Actor: classes, school and local productions, then auditions; a drama degree or conservatory is common but optional
A formal education isn't always required, but most actors prepare at an acting conservatory or in a college drama or theater arts program, and build skill through years of practice: school plays, local theater, then small roles that lead to bigger productions. Drama schools admit by audition.
For: Persistent performers with stamina who can memorize lines and take rejection.
Route 1: Classes, school plays and local theater → small roles Typical
Performing arts high schools and theater companies also offer classes.
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Start here
School plays and local theater
BLS
Actors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Training
Classes in acting, movement, voice and audition technique
BLS
Actors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Years
Smaller roles or independent films first
Then bigger productions; many actors keep training in workshops and with a drama coach.
BLS
Actors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Actor
BLS
Actors — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Conservatory or college drama program (by audition) Formal training
Some actors have a bachelor's degree in a field such as performing arts, but a degree is not usually required.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Actors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Audition with prepared monologues
Each school sets its own pieces; see the example below.
Juilliard
Actor Training Program FAQsThe Juilliard School- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
juilliard.edu returns 403 to our browser; read through the Internet Archive copy of 6 October 2026.
View source -
Usually 4 years
BFA or conservatory training
BLS
Actors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Actor
BLS
Actors — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
What a drama school publishes
There is no national rule for drama school auditions: each school sets its own. One school's published rule, as an example; check every school you apply to.
| School | What you need |
|---|---|
| The Juilliard School Actor Training Program (BFA and MFA) |
Applications open on 1 September for the following fall. Prepare four memorized monologues of about two minutes each: two heightened text (at least one by Shakespeare, at least one in verse) and two contemporary (20th- and 21st-century writers). At most four application attempts in total. JuilliardActor Training Program FAQsThe Juilliard School
juilliard.edu returns 403 to our browser; read through the Internet Archive copy of 6 October 2026. View source |
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.