Updated on Nov 22, 2024 03:50 IST

Acting is one of the most well-known and rewarding careers for many individuals. One must be familiar with the fundamentals of acting in order to pursue a profession in acting. Additionally, talent and skill are crucial for success in the acting industry. Acting careers are available in a variety of media, including theatre, television, films, and contemporary digital platforms. The medium can be chosen by a person based on their area of interest.

At the entry-level, Acting candidates are non-professionals with zero work experience. They can give auditions and join community theater productions and earn an average salary ranging from INR 4 to 5 lakh. However, the positions at the mid-senior level can be modest television roles or regional theatre shows with pay ranging from INR 6 to 8 lakh.  At the senior level, they can earn a salary ranging from INR 10 to 20 lakh and join big motion pictures, television shows, or big events in well-known theatrical productions.

Students interested in pursuing Acting courses can work in the film industry, theatres, educational institutes, production companies, etc. Some of the top recruiters for Acting graduates are Balaji Telefilms, Cineyug Talent Management, and Matrix India Entertainment Consultants.

Also Read: Acting Course Details

Average Salary Based On Job Position

The average salary for various job positions after Acting courses depends on a number of variables. Actors frequently begin with smaller or boutique agencies before moving up to larger ones as they gain expertise and recognition in the business. Casting directors, production companies, and industry networking are additional resources for actors to find work. 

The table below provides the average salary ranges for several employment positions for Acting graduates:

Job Position Average CTC
Actor/Actress (Beginner) INR 2 LPA- INR 6 LPA
Theatre Actor/Actress INR 5 LPA- INR 10 LPA
TV Actor INR 5 LPA- INR 15 LPA
Film Actor INR 10 LPA- INR 20 LPA
Voice Over Artist INR 2 LPA- INR 4 LPA
Stunt Performer INR 3 LPA- INR 6 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Careers in Acting

Acting students can work in a number of areas after completing their course. They can choose their areas of employment according to their interest and industry in which they want to pursue long term career. Candidates can work in either of the below-mentioned job profiles:

Job Profile Description Average Salary (INR)
Film Actor/Actress Work in movies and screens INR 5 LPA to 50 LPA
Television Actor/Actress Performs in TV series, and daily soaps INR 10 LPA to 40 LPA
Theater Actor/Actress Perform in live theater productions (plays, musicals) INR 2 LPA to 20 LPA
Voice Actor/Voiceover Artist Provide voices for animation, commercials, and more INR 5 LPA to 10 LPA
Commercial Actor Acts in advertisements for products and services INR 50,000 to INR 50 LPA
Character Actor Portray distinctive and memorable supporting roles INR 2 LPA to INR 20 LPA
Stunt Performer Perform dangerous or physically demanding stunts INR 2 LPA to INR 10 LPA
Stand-In Substitutes for actors during technical setup INR 2 LPA to INR 5 LPA
Voice Acting Coach Trains artists on voice and acting skills INR 2 LPA to INR 10 LPA
Casting Director Choose actors for specific roles in productions INR 3 LPA to INR 15 LPA

Specialisation Wise Salary for Acting Graduates in India

The salary offered to Acting graduates also varies as per the specialisation chosen during graduation. The salaries shared below reflect not only the specialisation, but also other factors such as company size, experience, industry, and location.

Specialisation Entry-level CTC Mid-level CTC Senior-level CTC
Film Acting INR 1 LPA-5 LPA INR 5 LPA-20 LPA INR 20 LPA-90 LPA
Tv Acting INR 20,000-50,000 LPA INR 50,000-5 LPA INR 5 LPA-10 LPA
Theater Acting INR 10,000-50,000 LPA INR 50,000-2 LPA INR 2 LPA-10 LPA
Voice Over INR 1,000-5,000 LPA INR 5,000- 20,000 LPA INR 20,000-1 LPA
Commercial Acting INR 10,000-50,000 LPA INR 50,000-2 LPA INR 2 LPA-10 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Recruiters for Acting Students

There are many different career descriptions and opportunities available in the acting industry, each with its own distinct demands and qualifications. Acting graduates can work in entertainment, tv, films, and theaters. Some of the recruitment areas are:

Top Employment Areas for Acting Graduates
Film Industry Theatres
Web Series Production Companies
Commercials -----

The various recruiters based on specialisations hire Acting graduates through placement drive conducted in top colleges. Some of the top recruiters in the industry are:

Recruiters in Film Industry
Balaji Networks United Talent Agency Paramount Pictures
Warner Bros. Universal Pictures ------
Recruiters in Theatres
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble

Sangeet Natak Akademi

National Centre for the Performing Arts

Ninasam Theatre Institute

Natya Tarangini

Kalakshetra Foundation

Recruiters in Web Series
Netflix Disney Hotstar Zee 
You Tube Hotstar ---
Recruiters in Production Companies

Yash Raj Films Pvt Ltd

Dharma Productions Pvt Ltd

Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment

Balaji Telefilms Ltd

Reliance Entertainment

----

Top Acting Colleges for Placements

A number of Acting colleges are popular for their placement opportunities and the high range of domestic and international packages offered to the candidates. These colleges not only provide placement opportunities but also ensure good placements for the students.

Some of the top colleges and their placement report for 2023 are given in the table below:

Institute Average Annual Salary in 2023
A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre, Delhi INR 5.6 LPA
AIFT, Mumbai INR 5.3 LPA
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai INR 6.2 LPA
Bennett University, Greater Noida INR 6.8 LPA
Amity School of Film and Drama, Noida INR 5.9 LPA
Asian Academy of Film And Television, Noida INR 6.6 LPA
Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad INR 7.1 LPA
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur INR 5.7 LPA
Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha INR 6.1 LPA
College of Arts and Commerce, Vishakhapatnam INR 4.6 LPA

How to Get a Job After Acting?

In order to pursue a profession in acting, there are generally no educational requirements beyond a basic education. A reputable film school offers bachelor's degrees in theatre, theatre arts, performing, and acting for those who are interested in becoming famous through acting. In most cases, a person can begin their acting profession as early as childhood. 

  • Students can enrol in acting lessons, seminars, or theatre programmes to develop their abilities and discover various acting styles.
  • Build your acting resume by participating in regional theatre shows, student films, or community theatre.
  • Watch for casting calls and apply for parts that fit your type and skill set.
  • Develop connections with casting directors, producers, performers in similar roles to you, and mentors who can provide advice and openings.

Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Acting

Most top-tier cities offer vibrant job markets for Acting aspirants. Students can find employment and career progression in cities like 

City Job Opportunities Average Annual Salary (in INR)
Delhi TV, Entertainment, Commercials INR 3 lakh- INR 6 lakh
Mumbai Film Industry, Theatres, TV Industry INR 3 lakh - INR 6 lakh
Pune Educational Institutes, TV Industry INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5 lakh
Hyderabad Film Industry, Theatres, TV Industry INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5 lakh
Bangalore Commericals, Educational Institutes, TV Industry INR 3 lakh- INR 5.5 lakh
Chennai TV, Entertainment, Commercials INR 2.5 lakh- INR 6 lakh
Chandigarh Commericals, Educational Institutes, TV Industry INR 2.5 lakh- INR 4.5 lakh
Kolkata TV, Entertainment, Commercials INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5 lakh
Ahmedabad Educational Institutes, TV Industry INR 2.5 lakh- INR 4.5 lakh
Jaipur Educational Institutes, TV Industry INR 2.5 lakh- INR 4.5 lakh

Acting Jobs in Government and Private Sector

Acting graduates have immense opportunities in the government and private sector which are well-paying opportunities. The table below mentions the industries and their average CTC for Acting students.

Industry Description Average CTC (INR)
Television Industry Acting in TV series, soap operas, sitcoms, and more. INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakh
Film Industry Acting in movies, portraying characters on screen. INR 5 lakh to INR 50 lakh
Theater Performing live in plays, musicals, and stage productions. INR 2 lakh to INR 10 lakh
Voice Acting/Voiceover Providing voices for animation, dubbing, audiobooks, and more. INR 1 lakh to INR 5 lakh
Commercial Industry Appearing in advertisements for products and services. INR 50,000 to INR 50 lakh
Character Acting Playing distinctive supporting roles in various productions. INR 2 lakh to INR 20 lakh
Voice Acting Coach Providing coaching to improve voice acting skills. INR 2 lakh to INR 20 lakh

Acting Salary Abroad

Acting graduates can seek exciting job opportunities in popular job destinations such as UKUSA, CanadaAustralia, Germany, etc. The salary depends on various factors such as cost of living, location of the country, specialisation, years of experience, industry, etc. The salary ranges of the following countries are given in the table below:

Country Salary Offered
USA
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $15,000 to $50,000 per year
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $50,000 to $150,000 per year
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): $150,000 to $20 million+ per project
United Kingdom
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): £10,000 to £30,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): £30,000 to £1,00,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): £1,00,000 or more per year.
Canada
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): CAD 50,000 to CAD 1,50,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): CAD 1,50,000 or more per year.
 
