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Original poster

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:
Original poster
Beautifulpictures · 14/10/2026 19:52

OffTheMap · 14/10/2026 16:16

Because they think it is glamorous, and a lovely job.

It is really hard work. You are likely to spend your early jobs (if you get them) touring in a van with 6am starts and playing to 6 year olds.

Film / TV set work - spending hours in the freezing cold, dolled up in fake mud etc

If you get a serious part in theatre - learning lines,

Everyone able to have their say about your performance, your looks, etc

Terrible pay.

Miss loads of friends weddings and other social events. Theatre happens in the evenings and at weekends, no concessions.

Those who make it are single minded and driven, they are doing local youth theatre, NYT, everything they can.

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It is certainly not for the faint hearted

OP posts:
CarlyMarley · 14/10/2026 20:06

My daughter’s school is bringing in a sixth form option for girls who want to follow performance careers. She’s very excited and will likely choose it herself.

It’s BTEC business (theory being they’ll likely be self employed) along with a-levels (I expect she’ll do Drama and Music or English Lit) and also allows for time off for auditions and performances and I think performance masterclasses etc.

As really it’s the experience that’ll be the important part.

alwaysbehindascreen · 14/10/2026 20:14

Is she invoked in any sort of youth theatre, singing groups etc now?

Original poster
Beautifulpictures · 15/10/2026 07:32

alwaysbehindascreen · 14/10/2026 20:14

Is she invoked in any sort of youth theatre, singing groups etc now?

Yes, youth theatre

OP posts:
OhCrumbsWhereNow · 15/10/2026 09:31

CarlyMarley · 14/10/2026 20:06

My daughter’s school is bringing in a sixth form option for girls who want to follow performance careers. She’s very excited and will likely choose it herself.

It’s BTEC business (theory being they’ll likely be self employed) along with a-levels (I expect she’ll do Drama and Music or English Lit) and also allows for time off for auditions and performances and I think performance masterclasses etc.

As really it’s the experience that’ll be the important part.

The problem with that is there is almost zero demand for 16-18 year olds. Slightly more than there is for 13-16 but not much.

Auditions are almost invariably via self tape these days, even for MT and theatre.

Mine was at a West End audition during 6th form, every single girl in the room had at least 1 West End credit from when they were a child. I've only seen 2 auditions even open to that age group in last 2 years.

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