after developing suitable training and experience. Networking, workshops and casting platforms can also help find auditions.
Actors may build from small theatre, commercial or screen roles towards larger productions and more prominent parts. Some specialise in theatre, television, film, voice acting or motion capture. Experienced actors may move into directing, producing, writing, teaching or coaching, while others develop portfolio careers across several areas of performance.
Build the skills needed for this role with these courses.
Common questions about this role.
Step-by-step guidance on preparing and submitting your university application.
Step-by-step guidance on preparing and submitting your university application.
Learn what qualifications and English levels you’ll need to apply.
Learn what qualifications and English levels you’ll need to apply.
Find essential information on UK student visas, immigration, and ATAS certificates.
Find essential information on UK student visas, immigration, and ATAS certificates.
Understand tuition fees, payment options, and financial requirements before you apply.
Understand tuition fees, payment options, and financial requirements before you apply.
