Actor

You would entertain people by performing as a character in a story, on stage before a live theatre audience or on film, television or radio.

You'd use your talent, empathy and imagination to bring the character to life. You'd memorise your lines and work with the director's instructions and other members of the cast to give your audience an enjoyable experience.

You'd use your voice and expression to show certain emotions. You'd work with the director to decide how the character will look and behave.

You would:

• Research your role

• Learn your lines

• Rehearse the scenes to get the timing and stage positioning right

• Attend fittings for costumes

You'd work with other professionals such as make-up artists, camera operators and directors.

For some roles you may work with the director to interpret the script. You will also need to very adaptable as you could be asked to play a number of different characters with different personalities.

You'd spend a lot of time preparing for and going to auditions and would probably need an agent to help you find the next job.

• Creative Choices - Help and advice for a career in the creative industry from Creative and Cultural Skills

• Creative Scotland - enabling people to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland

• Screen Skills – explore the roles in the creative industries and routes into work

• Scottish Youth Theatre - Scotland's national theatre for and by young people

• Federation of Drama Schools

• Equity - Career information from the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners