How to Become an Actor after 12th: Career Guide, Courses, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Skills, Salary

An actor performs in plays, movies, or other forms of entertainment by portraying characters thereby bring stories to life through their acting skills. There are no specific educational requirements for becoming an actor. Many actors pursue formal training in acting through acting schools, conservatories, or degree programs in performing arts. These programs provide training in acting techniques, voice modulation, body language, stage presence, and other essential skills. Becoming an actor can be challenging and competitive. The entertainment industry is highly competitive. Actors often face numerous auditions and rejections. Therefore, there is a need to constantly improve their skills. Persistence, dedication, and a passion for the craft are essential qualities for aspiring actors. For fresher actors who are starting their careers, the initial Salaries can be relatively modest. They may earn anywhere between INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per project. Established and well-known actors can earn substantially higher amounts, ranging from several lakhs to crores of rupees per project. Read: Job of an Actor

How to Become an Actor after 12^th: Quick Facts

Eligibility to Become an Actor after 12^th 

To become an actor in India, the eligibility criteria depend on casting agencies and acting schools.

• There is no specific age limit to become an actor. Most aspiring actors start their training and career in their late teens or early twenties.
• While formal education is not a strict requirement, having at least a 12th-grade education is preferred by some casting agencies and production houses.
• Enrolling in acting courses, drama schools, or acting workshops can provide you with valuable training and enhance your acting skills.
• Participating in auditions is a common way to showcase your talent and get noticed by casting directors.
• Building a strong network within the industry can help create opportunities and open doors for aspiring actors.
• Candidates who are foreign nationals looking to work in India as an actor, you need to obtain the necessary work permits.

Steps to Become an Actor after 12^th 

The steps to become an Actor after 12th are listed below for your reference.

• Take acting classes or join a reputable acting school to learn the fundamentals of acting.
• Practice regularly to improve your acting skills, including voice modulation, body language, and emotional expression.
• Participate in a school or community theatre productions to gain experience and build your acting portfolio.
• Create a professional acting resume that highlights your training, experience, and special skills.
• Prepare monologues or scenes to showcase your talent during auditions.
• Attend industry events, acting workshops, and film festivals to network with industry professionals.
• Consider seeking representation from a talent agent or manager who can help you find auditions and negotiate contracts.
• Prepare a strong acting reel and headshots to showcase your talent and attract potential agents.
• Take acting workshops to enhance your skills and stay relevant in the industry.
• Rejections are common in the acting industry, so it's important to stay persistent and not get discouraged.

Courses to Become an Actor after 12^th 

After completing 12th grade, there are various courses you can consider to enhance your acting skills and pursue a career as an actor. Here are some popular courses to become an actor after the 12th:

Entrance Exams

The top entrance exams to become an Actor are -

Top Acting Colleges

Here are some of the top actor colleges in India that offer excellent acting programs and have a reputation for producing skilled actors:

Skills Required to Become an Actor after 12^th 

The necessary skills required to become an actor after Class 12th are as follows -

Benefits of Becoming an Actor after 12^th 

• Acting provides a creative outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to explore different characters, emotions, and stories.
• Acting helps individuals develop confidence and emotional intelligence. This contributes to personal growth and self-discovery.
• It opens up a range of career opportunities in the entertainment industry- films, television, theater, and more.
• They have the platform to raise awareness about social issues and use their influence for a positive impact.
• Acting provides opportunities to network with industry professionals, directors, producers, and fellow actors, leading to potential collaborations and future career prospects.
• Acting allows individuals to reach a wide audience, transcending geographical boundaries and making an impact on a global scale.
• Established actors can enjoy financial rewards through lucrative acting contracts, endorsements, royalties, and other income streams.
• Successful actors often gain fame and recognition, leading to opportunities for endorsements, brand collaborations, and public recognition for their talent and work.

Actor Salary

The average annual salary of an Actor per year in the industry is as given below -