Acting Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters/Companies
Akansha BishtContent Writer
Acting is a form of art that simplifies story-telling through depiction by an Actor who adopts a character. Ever since, the demand for OTT platforms, social media content, etc., has upsurged, the demands for actors across several mediums have increased. Actors work for various mediums including television, cinema, OTT platforms, theatre, social media, etc.
Some popular occupations that Acting students opt for are Theatre Actors, Daily Soap Actors, Social Media Actors, OTT Actors, Film Actors, Voiceover Artists, Junior Artists, etc. Some popular industries apart from Entertainment that hire Acting students include Event Management, Hospitality, Digital Marketing, Theatre, etc.
The average earning of a Junior Artist is generally between INR 1,500 to INR 5,000 in a day depending on their role and screen time. However, for some Artists who constantly work on projects, their monthly earnings can range from INR 30,000 to INR 1 Lakh. There are generally no fixed days of working and salaries in the Acting profession.
Meanwhile, some Acting colleges in India also offer placement opportunities to students such as KIIT School of Film and Media, Punjabi University Patiala, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Banasthali Vidyapith, Sangam University, NSD - National School of Drama, etc. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for details on Acting career scope.
Links relevant to Acting Career Scope:
Acting Courses After 12th - Famous Institutions Offering Acting Courses, Classes & Training
Acting Career Scope: Quick Facts
Acting is one of the most well-known and rewarding careers for many individuals. One must be familiar with the fundamentals of acting to pursue a profession in acting. Here are some interesting yet informative facts about the Indian film industry:
- The market size of the Indian film industry was INR 207 billion in 2024, expected to reach INR 228 billion in 2025 and INR 238 billion in 2026.
- The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune is one of the top acting schools in India.
- Shah Rukh Khan is considered the highest-paid actor in Bollywood, followed by Rajinikanth, in the Tamil film industry.
- After Bollywood, regional film industries like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam also have significant acting markets.
- Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad India is the world's largest film studio spread over 1,666 acres.
Links useful for Acting Career Scope:
About Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares
Acting Career Scope: Popular Job Profiles
The average salary for Actors' job positions depends on several factors. 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.
Actors are generally not full-time employees of a specific production company, theatre, or show, but they work as freelancers who sign a project and work until it is completed. Therefore, it is impractical to conclude their average salary as Actors' paychecks vary depending on their roles and goodwill. The table below contains some popular profiles in the Acting industry along with details:
| Job Profiles | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Actor/Actress (Beginner) | Their job is to entertain viewers by portraying a character on screen. They use their body gestures and voices to tell stories that feel relatable to the audience. |
| Theatre Artists | A Theatre Actor is a live performer who portrays characters on stage, depicting a script through speech, body postures, and expression to entertain a live audience. |
| Back Dancers | They are dancing professionals who perform behind or alongside the main artist during live performances, music videos, or television appearances, primarily to visually back the lead performer. |
| Social Media Content Creators | They make short and long-form videos for social media platforms to entertain and engage the audience. They make videos on various topics and genres, depicting a character or dancing to a song. They also collaborate with other artists and brands to promote their products and services. |
| Voice Over Artists | Voice-over Artists are professionals who use their voices to narrate or portray characters for various media like movies, TV shows, cartoons, e-books, etc. |
| Stunt Performers | They are trained professionals who execute dangerous or physically demanding actions on screen, often replacing main actors. These stunts may include high falls, car crashes, fights, etc. |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
Recommended links for Acting Career Scope:
Know all about Theatre Courses
Acting Career Scope: Employment Areas
There are many different career descriptions and opportunities available in the acting industry, each with its 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 |
| OTT Platforms | Social Media Platforms |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
Links useful for Acting Career Scope:
All about Film Making Career Scope
Top Recruiters for Acting Students
The various recruiters based on specialisations hire Acting graduates through placement drives conducted in top colleges. Some of the top recruiters in the industry are:
| Production Houses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Yash Raj Films | Red Chillies Entertainment | UTV Motion Pictures |
| Eros International | Viacom 18 | Zee Studios |
| Saregama | Phantom Studios | Star Studios |
| Theatres | ||
| Great K V Kathakali Center | Yodha Cultural Village Thekkady | Prithvi Theatre |
| Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center | Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre | Jawahar Kala Kendra |
| National Centre for the Performing Arts | Crown Theatre | Panaji Kala Academy |
| OTT Platforms | ||
| Amazon Prime Video | Netflix | Voot |
| Disney Hotstar | Zee5 | Jio Cinema |
| Eros Now | Sony Liv | Shemaroo |
| Social Media Platforms | ||
| X (Formerly Twitter) | ||
| YouTube | ||
| Tumblr | Flickr | |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
Top Acting Colleges for Placements (in India)
Several 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:
| Top Acting Colleges | Average Salary Offered |
|---|---|
| KIIT School of Film and Media Placements | INR 6.2 LPA |
| Punjabi University Patiala Placements | INR 4.85 LPA |
| Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Placements | INR 3 - 4 LPA |
| Banasthali Vidyapith Placements | INR 3.55 LPA |
| iLEAD Kolkata Placements | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Sangam University Placements | INR 2 LPA |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Links useful for Acting Career Scope:
Top Acting Schools in India: Offered Courses, Fees & Famous Alumni
How to Get a Job After Acting?
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.
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.
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:
- The Art of Acting by Stella Adler
- Indian Film by Erik Barnouw and S Krishnaswami
- An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski
- On the Acting Technique by Michael Chekhov
- Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen
Popular Exams
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... |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
Mar '25 | IIMC Entrance Exam 2025 TENTATIVE |
2 Jan ' 25 - 8 Jan ' 25 | CUET-PG/IIMC Entrance Exam Registration Dates 2025 |
Popular Acting Colleges in India
Popular Private Acting Colleges in India
Acting Applications open. Apply Now
Acting Applications open. Apply Now
Acting Applications open. Apply Now
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
Popular Acting UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
39 Colleges
- B.A.
11 Colleges
- B.Sc.
6 Colleges
- B.Voc
6 Colleges
- B.J.M.C.
1 College
Popular Acting PG Courses
PG Courses
- PG Diploma
11 Colleges
- M.A.
1 College
- M.Sc.
1 College
- MFA
1 College
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
There are many people who have excel in Theatres and are very renouned in this field. Following is the list of some of the famous Theatre Artists in India:
- Naseeruddin Shah
- Makarand Deshpande
- Girish Karnad
- Mahesh Dattani
- Dolly Thakore
- Rajit Kapur
- Lillette Dubey
- Sunil Shanbag
- Manav Kaul
- Akarsh Khurana
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
There are many colleges offering course in theatre techniques and design. Some of the popular courses are mentioned below:
- Jawahar Lal University (JNU)
- Central University of Jharkhand
- Central University of Punjab
- Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
Some colleges give direct admission to the candidates while some conduct entrance exams to grant admission. Before taking admission in their preferred college, candidates should go through the official website of the college to know about the admission process.
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
Since success in fields such as Theatre and Drama requires individual qualities such as talent and creativity, candidates are advised to join a theatre group during the course itself. It gives them the experience to perform on stage and learn the nuances of dramatics.
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month 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).
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Some of the most educated celebrities in Bollywood are Parineeti Chopra, Sara Ali Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, etc.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months 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
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
Guide-Level 13
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 64k Colleges
- 969 Exams
- 627k Reviews
- 1500k Answers
Who are the famous Theatre Artists in India?