What GCSE'S will help me to become an Actress?

I am having problems choosing my GCSE options and the application is due in for Monday (tomorrow). I would like to become an Actress or Singer because I think my talents are within those areas, but also because I enjoy drama and music.

However, I know music would help with becoming an actress but the problem is, I don't know how to play an instrument. I only know the basics of a piano, and I can also sing but I'm not AMAZING. just good I guess. And I personally don't believe that's good enough. But I am predicted a B or an A in music. But I just don't know what to pick?

I'm just so confused. I know drama and music will be needed if you want to be an actress or singer but.. yeah. :s-smilie:

Right now, I'm probably going to choose media because it would help a little too. Dance is also offered at my school and I am good at dance but I don't know whether I should take it or not because I'm not sure if I like contemporary and I've never really done contemporary.

And just one last thing, Performing Arts is offered but it takes up to options and I don't think I'd take it because it's a BTEC too. :confused:

If I don't succeed in being an actress or singer, I suppose I could be working for somewhere in the media industry because I'm great at English.

My final questions are:
What are the jobs involved in Media?
What OTHER GCSE'S would help me to become and actress or singer?

Thank you!

Reply 1

Gromit94

There's nothing wrong with Performing Arts BTEC!!! It's a very good qualification to have- especially as it covers such a big range.
Take what your best at for your options because then if you change your mind later you'll still have GCSEs that you enjoy and/or are good at.

Reply 2

Millyshyn

You want to become a singer but your singing isn't amazing? hmm..
Anyway, pick just go for drama and pick something else you enjoy. Media sounds like the best 2nd choice out of the ones you mentioned.

Reply 3

ChazSingh

GCSE's mean **** all, just sayin'

Reply 4

History-Student

Take the GCSE in being Born With Talent & Good Looks.

Unfortunately the pre-requisites to take it are being born with talent and good looks, so it's not available for everyone.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 5

DreDre16

If you want to become an actress, when you audition for shows, they wont tend to ask you about your qualifications, but more on your experiences, so yes it would be good to do a Drama or performing arts course, but what if you lose that passion for drama. I think you should try to aim for doing More extra drama classes outside of your school life

Reply 6

Mouse Potato

My boyfriend is a professional actor - he qualified for his equity card last year. He got really average GCSEs and not too many of them either, then did a Performing Arts BTEC post GCSE, got 3 distinctions and then trained through a repetory theatre college. He did GCSE drama but aside from that I don't think his GCSEs really helped him or hidered him at all. To be honest, I don't think they were too important aside from in securing his place on the BTEC course.

I know lots of actors through him, and apparently the big thing is musicals now, so if you have music qualifications it will be very very beneficial. I'm not sure how valuable GCSE music is though, training for grade exams, especially in piano, would probably be more beneficial.

In answer to your question: I don't think your GCSEs will aid you that much in securing a career. Just choose those that you enjoy, as not only will your experience be much better but you may well find that you'll do better in them because you WANT to put in the time and effort. Just be in for a big shock in terms of how much work acting involves as a career - it's not an easy ride at all. My boyfriend needs to learn a new script in a single week every 3-4 weeks. Then you'll need an agent (which costs a lot) and a way to make ends meet whilst you're waiting for jobs. Also keep in mind that training for your equity card will probably take at least a year or so of very solid, very intensive work.

Other jobs in media that I can think of include:
-journalism
-media law
-stage management / directing

Reply 7

LN239

Thank you very much for all of your answers.
I may just re-consider GCSE Music.
Thanks again!

Reply 8

History-Student

Original post by El_Sid

Not always a requirement... Ahem, Cheryl Cole.

You mean the singer who isn't an actress like the OP wants to be?

And that notwithstanding, just because you don't like her doesn't mean she's got no talent.

Reply 9

jklmn

Original post by LN239

I'm in the same position, but trying to decide whcih GCSEs will best prepair me for being a footballer, as that is a completely realistic ambition.

:rolleyes:

Reply 10

LN239

Original post by jklmn

I'm in the same position, but trying to decide whcih GCSEs will best prepair me for being a footballer, as that is a completely realistic ambition.

:rolleyes:

ohhh. it's tough right. very confusing too. Good Luck!

Reply 11

El_Sid

Original post by History-Student

You mean the singer who isn't an actress like the OP wants to be?

And that notwithstanding, just because you don't like her doesn't mean she's got no talent.

Well, to quote her:

"I am having problems choosing my GCSE options and the application is due in for Monday (tomorrow). I would like to become an Actress or Singer because I think my talents are within those areas, but also because I enjoy drama and music."

Fair enough. I'm sure she has some... but I do believe she has very little of it, though, having actually listened to a lot of her music.

Reply 12

History-Student

Original post by El_Sid

Crap, I only skimmed the OP since I was making a joke post anyway :facepalm2:

Reply 13

Nix-j-c

At gcse it doesn't matter too much which subjects you do. Although some a-levels require you to have certain gcses - but not all of them so check first.

And it depends on what subjects your school offers at gcse;

dance, drama, music, a language, media, performing arts. But if there's other random stuff you enjoy such as geography or history you could do those aswell and specialise more into your career for your a-levels.

Reply 14

LN239

Original post by Nix-j-c

Yes, I think I'm choosing:
Spanish, Media or Music (One of them), Drama and History.
Thank you :smile:

Reply 15

foldingstars45

Why not take a language too :smile:

Reply 16

shaco

Guys I have read all of the advise you have given me so thank you also i am still abit worried about which subjects to take for being a bollywood actor also can u help me and tell me whcih agent and stuff liek that also can you PLS inform me about if you fond a Gd modeling thingy so i can start of prob from there like some of you know katrina kaif did she went modeling from the age of 14 and then she got offers and stuff so can u help me look for a modeling agency also like i said pls tell me wich subjects to pick for gcse

thank you guys

xD PLS HELP ME

Reply 17

MusicMaestro97

Coming from a family of actors it is your talent they go for not your qualifications although "studied at Guildhall" looks better than "a B in GCSE Drama" on a CV

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