Germany
 
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): €15,000 to €40,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): €40,000 to €1,50,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): €1,50,000 or more per year.
Australia
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): AUD 20,000 to AUD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): AUD 60,000 to AUD 1,50,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): AUD 1,50,000 or more per year.

Disclaimer: The above salary data has been obtained from external sites.

Acting Career FAQs

Q. How is career in Acting?

A. Despite being one of the most well-liked and lucrative professional possibilities, acting does not offer actors a guaranteed salary or a full-time position. The development of the profession is dependent on the actors' performing abilities. Typically, actors who want to be in a movie, television show, or online series must go through auditions. The actors are chosen from the auditions based on the character.
There is no set timetable or time limit for the acting profession because it is not a full-time position. The production and theatrical release of a movie typically takes between five months and two years. Therefore, actors must appropriately set out time in their calendars to act in a movie for a specific amount of time. Additionally, there are daily soap operas that run for two to five years. Since the episodes of the daily soap are broadcast each day, actors must consistently put in 12 to 15 hours of shooting time. 

Q. What are the skills required for Acting career?

A. People who wish to become actors need to possess certain skills. The main standard for acting is creativity. Also, the aspirants must have sufficient physical and mental stamina to handle the demands of the position. Additionally, an actor needs to lead a disciplined life in order to stay healthy. The performer must deliver the dialogue during the scene in any medium.

An actor must have the capacity to memorise dialogues. Furthermore, he/she must speak in a language that is widely understood and accessible in order to communicate with a huge audience.

Q. What is the scope in Acting?

A. Actor employment opportunities are expanding at the same time that acting as a medium is being explored more and more. Therefore, a beginner who is interested in acting can enrol in an acting class at an institution and pursue a career in acting. There are many different regional film industries in India, including Bollywood (Hindi), Tollywood (Telugu), Kollywood (Tamil), and others. Hence, the chances of getting a job increase manyfold.

Q. Is Acting a good career?

A. Yes, Acting is a highly fascinating career to display creativity. It is simple for an actor to win the admiration and respect of both domestic and foreign audiences. Due to the nature of acting, travelling to different nations is straightforward. An actor can take on multiple roles in a single profession. Acting is regarded as the most important profession in society. It also provides an opportunity to earn good money.

Also Read: Courses in Acting 

Q. Is Acting a high paying job?

A. For certain people, especially for experienced actors who have found success and notoriety in the industry, acting may be a well-paying profession. However, it's crucial to realise that the income in the field of acting fluctuates greatly depending on a number of circumstances, including the following:

Experience: Beginning actors often get less money than more seasoned performers. Actors frequently command larger salaries as they develop their careers and reputations.

Type of Work: An actor's wages may vary depending on the sort of work they perform. Compared to supporting or background roles, lead roles in big-budget films or television shows frequently pay more.

Industry: The acting market varies by nation and location. Hollywood actors, for instance, may be able to make more money than actors in other cities.

Q. Is Acting a stressful job?

A. Yes, being an actor can be stressful. Although it can be extremely exciting and rewarding, it also has its own particular set of stressors. Here are some factors that make acting a demanding profession:

Uncertain Income: Many actors experience erratic pay and unemployment in between acting engagements. Uncertainty in the financial situation can be a major source of stress.

Rejection: Rejection is a common occurrence during auditions, which are a constant part of an actor's life. It can be extremely difficult to prepare for several auditions and the potential for rejection.

Performance Pressure: Actors frequently feel pressure to give good and consistent performances, whether on stage or in front of the camera, which can be mentally draining.

Stressful Work: It can take a lot of time and work to prepare for roles, especially complex or emotionally challenging ones, which can cause stress and exhaustion.

Long Timing: Film and television productions may need lengthy, erratic hours, which might interfere with daily schedules and personal lives.

Q. What is the fees of Acting courses?

A. Many academies offer fundamental instruction in acting to anyone interested in the field. The price of the training is determined by how long the courses last. In India, the cost of an acting degree ranges from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh for a two-year postgraduate programme.

Despite the well-known institutions, a number of lesser institutions provide three-month, annual, half-year, and monthly courses. varying acting institutions have varying course prices based on length. The average price of a half-yearly course is around INR 60,000, while the average price of a three-month course is around INR 30,000.

