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What Sixth Form studies for someone who wants to be an actress?

55 replies

Beautifulpictures · 06/10/2026 07:03

DD is in year 11 and still unsure of what she wants to do next, she said she wants to be an actress and has done a bit of acting; she is also interested in music; but has not done a much of it. She is looking at Btec and A levels too as she is aware acting is a difficult path and would like to have a backup; however when I asked her what else did she see herself doing apart from acting she said nothing else.

I am not sure what to advise really; she could do a diploma in music production and performance at college; but I don’t think music is a backup for acting and is another difficult career.

What A levels and Btec should she choose? She has a good eye for detail, is creative, spontaneous, funny.

OP posts:
FatLarrysBanned · 06/10/2026 07:33

DD has just started Y12 and wants to do the same. She's doing Drama, English Lit and Politics. She didn't know she wanted to be an actress until she started drama (she didn't do it at GCSE), but loves it.

My head says she should be doing something sensible with good prospects, but my heart says life is short, do something you love. 🤷🏻‍♀️

BrucesBarAndGrill · 06/10/2026 07:32

Does the college have a media production course? I studied media and English literature at college (among othe things) and both courses had a lot of people who also did drama.

accidentalmillionaire · 06/10/2026 07:29

Definitely English Lit. It gets a student started on the canon of stories which run through stage and screen, and starts proper thinking into character and motivation.
And drama, obviously.
after that, whatever she’ll succeed in or enjoy

Danhausenrocks · 06/10/2026 07:28

English lit fir characterisation

history to learn how to research peoples life stories and bring it to life

a language so she can talk in character in ither languages/accents?

all of which would be valuable subjects. Of course drama/music/art to tap into her creative side

sosomewhereelse · 06/10/2026 07:25

I think obviously Drama / performance (existed as both a level and btec when I was at school), English literature - because it’ll help with creativity, character reading and will likely have a unit on plays and or Shakespeare. Then maybe history? There’s transferable elements to acting (research, characters etc) but adds a bit of breadth to her option's.

it sounds like she’s got her heart set on it so good luck to her! But you’re right that it’s better to have options as minds change and things don’t work out always