Q. Which are the famous books for a career in Acting?

A. Some of the popular books related to Acting are listed below:

  1. The Art of Acting by Stella Adler
  2. Indian Film by Erik Barnouw and S Krishnaswami
  3. An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski
  4. On the Acting Technique by Michael Chekhov
  5. Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Acting. Students interested in pursuing a career on Acting, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

Feb '25 - Mar '25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Applications Open

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Application Correction Win...

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Popular Acting Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Acting Colleges in India. Learn more about these Acting colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
60.82 K
3.0

#1 Outlook

#43 India Today

20 K
1 Course
48.31 K
3 Courses
94 K - 6.12 L
3.5
2 Courses
2 K
3 - 4 LPA

Popular Private Acting Colleges in India

1 Course
5 L
3.5
1.7 L - 4.77 L
3.0
1 Course
9 L

Acting Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
7.2 L
3.5 LPA

Popular Acting UG Courses

Following are the most popular Acting UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Acting PG Courses

Following are the most popular Acting PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered 3 weeks ago

Out of the Indian celebrities who studied abroad, only a few Bollywood celebrities studied at the Ivy League Colleges in the USA include. The Bollywood celebrity who studied at a Ivy League College is Sara Ali Khan (Columbia University).

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Jagriti Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

Some of the most educated celebrities in Bollywood are Parineeti Chopra, Sara Ali Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, etc.

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Abhishek Mehra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Candidates who have recently completed Theatre courses can expect to earn somewhere between INR 2-4 LPA. The salary and perks increase with experience and portfolio diversification of the candidate. This career option requires candidates to socialise and also showcase their talents through freelance

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Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The core areas of the course in theatre arts across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes stresses on the following areas:

  • Dramatic Theory
  • Foundations and History\Research Methods
  • Technical Theatre
  • Literature and Criticism
  • Playwriting
  • Acting
  • Directing
  • Theatre in Education and Comparative Drama\Theatre.

P

Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Knowledge of Traditional Art Forms are essential for understanding the evolution of Theatre as an Art form having huge cultural and social significance. The various traditional Theatre forms that are taught are as follows:

  • Therukoothu – Tamil Nadu
  • Koodiyattam – Kerala
  • Bhavai – Gujarat
  • Bhagavata Mela – T

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Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The candidates who pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Theatre and Acting have to complete Actor Preparation Training which is an essential part of their curriculum. The lessons taught under this area are as follows:

  • Physical Movements
  • Face Expression Exercise
  • Stages of Hand and Leg Movemen

...more

P

Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Various jobs options for graduates in Theatre Arts are in the field of Performing Arts are manifold and also offer exciting remuneration of around INR 3-7 LPA. Some of these job profiles include:

  • Movie Director
  • Playwright
  • Set and Costume Designer
  • Professional Stage Manager
  • Drama Therapy
  • Theatre Education

P

Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates can pursue various diploma courses in theatre and acting after 12th. Some of the Diploma courses are Diploma in acting, direction, dramatic arts, screenwriting etc. Candidates can pursue these courses either online which is a short-term course or pursue full-time undergraduate degree from

...more

P

Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Many candidates after completing their formal training in Theatre from India choose to learn it from top institutes outside India. Some of these institutes are as follows:

  • Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, UK
  • National Institute of Dramatic Art, Australia
  • Tisch School of the Arts, USA
  • Juilliard Sc

...more

P

Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Some of the popular courses offered in online mode includes various certification and Diploma course which is of 6-12 months of duration. Some of these courses are free and some charge an amount for the certification. The courses are as follows:

  • Music and Theatre Arts by NMIMS
  • Music and Theatre Arts b

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Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Some of the top acting schools in India includes the private schools and training institutes run by top artists and actors who good amount of experience in the field of theatre and cinema. Some of these institutes includes:

  • Anupam Kher's School of Acting
  • Indira Group of Institutes, Pune
  • Natchathirapatt

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Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Following are some of the good colleges in India for courses related to Makeup and beauty - 

  • VLCC Institute of Beauty and Nutrition 
  • Orane International School of Beauty and Wellness, Mohali 
  • ISAS International Beauty School, Pune 
  • JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai 

Following are some of the nec

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SACHIN SINGH

Guide-Level 13

Answered 2 months ago

There are two parts to the CPGET syllabus for MA in Theatre Arts. The first part of the syllabus will make for 40 marks of the test while the rest of the questions will be asked from the second part. The topics of both parts are provided below - 

Part A (40 marks) - World Theatre – History and Develo

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Aayushi Madavi

Contributor-Level 8

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